"Why our school?" secondaries

[obgyny]

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I know this has been brought up before. Finding reasons to answer "Why our school" isn't what I'm having difficulty with. But I wanted to ask how to go about writing it. I mean, do we just write about the reasons we're interested in a school, or should we also "back up" our reasons. For example, if I'm interested in a community service program at a medical school, should I explain that I have a strong desire to become involved in community service because of activities I did in college (i.e. show them my interest)?

Or are they just expecting you to write, "I'm interested in your school because of the X program, Y curriculum, and Z location"?

Thanks, I'd appreciate any advice!

 

[NickNaylor]

I think it's important to explain what you're looking for in a medical school and then showing why you think that school fits with those desires. To me, the most obvious way to do this is do some research on the school and look at specific programs/initiatives that school has that will help you out.

But what do I know.

 

[ThaliaNox]

It will strengthen your appeal to schools if you can back up the reasons you want to go to that school. Evidence always means more than statements. Example, stating a strong interest in research to a research powerhouse means more if you have three years of research experience than if you've done a summer program or no research at all.

 

[obgyny]

It will strengthen your appeal to schools if you can back up the reasons you want to go to that school. Evidence always means more than statements. Example, stating a strong interest in research to a research powerhouse means more if you have three years of research experience than if you've done a summer program or no research at all.

Yeah, that's exactly what I was asking! I just didn't know if mentioning my 3 years of research experience was redundant or would strengthen my claims.

 

[ownage]

Yeah, that's exactly what I was asking! I just didn't know if mentioning my 3 years of research experience was redundant or would strengthen my claims.

Of course it would strengthen the argument

I think with these questions schools know everyone writes the same BS and are trying to look for few individuals with unique specific reason.

 

[lstone13]

This is how I approached the question. First, research which programs most appeal to you at that particular school. Second, explain your interest in the program by connecting the program and what it has to offer to something of your own personal experiences (showing the foundation for the interest in the program) and then to your goals as a physician (demonstrating the reason why this program is so important to your future as a physician).

 

[LizzyM]

Consider a two prong approach:

why I like this schools (things about the school)

and

why this school is a good fit for me. (things about you)

 

[obgyny]

Consider a two prong approach:

why I like this schools (things about the school)

and

why this school is a good fit for me. (things about you)

That's what I was curious about-- whether the essay is just supposed to be about the school or if you should include info about yourself. And it sounds like you should do both.

Thanks for the replies everyone!

 

[wanderer]

I'd imagine a bad answer for this one hurts a lot more than a good one helps.