How To Create Impressive Medical School Secondary Essays

How to Write Strong Secondary Essays for Med School Step-By-Step 

Strong medical school secondary essays clearly explain why you fit a specific school. Here, we’ll break down exactly how to do this and what a strong secondary essay looks like. 

(Optional) Review Med School Secondary Essay Examples For Inspiration 

This step is not required, but reviewing secondary essay examples from admitted medical students can help you understand what works. Strong examples show how applicants structure responses, connect experiences to a school’s mission, and reflect thoughtfully without sounding generic. 

Use these samples for guidance, not copying, and apply the same storytelling and clarity to your own responses. You can explore curated, real-world examples using our Medical School Secondary Essay Examples tool to see how successful applicants shaped effective, school-specific narratives.

Outline Your Medical School Secondary Essay Response Before Writing

Before you start drafting, outline your secondary essay to ensure your response directly answers the prompt and stays focused. Identify the core question, choose one or two relevant experiences, and map out how each example supports the school’s mission or values. 

A clear outline helps you avoid repetition, stay within word limits, and present a logical, compelling narrative that admissions committees can easily follow.

Answer the Secondary Essay’s Prompt Directly

Begin your essay with a clear, definitive response to the prompt. This ensures your answer is immediately understood and frames the rest of your essay in a focused, coherent way. As Neil Jairath, a University of Michigan Medical School MD, former admissions interviewer, and admissions advisor at Inspira Advantage, explains in the webinar Your Guide To Med School Secondary Applications: 

“Use a clear and concise writing style in your secondary essays. You want to be a lot more straightforward and to the point; avoid complex or technical language… and eliminating unnecessary words or sentences that are too generic. Think of the psychology of your reader… small chunks of paragraphs allow your reader’s mind to navigate much easier.”

Secondary essays should communicate your main points efficiently, making it easy for admissions readers to absorb your argument. Avoiding unnecessary words or generic statements ensures every sentence has a purpose and strengthens your overall essay.

For example, a strong opening might be, “I became a certified EMT to improve patient outcomes in underserved communities, where I learned the importance of teamwork, quick decision-making, and empathy.” This immediately communicates purpose and impact. 

A weaker approach would be, “I always liked helping people, so I decided to do an EMT course. It was really interesting, and I learned a lot of things that could be helpful in the future.” This version is vague, lacks focus, and does not clearly connect the experience to your motivation or future goals.

Use Concrete, Specific Examples in Your Essay that Connect to Your Application’s Central Theme

Use specific examples from your clinical work, volunteering, research, leadership, or personal experiences to show growth and action. 

Instead of writing that you are “passionate about helping patients,” describe a particular moment that illustrates this, such as leading a patient education initiative at a community health center or supporting a family through a complex care process. These examples give your essay depth and credibility.

Every example should also tie back to your main message. Dr. Joonhyuk Lee, a radiology resident and admissions counselor at Inspira Advantage, notes in the webinar Mastering the Med School Admissions Process:

“Each smaller story you’re coming back to that main theme you already introduced… you’re coming back to it each time.”

This approach ensures that your essay is cohesive and reinforces the qualities and values you want to highlight. By linking each anecdote to your overarching theme, you make your narrative more memorable and demonstrate the ability to integrate experiences into a larger story of your development as a future physician.

For example, if your theme is improving patient care in underserved communities, each experience you describe, from volunteering to shadowing, should explicitly show how it develops that theme. A strong example might detail how coordinating follow-up care at a free clinic deepened your understanding of healthcare disparities, directly supporting your theme

A weaker example would describe a volunteering experience without connecting it back to your overarching narrative, leaving the reader unsure of its relevance. By tying each story to the central theme, your essay demonstrates reflective thinking, coherence, and purpose.

Reflect on Your Experiences

Go beyond describing experiences. Explain what you learned, how you grew, and why it was meaningful. Admissions committees value insight into your thought process, self-awareness, and ability to translate experiences into actionable lessons.

For example, instead of simply stating that you volunteered at a clinic, explain how the experience taught you to navigate complex patient interactions, strengthened your empathy, and motivated your commitment to healthcare equity. Poor essays merely list activities without reflection, leaving the narrative superficial.

As Dr. Austin Johnson, a Stanford School of Medicine MD and Inspira Advantage admissions, explains in the webinar Mapping Out Your Application Narrative:

“You want to hit that sweet spot of a cohesive, unique narrative… contextualize those events within personal-professional growth… share not only how you think about each event in your narrative but also how that will impact you in the future.”

Dr. Johnson emphasizes selecting formative moments rather than recounting every activity, clearly articulating their impact, and projecting forward. Strong secondary essays do this by showing how each experience fits into a unified story and prepares you for the specific medical school you are applying to.

Respect Word and Character Limits

Use your allotted space strategically. Address all critical points without exceeding limits to show precision and clarity. Concise writing makes each example and reflection count, maximizing the impact of your essay within the constraints.

Proofread and Seek Feedback

Re-read your essay carefully, ideally after a break, to catch errors and refine your message. Consulting an unbiased editor or medical school advisor can enhance clarity, coherence, and impact, ensuring your essay stands out among other applicants.

Med School Secondary Essay Tips From an MD

Expert Tips from Elle:

Here's Elle's advice for writing secondary essays:

• When you're writing your secondary essays, try to tie everything back to why it's important in medicine and how it relates to the school's mission. This will help your essays stand out and show that you've done your homework on the specific programs and values of the schools you're applying to.
• It’s always better to include less and elaborate more. Focus on quality over quantity. The admissions committees already have your activities list and personal statement, so give specific examples and go in-depth about what you learned and how it applies to the prompt.
• Try not to be generic when talking about the school. Use specific examples from their mission statement, programs, or values that align with your experiences and goals. This shows that you're genuinely interested in their school and have taken the time to understand what makes it unique.

For more expert guidance on crafting standout secondary essays, watch our in-depth webinar featuring Jay Vasilev, a graduate of Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine with advanced training in medical education, alongside Dr. Katherine Munoz from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. 

Together, they break down what top medical schools look for and how to shape essays that clearly communicate fit, depth, and impact.

Common Types of Medical School Secondary Essays and Tips for Answering Each Type

Diversity Essay

Diversity essays are the most common essay type.

Diversity is essential in medicine because physicians must care for patients from a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. A diverse medical school class fosters inclusivity, strengthens collaboration, and improves patient care. Secondary diversity essays allow admissions committees to understand how your background shapes the way you connect with patients and contribute to the learning environment.

Many applicants assume diversity essays must focus only on race, ethnicity, religion, or multicultural identity. Others believe that if they are not from an underrepresented background, they have little to say. In reality, diversity encompasses any experience, perspective, or personal context that influences how you understand others and approach healthcare.

Sources of diversity may include:

• Personal values, qualities, and areas of growth
• Immigration experiences or value differences from your surrounding community
• Cultural competency and exposure to different medical beliefs or care approaches
• Language background and communication style
• Geographic upbringing, such as rural versus urban or domestic versus international
• Life experiences such as caring for a family member with a disability, military service, chronic illness, or significant loss
  

When writing your essay, avoid relying on vague terms like “diversity” or “cultural competency” without explanation. Instead, focus on what you have genuinely experienced, what you learned, and how those experiences shaped your perspective, empathy, and approach to patient care.

Example of a Good Diversity Essay for the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health

Question: Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health and crucial to the education of tomorrow’s physicians. Reflect on how you would embody these values in your education or practice. (250 words max.)

Response: 

“Since childhood, I have had a passion for Spanish and the different Spanish-speaking cultures. My advanced Spanish classes in college emphasized cultural studies rather than grammar. As a result, these courses taught me to understand, appreciate and respect other cultures. As a student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, I would use these lessons in m peer interactions. In discussions, I would be excited to hear about my classmates’

perspectives on different topics. These perspectives would help guide me when I am creating culturally-appropriate educational materials and treatment plans for my future patients. With Spanish-speaking patients, my ability to speak Spanish will add to my cultural sensitivity and help me advocate for their health.

Currently, the doctors I work with at [REDACTED CLINIC] model respect for others’ socioeconomic status. Many patients come through the clinic unable to afford their medications. Both doctors work with these patients to find more affordable treatment plans. As a future doctor, I will strive to do the same. Respecting others’ socioeconomic status can also apply to my peer interactions at University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health. With my fellow medical students who come from low-income households, I would focus on ensuring that they have access to the same opportunities as other students so that their socioeconomic status does not hinder their education and training. In sum, my goal is to promote inclusion among people of different cultures and income levels to reduce disparities in healthcare.”

Why This Diversity Essay Works

This essay works because it is grounded in specific, lived experiences rather than abstract claims about diversity. Instead of simply stating that they value cultural competency, the applicant explains how advanced Spanish study shifted their focus from language mechanics to cultural understanding. This demonstrates sustained engagement and shows how their appreciation for diversity developed through intentional learning and experience.

Adversity Essay

The adversity essay allows admissions committees to evaluate your resilience and capacity for growth. It is not about comparing hardships but reflecting on your own challenges and what you learned from them. Committees want to see how you manage stress, overcome obstacles, and adapt to difficult situations—skills essential for succeeding in medical school.

You can address experiences such as

• How you handle disappointing a loved one/or disappointment in general
• Managing criticism or feedback
• External situations that were out of your hands
• Talk about a challenge you’ve faced. What was your response? What was the result? What did you learn?

Focus on describing the challenge, your response, the outcome, and the lessons learned. This demonstrates self-awareness, problem-solving, and the ability to persevere through adversity.

Example of a Good Adversity Essay

Question: Please describe to the Admissions Committee a challenge or disappointment you have overcome and what you learned about yourself from that experience.

Response: 

“In my third year of college, I was trained alongside a fourth-year student to become co-lab managers for our research lab. Even though we had joined the lab at the same time and were both selected by our PI due to our potential as leaders, it became clear that he did not see me as a partner. He would assign busywork to me, take full charge of larger projects despite my efforts to be involved, and would not ask for my opinion when forming plans for the lab.

This made it extremely challenging for me to perform the duties my PI expected from me as a lab manager. Instead of confronting him directly, I decided to show that I was fully capable and deserving of my position through my actions. I slowly took on bigger responsibilities while fulfilling the tasks he gave me. I asked my PI if I could spearhead separate projects which were later expanded on to be prepared for a patent and publication.

Although I’ve gained confidence and he now refers to me as his co-lab manager, I realized that addressing him directly earlier instead of “keeping the peace” would have enabled us to manage the lab together more effectively. This lesson has stuck with me and I now respectfully speak up if I feel strongly about an issue as having the courage to do so is important to me as a future physician.”

Why This Adversity Essay Works

This essay works because it provides a concrete, detailed example of a real workplace conflict, showing the applicant navigating a difficult interpersonal dynamic with a peer. It highlights specific actions, such as taking on larger responsibilities and proposing independent projects, which demonstrate initiative, problem-solving, and leadership. 

The reflection at the end explicitly connects the experience to a core skill for physicians: speaking up respectfully and advocating for oneself, showing personal growth and readiness for the challenges of medical school.

"Why Our School?" Essay

This prompt asks why you want to attend a specific medical school. Rather than repeating program facts, focus on how your experiences, skills, and values connect with the school’s mission, vision, and culture. 

Research the school’s website, mission statements, or speak with students and alumni to identify programs, initiatives, or values that resonate with you. Then explain how you can learn from these opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the community. 

You should highlight specific experiences, such as clinical work, research, or volunteer service, that align with what the school values. The goal is to show a clear fit between your goals and the school’s priorities, demonstrating that you would thrive there.

Example of a Good “Why Our School?” Georgetown University School of Medicine Essay

Question: Why have you chosen to apply to the Georgetown University School of Medicine and how do you think your education at Georgetown will prepare you to become a physician for the future? (3,000 characters)

Response: ​​

“I am passionate about delivering healthcare that is rooted in compassion, which is one of the main values of Georgetown University School of Medicine. Since experiencing the power of compassion on a service trip to [REDACTED LOCATION], I have strived to show compassion to others in all aspects of my life, including my experiences in healthcare. Several of these experiences, such as shadowing at an Amish clinic and working as an ophthalmic assistant, have allowed me to practice compassion in patient interactions. As a result, I have witnessed how compassion creates trust in patient relationships, leading to better health outcomes. I would be excited to continue learning about compassion-based healthcare at Georgetown University School of Medicine through the school’s tradition of Cura Personalis in order to become a physician who actively listens to her patients and advocates for them in culturally and financially appropriate ways.

I am also passionate about working to reduce healthcare disparities within underserved communities, which is another value of Georgetown University School of Medicine. My time in [REDACTED LOCATION] first showed me how powerful seemingly small actions can be and how different access to basic resources, such as food and healthcare, is between rural areas in [REDACTED LOCATION] and the United States. Since this trip, I have continued focusing on underserved communities through work at an Amish clinic in Summer 2019 and research with [REDACTED UNIVERSITY]’s School of Public Health in 2020 on policies and interventions that have improved the health of indigenous women and children in [REDACTED REGION]. Furthermore, in my current role as an ophthalmic assistant, I use my Spanish proficiency to help our patients who prefer Spanish or speak little English feel more comfortable and involved in their healthcare. As a student at Georgetown University School of Medicine, I would love to volunteer at the Hoya and Asylum clinics as well as at other local sites to help some of [REDACTED LOCATION]’s most vulnerable residents receive quality healthcare and lead healthier lives. I am also interested in learning about how overlapping minority identities contribute to poor health by taking interdisciplinary courses with Georgetown’s Medical Humanities Initiative. With [REDACTED LOCATION]’s diversity, being a student at Georgetown University School of Medicine would place me in an ideal learning environment as I work towards becoming a compassionate physician who is focused on serving her community and reducing health disparities.”

Why This “Why This School” Essay Works

This essay clearly connects the applicant’s personal experiences to Georgetown Med’s values of compassion and service to underserved communities. It uses specific examples, such as shadowing at an Amish clinic and volunteering with Spanish-speaking patients, to demonstrate both skill and impact. The essay also shows forward-looking intent, explaining how the applicant plans to apply these experiences and continue learning at Georgetown Med to become a compassionate, culturally competent physician.

Gap Year Essay

Many students take a year between after their bachelor’s degree before matriculating into medical school. There are many reasons for this, and the medical school you are applying to wants to understand yours.

This prompt is straightforward: explain how you have spent your gap year and how these experiences will contribute to your success in medical school and beyond. Some questions to address include:

• What did you accomplish during your gap year?
• Why did you choose to take a gap year?
• What experiences did you have, and how did they shape your role as a professional? How will the skills you developed translate into your future work in healthcare?
• What did you learn about yourself during this time?

It is effective to connect your gap year experiences to your intended field of study. Even if they are not directly related, highlight how they strengthened skills like time management, communication, teamwork, or resilience, showing your readiness for medical school.

Example of a Good Wright State University School of Medicine Gap Year Essay

Question: Has there been/will there be a gap between achieving your bachelor’s degree and expected matriculation into medical school? If there has been or will be a gap in your education, please describe how you have/will use this time. If not, please enter N/A. (750 Characters)

Response:

“Since May 2022, I have been working full-time as an ophthalmic assistant for two physicians at [REDACTED CLINIC], an ophthalmology clinic in [REDACTED LOCATION]. I will continue working here during the upcoming year. With each patient, I perform the initial work-up to obtain their medical history and “eye vitals.” After the doctors examine the patient, I update the patient’s record. I also perform various in-clinic procedures, including corneal pachymetry, tonometry, visual field testing, and OCT scans. In addition, I help train the new ophthalmic assistants that our office hires. From this job, I have learned about the values I want to exemplify as a doctor, such as patience, compassion, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity.”

Why This “Why This School” Essay Works

This essay clearly connects the applicant’s personal experiences to Georgetown Med’s values of compassion and service to underserved communities. It uses specific examples, such as shadowing at an Amish clinic and volunteering with Spanish-speaking patients, to demonstrate both skill and impact. The essay also shows forward-looking intent, explaining how the applicant plans to apply these experiences and continue learning at Georgetown Med to become a compassionate, culturally competent physician.

Gap Year Essay

Many students take a year between after their bachelor’s degree before matriculating into medical school. There are many reasons for this, and the medical school you are applying to wants to understand yours.

This prompt is straightforward: explain how you have spent your gap year and how these experiences will contribute to your success in medical school and beyond. Some questions to address include:

• What did you accomplish during your gap year?
• Why did you choose to take a gap year?
• What experiences did you have, and how did they shape your role as a professional? How will the skills you developed translate into your future work in healthcare?
• What did you learn about yourself during this time?

It is effective to connect your gap year experiences to your intended field of study. Even if they are not directly related, highlight how they strengthened skills like time management, communication, teamwork, or resilience, showing your readiness for medical school.

Example of a Good Wright State University School of Medicine Gap Year Essay

Question: Has there been/will there be a gap between achieving your bachelor’s degree and expected matriculation into medical school? If there has been or will be a gap in your education, please describe how you have/will use this time. If not, please enter N/A. (750 Characters)

Response:

“Since May 2022, I have been working full-time as an ophthalmic assistant for two physicians at [REDACTED CLINIC], an ophthalmology clinic in [REDACTED LOCATION]. I will continue working here during the upcoming year. With each patient, I perform the initial work-up to obtain their medical history and “eye vitals.” After the doctors examine the patient, I update the patient’s record. I also perform various in-clinic procedures, including corneal pachymetry, tonometry, visual field testing, and OCT scans. In addition, I help train the new ophthalmic assistants that our office hires. From this job, I have learned about the values I want to exemplify as a doctor, such as patience, compassion, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity.”

“Anything Else You'd Like Us to Know?” Essay

This is one of the most open-ended medical school secondary prompts, so it’s natural to be unsure about how to respond. Think of it as an opportunity to share anything about yourself that isn’t fully represented elsewhere in your application.

You can use this space to highlight experiences, skills, or achievements that haven’t appeared in other essays. This could include volunteer work, research, or even accomplishments outside of medicine if you can connect them to your growth as a candidate. It’s also an appropriate place to explain any gaps, low grades, or test scores.

Answering this question is not required unless the prompt specifies it. If your application already communicates your strengths and candidacy clearly, it’s better to leave it blank than to force an answer. Focus on providing meaningful, relevant information rather than adding unnecessary content.

Example of a Good “Anything Else You’d Like Us to Know” Essay

Question: If you wish to update or expand upon your activities you may provide additional information below. (500 words)

Response:

“My favorite teachers in school have always been the ones who advocated for me, pushed me to believe in myself, never judged me, and encouraged independence while offering help if needed. When I first took on a leadership role as a senior member of my high school dance competition team, I strived to exemplify these qualities. Whenever a younger member needed help with executing a specific step, I created a judgment-free environment while providing advice and encouraging a growth mindset.

To improve as a leader, I applied and was accepted to the [REDACTED ORGANIZATION], which focuses on developing leadership skills. At the organization’s workshops, I learned the importance of recognizing people’s efforts and contributions in a team setting, no matter how small.

In college, I was a Barre instructor at [REDACTED UNIVERSITY]’s recreation center. Once or twice a week, I guided my students through an hour of exercises while teaching proper alignment and muscle engagement. During my classes, I participated alongside my students so they could see that we were on the same team while struggling through the burn. I also accommodated students with varying abilities by providing modifications for injuries or movement limitations. Although most students did not have a dance background, I praised their effort and encouraged continual improvement.

During my time at [REDACTED UNIVERSITY], I also served as Vice President and then President of the Ballroom Dance Club in my junior and senior years. In these roles, I became the club’s instructor during one of our two weekly practices. When teaching a new move, I demonstrated it first, then broke down the steps for leaders and followers. After practicing individually, I had club members pair up. At each practice, I answered questions and ensured everyone felt supported. Occasionally, I received feedback from members on ways to improve as an instructor, which I thanked them for and implemented immediately.

I use the same strategies now when training new ophthalmic assistants at my current job. Whenever they make mistakes, I do not scold them but use it as an opportunity for learning. As a result, the individuals I train feel comfortable asking for help and view me as a supportive teammate. I hope my future team members and patients see me not only as a leader but also as a cheerleader for their success and a mentor who encourages critical thinking, learning from mistakes, and self-confidence.”

Why This “Anything Else You’d Like Us to Know” Essay Works

This essay is strong because it clearly demonstrates leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to supporting others’ growth across multiple contexts. It balances concrete examples, such as teaching dance and training ophthalmic assistants, with reflection on the values and strategies the applicant applies as a leader. 

The essay also highlights adaptability, empathy, and the ability to foster a positive, inclusive environment, all qualities that medical schools highly value.

Example of How We Turned a Bad Secondary Essay Into a Strong Essay

Here is an example of a “bad” secondary essay, and how it can be transformed into a good secondary essay.

Question: Share with us your story. This is your opportunity to allow us to know how you wish to be addressed, recognized and treated. (500 words)

Bad Example

“I was born in February 2000, two years after my older brother. I was very energetic as a child, and my parents signed me up for ballet, tap, and gymnastics. I liked dancing a lot and continued taking classes through middle and high school. In school, I enjoyed learning languages, especially Spanish. I also liked science and was interested in learning how the human body works. In middle school, I did my first school musical, which I enjoyed, and I did a few more plays in high school. I spent many hours at my dance studio each week and kept improving my skills.

During the summer after my sophomore year, I participated in a program at [REDACTED UNIVERSITY] about medicine. I learned about diseases, surgeries, and patient diagnosis. It was a very interesting experience and made me want to learn more about medicine. I also participated in a Spanish exchange program in [REDACTED COUNTRY] and went on a service trip there. I helped renovate schools and teach English. These experiences made me think more about helping underserved communities.

In college, I majored in Spanish. I also shadowed at an Amish clinic, which showed me that there are healthcare disparities in certain communities. I did some research on vaccination rates and on programs to help women and children in [REDACTED REGION]. I learned some new things, but I am still learning a lot about healthcare and how to make a difference.

Currently, I work as an ophthalmic assistant. I interact with patients and try to give good care. I also help train new staff, which has been a good experience. I have learned to communicate with patients and be patient with them. I want people to know that I am bilingual, like helping others, and want to become a doctor to help underserved communities.

In my free time, I continue to dance and practice Spanish. I also like volunteering and learning new things about science and medicine. These experiences have shaped who I am and what I want to do in the future. I hope that as a medical student, I can continue to grow and help people through medicine.”

Transformed Good Example

“After two years with only a quiet son, my parents welcomed me into their family one snowy February day in 2000. Soon after my birth, my parents realized that I was going to be a loud, energetic child. My mother enrolled me in ballet, tap, and gymnastics classes at the age of three, and I quickly fell in love with these activities.

When I started preschool and kindergarten, my French teacher introduced me to another activity I loved: learning languages. It was not until I started elementary school that I developed an affinity for Spanish. In middle school, I continued doing ballet and explored other styles, such as jazz and contemporary. My middle school education strengthened my knowledge of Spanish grammar and made me realize my passion for science, especially biology. In eighth grade, I branched out from my typical extracurricular activities and participated in the school musical.

In high school, I continued exploring theater through classes. During my sophomore year, I participated in both the fall and winter school plays. I also continued dancing, easily spending around 20 hours per week at my studio. Academically, my science and Spanish knowledge expanded even more throughout high school. My passion for science sparked my curiosity in becoming a doctor because I wanted to learn more about how the body works and what causes disease.

The summer after my sophomore year, I participated in the National Student Leadership Conference for Medicine, a two-week program at [REDACTED UNIVERSITY] where I dissected organs, attended lectures on diseases and surgeries, diagnosed simulation patients based on their symptoms, and more. With regard to Spanish, my school noticed my language skills and selected me for an exchange program with another school in [REDACTED COUNTRY]. After my junior year, I spent a month in [REDACTED COUNTRY] taking classes and exploring the culture. I also went to [REDACTED COUNTRY] in my junior year during Spring Break with a small group of peers to do community service, such as renovating schools and teaching English. This trip sparked my desire to serve others, especially those who are underserved, and taught me about the power of compassion.

For college, I went to [REDACTED UNIVERSITY] and majored in Spanish. After my freshman year, my shadowing experience at an Amish clinic inspired me to help underserved communities with health disparities through medicine. I continued exploring health disparities through academic coursework and research projects involving vaccination rates in an underserved clinic and interventions to improve the health of indigenous women and children in [REDACTED REGION].

In my current job as an ophthalmic assistant, I have the ability to practice the type of patient interactions I strive to have in the future. These interactions are rooted in trust, advocacy, and cultural sensitivity. As an applicant to medical school, I hope to be recognized as an intelligent, bilingual woman with a clear goal of addressing health disparities through research and compassionate healthcare.”

What Was Fixed

Here’s a table summarizing exactly what was changed, why, and how it made this a stronger essay.

Sample Med School Essay Prompts

From UW School of Medicine

Medical School Secondary Prompts (250-word limit

• The UWSOM aims to build a diverse class of students to enrich the field of medicine. What perspectives, identities, and/or qualities would you bring?
• What obstacles have you experienced, and how have you overcome them?
• How have societal inequities in the U.S. affected you or people you have worked with?
• Describe your competency by explaining how you have explored and come to understand issues in the social sciences and humanities as they relate to the practice of medicine.

From Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago

Essay Question 1 (450-word limit suggestion)

“Students at the Pritzker School of Medicine complete the majority of their clinical training at UChicago Medicine (UCM). UCM is one of the top ten most racially inclusive hospitals in the United States with a primary service area of 12 South Side zip codes where poverty is over double the state level. Additionally, our students lead six free clinics in diverse neighborhoods throughout the city of Chicago.

Please share with us the personal and professional experiences that have best prepared you to work in this diverse clinical environment.”

Essay Question 2 (450-word limit suggestion)

“All MD students participate in our longitudinal Scholarship & Discovery research program, which offers protected curricular time, mentoring, and funding for students to pursue their scholarly interests. Please describe your research interests and share how our research opportunities will help you advance your career goals.”

Essay Question 3 (450-word limit suggestion)

“Medical education requires humility and resilience as students learn to become physicians prepared to deliver exceptional care within a rapidly changing and sometimes challenging healthcare landscape. Share with us a difficult or challenging situation you have encountered and how you dealt with it. In your response, identify both the coping skills you called upon to resolve the dilemma, and the support person(s) from whom you sought advice.”

Optional Additional Information Question 1

“Please feel free to use this space to convey any additional information that you might wish the Committee to know. For example, if you are not currently completing a degree, please share your planned or current activities for this application cycle. We suggest that you limit your text to about 300 words.”

Optional Additional Information Question 2

“If your school has a premedical committee or premedical advisor who composes a letter for each applicant from your school and you chose not to avail yourself of this service, please provide an explanation in the text box below for your decision not to do so. We suggest that you limit your text to about 200 words.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Medical School Secondary Essays

These are some common mistakes to avoid as you navigate your secondary application essays.

Failing to Pre-Write Your Essays

One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is waiting to receive their secondary applications before starting to write. Because many secondaries are due within two weeks to a month after receipt, delaying your work can create unnecessary stress and risk lower-quality submissions. I

deally, you should begin pre-writing essays as soon as your primary application is submitted.

Dr. Katherine Munoz, an Inspira Advantage admissions expert and former medical school admissions officer, emphasizes this in her webinar AMA With a Former Medical School Admissions Officer: How To Get Accepted:

“Most people don’t realize you can start pre-writing your secondaries… you can find last year’s secondaries and common themes and start pre-writing… Secondaries are one of the more overwhelming parts because they’re long and they all come at the same time.”

This approach allows you to draft responses thoughtfully, identify recurring themes, and reduce the stress of tight deadlines. Submitting secondaries promptly (ideally within two weeks) signals continued interest in each medical school.

Focusing Only on the Situation and Not What You Learned

Applicants often describe anecdotes without demonstrating the value of those experiences. Admissions committees want to see reflection: what did you take away from the experience, and how did it shape your skills, mindset, or professional development? Simply recounting events without insights misses the opportunity to showcase growth.

When writing, aim to connect your story to qualities that medical schools value, such as empathy, resilience, leadership, or cultural sensitivity. Reflecting on lessons learned helps your essay stand out as thoughtful and intentional rather than just descriptive.

Not Following Word Limits

While some applicants worry about writing too little or too much, quality is more important than exact word count. If a prompt allows 800 words and your essay is 700 words, that is acceptable. Avoid padding your essay with generic statements just to reach a word limit. Focus on clarity, precision, and meaningful reflection.

Do I Need To Meet the Maximum Word Limit for Medical School Essays?

No, you do not need to reach the maximum word count for your medical school essays. Writing slightly under the limit is fine, as long as your essay fully conveys your experiences, insights, and goals. Avoid padding content with filler; clarity and meaningful reflection are more important than hitting the exact word count.

Being Generic

Many secondary prompts, such as “Why Our School?” or school-specific prompts, are easy to make generic. Admissions officers can detect vague answers like: “This school has great programs and I want to be a doctor.” Instead, demonstrate that you researched the school and understand its unique offerings, values, and opportunities.

In the webinar Mastering the Med School Admissions Process, Dr. Katherine Munoz notes:

“As reviewers, if we are reading secondary application essays that sound vague and generic… it looks lazy… It’s okay to recycle components, but you need to make each answer school specific in order to really stand out.”

Dr. Bima Hasjim, a general surgery resident, former UC Irvine admissions officer, and admissions expert at Inspira Advantage, adds:

“When mission statements sound similar… go to the school site and find specific programs (student clinics, outreach) and reference those by name in your answer… ‘If given the opportunity I would… continue this work through this student-run clinic working with this community.’ That’s how to make a vague prompt specific and tailored.”

By referencing concrete programs, initiatives, or values, your essay demonstrates genuine interest and thoughtful engagement with the school’s mission. This not only distinguishes your application but also allows you to align your experiences and skills with the opportunities the school provides.

FAQs

1. When Can I Expect to Receive Secondary Applications?

You will receive your secondary applications after AMCAS verifies your primary application and releases it to the medical schools you applied to. This verification includes confirming your transcripts and other submitted materials. Once schools receive your verified primary application, they send out secondaries, typically within a few weeks. Planning ahead and pre-writing your essays during this period can save valuable time.

2. Will I Receive a Secondary Application From Every School?

You may not receive a secondary application from every school. Most schools send a secondary automatically, but most review your primary application first and will only send a secondary if your application meets their criteria.

3. How Long Do I Have to Submit My Essay?

Aim to submit your secondary applications as soon as possible, generally within two weeks of receiving them. Schools often interpret a faster response as a sign of strong interest. While the deadline may be longer, submitting promptly demonstrates commitment and ensures you have time to refine later essays if needed.

4. What If a School Changes Its Secondary Essay Prompts?

Even if prompts change, the core themes usually remain similar. For example, a question like “Why do you want to attend our school?” might shift to “How do your passions align with our mission?” You can often reword and repurpose previously drafted essays for new prompts, so pre-writing remains a valuable strategy.

5. How Optional Are Optional Essays?

Optional essays are not mandatory, but only answer them if you have meaningful content to share. Writing a forced response can appear disingenuous and may harm your application. Use optional essays strategically to provide context, explain unique experiences, or address gaps.

6. Which Secondary Essay Should I Work On First?

Start with the secondary essays from your top-choice schools and those that require the most detailed responses. These essays often contain material you can adapt for other schools, saving time and ensuring higher-quality responses. Prioritizing strategically helps you manage deadlines and maintain strong essay quality throughout the application cycle.

7. Is It Okay To Repurpose Secondary Essays For Multiple Medical Schools?

Yes, you can repurpose essays, but they should be tailored to each school. Use the same core ideas or anecdotes, but reference the school’s specific programs, values, or mission to make each essay unique. Admissions officers notice generic answers, so customization is key to demonstrating genuine interest.

8. How Should Reapplicants Address Past Weaknesses In Secondary Essays?

Reapplicants should acknowledge past weaknesses honestly but briefly, then focus on what they’ve learned and how they’ve improved. Highlight concrete steps taken, such as retaking courses, gaining clinical experience, or strengthening research skills, to show growth and readiness for medical school.

9. Do I Need To Disclose AI Assistance In My Application Essays?

Currently, disclosure of AI use is not required unless the school specifically asks. However, essays must reflect your own voice, reasoning, and experiences. Only use AI as a tool for brainstorming, editing, or clarity, not for creating content that misrepresents your work.

Dr. Jonathan Preminger was the original author of this article. Snippets of his work may remain.