Please answer the following questions, strictly abiding by the word count listed at the end. Please use the bullet points as a guide for what information and ideas should be included per question, if provided. Responses should be emotion – evoking, personal and sentimental.
Please utilize the following information to help answer these questions regarding my applications for medical school: I’m in the process of applying to medical school these are some questions that I have that I need answers to with regards to my application. I would like these responses to be personalized to me in the life and reflect as such. I am a latchkey kid that grew up in Brooklyn, born to an immigrant family; I grew up in the inner city that’s populated with multiple health disparities and I would like my paper to reflect some of the challenges that I have faced and overcome in order to get to the point that I’m at today. I was raised by a single mother from an immigrant family, in a large inner city with multiple health disparities.
Service Outreach: I participate in multiple community volunteer and outreach programs. Once of which is community service in a local temple – there was a dire need to give back to the society that raised me to become who I am today. This particular population of immigrant minorities; I just wanted to give back to them. My volunteer services also extend to the hospital; I volunteer my time at the hospital under the supervision of fellow physicians because I’ve always been interested in learning and wanted to immerse myself in an environment where I’m able to help people. Even though I see myself as being just a mere, tiny drop in this vast ocean that we call life, in this ubiquitous world, I just want to be able to make a difference in the smallest way possible. I just want to be that influential factor that brings about change for the greater good.
1. Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons values diversity in all its forms. How will your background and experiences contribute to this important focus of our institution and inform your future role as a physician? 300 words
2. Please describe your most meaningful leadership positions. 300 words
3. Did you work for compensation during college, during the year, or the summer? 300 words
4. Is there anything else you would like us to know? 400 words
• An extensive volunteer history: If volunteer work played a large role in your life, and if you haven’t adequately addressed it in either your primary application or any of the other prompts above, discussing your passion for giving back to your community could help to round out your application.
5. “Why Columbia?”: Since Columbia doesn’t explicitly ask for a “Why us?” essay, you can use this space to address your interest in their program, taking care not to repeat any reasons you may have given elsewhere in your application
• prepare future graduates to be leaders and role models in patient care, medical research, education, and health-care policy. Their experiences at VP&S will enable them to shape the future and set the standards for medicine throughout the United States and the world. Their guided exposure and training will allow them to exhibit the highest principles of humanism and professionalism in their responsibilities to their patients, to their community, and to society.
• Be aware of and committed to patients’ best interests within the immediate health-care system and as part of the broader context of health care.
• Build patients’ stories through skillful performance of history, physical, and medical procedures appropriate to the clinical setting with competence and sensitivity.
• Appreciate the value of inclusion and diversity in creating a rich environment for patient care and learning.
• Communicate clearly and work respectfully with others.
• Demonstrate self-awareness and maintain personal wellness.
6. What will be your support system while in medical school? (150 words)
• Family is something that holds a significant place in my heart. I grew up in a close-knit community in Brooklyn, mostly surrounded by family. Given the opportunity to attend medical school in the community that raised me, I will be comforted in knowing that I will be surrounded by the continuous presence of my family whenever need be. Attending school close to home allows me to not miss out on precious, lifelong memories. Just as my family would continuously be my support system through this journey, remaining in my community would allow me to return the favor and be their support system in dire times as well.
7. If you have a specific reason why you wish to attend SUNY Downstate or a medical school in New York City, please explain. If this question does not apply to you, enter “not applicable” in the text box below. (200 words)
• I have lived in Brooklyn my whole life, so I was thrilled to be able to give back to this community. I also chose Downstate to be close to friends and family
• I am very grateful to my community in Brooklyn and am excited to give back to my hometown that provided my family and myself so many opportunities
• Downstate caters to a diverse community and emphasizes outreach and clinical medicine in addressing health disparities.
• “Brooklyn is a diverse location with great opportunities to serve the marginalized and underprivileged.”
8. What in your current/future activity/activities have/will contribute to diversity, health equity and social justice? (200 words)
• I love and embrace the opportunity to work with a diverse patient population where medical care is greatly needed
9. What is the toughest feedback you ever received? How did you handle it and what did you learn from it? (250 words)
10. What is the toughest feedback you ever received? How did you handle it and what did you learn from it? (200 words)
11. If applicable, please comment on significant fluctuations in your academic record which are not explained elsewhere on your application.
12. If you have taken any time off from your studies, either during or after college, please describe what you have done during this time and your reasons for doing so.
13. The Admissions Committee uses a holistic approach to evaluate a wide range of student qualities and life experiences that are complementary to demonstrated academic excellence, strong interpersonal skills and leadership potential. What unique qualities or experiences do you possess that would contribute specifically to the NYU Grossman School of Medicine community? (2500 characters)
14. The ultimate goal of our institution is to produce a population of physicians with a collective desire to improve health of all segments of our society through the outstanding patient care, research and education. In this context, where do you see your future medical career and why? If your plans require that you complete a dual degree program, please elaborate here. (2500 characters)
15. In light of the COVID-19 public health emergency, how do you view your potential role as a frontline healthcare provider? (2500 characters)
16. Conflicts arise daily from differences in perspectives, priorities, worldviews and traditions. How do you define respect? Describe a situation in which you found it challenging to remain respectful while facing differences? (2500 characters)
17. Describe a situation in which working with a colleague, family member or friend has been challenging. How did you resolve, if at all, the situation as a team and what did you gain from the experience that will benefit you as a future health care provider? (2500 characters)
18. Upstate Medical University is strongly committed to providing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for the patients we serve and all who work at, study at, or visit our campus. As a potential partner in this effort, please describe your commitment to eliminating health inequities, discrimination, or other forms of social injustice. (500 words)
19. Please explain your reasons for choosing this field of medicine – including those experiences (pre-medical, professional or personal) that have informed your interest in this area. (300 words)
Underserved population w such ehealth disparites. Educate from a yonger age. Youth are the future — promote education and reinforce proper healty habits in these individuals who are influentiable so later on , medical prevention than treatment. Grow with healthy havits as opposed to developing ppor habits.
20. NYU Long Island School of Medicine is committed to training physicians guided by the ‘principles of primary care’ which encompass patient-centered care that is: comprehensive, continuous, coordinated, collaborative, culturally sensitive and community-based. Please tell us how any of these principles align with your professional goals as a future physician? (300 words)
21. Among the core competencies expected of entering medical students are the capacity for improvement and adaptability and resilience. Please describe a situation or personal challenge that motivated you to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, re-assess or change your behavior, navigate an unexpected outcome or learn from your mistakes. (300 words)
22. The NYU Long Island School of Medicine curriculum includes the study of health systems science domains including: Healthcare Policy, Population and Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Health System Improvement and Patient Safety
Which of these domains interests you the most and why? If applicable, please include those aspects of your academic studies, pre-medical, professional and/or personal experiences that have informed your interest in the domain you selected. In addition, please tell us how you envision impacting the delivery of health care through your study of health systems science at NYULISOM? (words)
23. Please tell us about your current and future planned activities during this application cycle. (200 words)
24. We recognize applicants may have had to overcome significant obstacles or hardships in their lives. This may also include disparate impacts of the COVID pandemic, racial injustice, discrimination and inequality. If you feel any of these circumstances apply to you, the admissions committee is interested to understand how these experiences affected you personally or impacted your academic or professional path. (300 words)
25. Please comment on any significant fluctuations in your academic record, inconsistencies in your MCAT score, impact of COVID on your academic studies, if you took a leave of absence for any reason during college or any application irregularities about which you wish the admissions committee to know more. (300 words)
26. The COVID-19 epidemic has changed the landscape of medicine. Please tell us how the COVID-19 epidemic has changed the landscape of medicine from your perspective. (You will have an opportunity to specifically discuss impacts to your coursework/grades in a separate item.) (1000 characters)
27. If applicable, please use the space below to explain any ways in which your ability to meet the course prerequisite requirements were impacted by COVID-19. (1000 characters)
28. Describe yourself. (1000 characters)
29. Tell us one thing about yourself that would help the Admissions Committee determine if you should be admitted to our program. (UA) (1000 characters)
30. In the “Work and Activities” section on your AMCAS application, you provided the following list of experiences. Please select the experience that you feel has been the most meaningful in influencing your desire to pursue a career in medicine, explain why, and also describe what aspect of that experience best equips you to make an impact in the medical profession. (1,000 characters)
31. Recognizing that this past year was complicated for many reasons, please share any challenges and/or special circumstances that impacted your application beyond the commonly experienced disruptions (inability for in-person rotations, hospital experiences, in-person classes). (200 words)
32. Please write a brief statement giving your reasons for applying to Weill Cornell Medical College. (1525 character)
33. Please describe a challenge you faced and how you addressed it. (1525 character)
34. If applicable, please tell us about any special circumstances related to COVID-19 that could help us understand you better. (1525 character)
35. If you are not attending college during the upcoming (2020-2021) academic year, what are your plans? (1525 character)
36. Please share any disruptions in your academic, volunteer, work, and/or personal life related to COVID-19 that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. 300 words
37. In 500 words or fewer, please explain your reasons for applying to the University at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine. Please be specific.
38. In 500 words or fewer, please explain how you would respond to a fellow student who muttered a racist or homophobic statement under their breath in your presence and that of other peers?
39. To some extent, everyone in the US has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. In 500 words or fewer, please explain the ways in which you and your family have been adversely affected by this pandemic.
40. We are committed to an environment which fosters collaboration, humanism, equity and social justice. With this in mind, how will you contribute to the NJMS community? 1500 characters.
41. We seek students who are self-aware, resilient and adaptable. Discuss a personal or professional challenge you’ve experienced and how you resolved it. Please include insight on what you learned about yourself as a result: 1500 characters
42. Please elaborate on challenges not thoroughly addressed anywhere else in your application (Please feel free to address any or all of the following if applicable: impact of COVID, institutional actions, academics, MCAT, personal difficulties, etc.): 1500 characters
43. Please discuss any additional information you feel may help us in our review of your candidacy: 1500 characters
44. Briefly describe your single, most rewarding experience. Feel free to refer to an experience previously described in your AMCAS application. 2500 characters
45. Are there any areas of medicine that are of particular interest to you? If so, please comment. 2500 characters.
46. Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity; include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician. 2500 characters
47. Briefly describe a situation where you were not in the majority. What did you learn from the experience? 2500 characters
48. Wonder encapsulates a feeling of rapt attention … it draws the observer in. Tell us about a time in recent years that you experienced wonder in your everyday life. Although experiences related to your clinical or research work may be the first to come to mind, we encourage you to think of an experience that is unrelated to medicine or science. What did you learn from that experience? 2500 characters
49. The Admissions Committee values hearing about each candidate for admission, including what qualities the candidate might bring to the School of Medicine if admitted. If you feel there is information not already addressed in the application that will enable the Committee to know more about you and this has influenced your desire to be a physician, feel free to write a brief statement in the space below. You may address any subject you wish, such as being a first generation college student, or being a part of a minority group (whether because of your sexual orientation, religion, economic status, gender identity, ethnicity) or being the child of undocumented immigrants or being undocumented yourself, etc 2500 characters. Johns Hopkins.
• The mission of Johns Hopkins Medicine is to improve the health of the community and the world by setting the standard of excellence in medical education, research and clinical care. Diverse and inclusive, Johns Hopkins Medicine educates medical students, scientists, health care professionals and the public; conducts biomedical research; and provides patient-centered medicine to prevent, diagnose and treat human illness.
• Be the best. Commit to exceptional quality and service by encouraging curiosity, seeking information and creating innovative solutions.
• Be a role model. Inspire others to achieve their best and have the courage to do the right thing.
• Be Open. Embrace and value different backgrounds, opinions and experiences.
• Be kind. Listen to understand and embrace others’ unique skills and knowledge.
50. The Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) is deeply committed to recruiting a diverse class to enrich an inclusive team-based learning experience. How would you and your experiences contribute to the diversity of the student body and/or how would you contribute to an inclusive atmosphere at PSOM? 1000 characters.
51. Please explain your reasons for applying to the Perelman School of Medicine and limit your response to 1,000 characters:
• Our mission is to advance knowledge and improve health through research, patient care, and the education of trainees in an inclusive culture that embraces diversity, fosters innovation, stimulates critical thinking, supports lifelong learning, and sustains our legacy of excellence.
• Unwavering dedication for serving others.
• At Penn academic excellence, as well as compassion for the patients we are privileged to serve, are stressed. Skillful compassion is truly a hallmark of the Penn learning experience.
52. Yale School of Medicine values diversity in all its forms. How will your background and experiences contribute to this important focus of our institution and inform your future role as a physician? 500 words
53. While there is great emphasis on the physician-patient relationship, Yale School of Medicine also emphasizes the importance of training future physicians to care for communities and populations. Describe how your experiences would contribute to this aspect of the mission of the Yale School of Medicine. 500 words
54. If there is an important aspect of your personal background or identity, not addressed elsewhere in the application, that you would like to share with the Committee, we invite you to do so here. Many applicants will not need to answer this question. Examples might include significant challenges in access to education, unusual socioeconomic factors, identification with a minority culture, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. Briefly explain how such factors have influenced your motivation for a career in medicine.(4000 character maximum)
55. The Committee on Admissions understands that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted applicants in various ways. If you wish to inform the Committee as to how these events have affected you and have not already done so elsewhere in your application, please use this space to do so. (This is an optional essay; the Committee on Admissions will make no judgment based on your decision to provide a statement or not.) 4000 characters
56. 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? (1 page, formatted at your discretion)
• Guided by the Jesuit tradition of “cura personalis,” Georgetown University School of Medicine will educate, in an integrated way, knowledgeable, ethical, skillful and compassionate physicians and biomedical scientists dedicated to the care of others and the health needs of our society.
• Diversity Statement: The University was founded on the principle that serious and sustained discourse among people of different faiths, cultures, and beliefs promotes intellectual, ethical, and spiritual understanding. Consistent with this principle, the School of Medicine strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians who embrace all dimensions of diversity in a learning environment that understands and includes the varied health care needs and growing diversity of the populations we serve.
57. Is there a unique aspect of your application that should be considered by the admissions committee? (Maximum 75 words)
58. Explain why you decided to apply to the Penn State College of Medicine. (Maximum 75 words)
• Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health are committed to enhancing the quality of life through improved health, the professional preparation of those who will serve the health needs of others, and the discovery of knowledge that will benefit all.
• Respect, Listen, hear, and give credit, Embrace our diverse backgrounds, talents, and perspectives, Be compassionate, thoughtful, considerate, and kind, Integrity, Be the best you can be, every time
Have moral courage to ask hard questions of ourselves and others, Be consistent and fair, Teamwork
Commit to working together to ensure the best experience for co-workers, patients, and trainees, Share knowledge for the benefit of the team, Earn the trust of your teammates, Excellence, Align personal performance with our mission, vision, values, and strategic imperatives, Set personal goals and exceed expectations. Always be solution-focused
59. Write a short paragraph describing a significant experience you have had working in a team setting. (Maximum 250 words)
60. Write a short statement describing how you envision using your medical education to advance care for under-represented or marginalized populations. (Maximum 250 words)
61. Explain in each box below, how your coursework exemplifies knowledge competency in each subject area. These are broad subject areas. You should list courses, and other pertinent information. Include courses that you have completed or anticipate completing prior to matriculation.
For sciences, include both lectures and labs. There is no right or wrong answer here.
600 characters per response: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Humanities including English.
62. Boston Medical Center is the largest safety net hospital in New England, serving primarily people who are publicly insured, people of color, immigrants, and low-income people in the Greater Boston Area. Why are you specifically interested in beginning your medical education in this environment, and how do you feel that your previous experiences will prepare you for this unique learning environment? 3000 characters
63. Use the space below to provide additional information you feel will provide us with a comprehensive understanding of your strengths as a candidate for a career in medicine. This should include only information NOT already included in your AMCAS or other sections of the BUSM Supplemental Application. 3000 characters
64. Tell us about a peer who is deserving of recognition but whose accomplishments may not be acknowledged adequately. Why do you think their accomplishments have gone relatively unacknowledged? 400 words
65. Please share your thoughts and experiences with navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. This could include the barriers you have faced in applying to medical school, creative ways you have overcome those barriers, feelings of grief and loss, thoughts on the role of health care professionals, challenges associated with racial health inequities, or other reflections on living through a global pandemic crisis. 400 words
66. How will your values and attitudes foster a positive educational environment and benefit your future patients? Tell us about the sources of those values and attitudes (e.g. family, places you’ve lived in, things you have read, life experiences, etc) 400 words
67. What motivates you to apply to the UNC School of Medicine? 400 words
• mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research. We strive to promote faculty, staff and learner development in a diverse, respectful environment where our colleagues demonstrate professionalism, enhance learning, and create personal and professional sustainability. We optimize our partnership with the UNC Health Care System through close collaboration and a commitment to service.
• We will promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.
• Education
• We will prepare tomorrow’s health care professionals and biomedical researchers by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team oriented interprofessional education. We will cultivate outstanding teaching and research faculty, and we will recruit outstanding students and trainees from highly diverse backgrounds to create a socially responsible, highly skilled workforce.
• Research
• We will develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers, and resources. We will provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration amongst disciplines throughout and beyond our University to support outstanding research. We will foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic, and population research.
68. Tell us about a time when you observed or personally experienced biased behavior. What did you do to address this situation or what would you do in the future? Through either situation we are interested in what you learned. 400 words
69. Please briefly describe your plans for the coming year. Include in this explanation if you will be a student, working, conducting research, volunteering, etc. 1000 characters
70. Given how the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the world this year, please contextualize how your experiences have been affected which might include your personal, professional and educational journey. 1000 characters