What Is On The Secondary Application For Medical School?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Secondaries typically include

a variety of essays on assigned topics

. You could be asked to discuss your favorite novel, describe a leadership role you've taken, or detail your greatest academic achievement. You will also be asked to submit letters of recommendation if you did not do so through AMCAS.

Do secondary applications mean anything?

Some schools send secondary applications to

every student who submits a primary application

– in other words, receiving a secondary application does not indicate any increase in your chance of receiving an interview. … This typically means that the student fulfills the school's criteria for MCAT score and GPA.

How hard is it to get a secondary applications for medical school?

As a medical school applicant, you've

worked hard on your submitting

the best AMCAS application you can. … Given that you'll need to submit multiple essays for most med schools you've applied to, the secondary essay writing process can be incredibly grueling, even more so than completing your primary application.

How do I prepare for secondary medical school applications?

  1. Have set answers for the most common questions. …
  2. Research each school. …
  3. Answer the questions on separate document. …
  4. Work on multiple applications at the same time. …
  5. Do not rush. …
  6. Do not go too slow. …
  7. Be specific. …
  8. Proofread heavily.

Why do medical schools send out secondary applications?

Each school has a unique secondary application, unlike the single primary application that was sent to several schools through the aforementioned services. The secondary is

a chance for each school to get more information from the applicant

.

Does everyone get secondary application medical school?

Secondary Applications


Some schools send all of their applicants a secondary

. Others go through an initial cut that is usually based entirely on GPA and MCAT scores. … Most med schools will reject any application that arrives after the deadline. Secondaries typically include a variety of essays on assigned topics.

How long does it take to get secondary medical school applications?

So if you're planning on pushing back your MCAT into the summer, you need to factor in all of these other pieces to the puzzle. I highly recommend that you follow the general rule of thumb that you should turn around your secondary applications

within about two weeks

.

How long are secondary essays medical school?

Most essays are

between 250-500 words

. We generally recommend that students write out at least a brief outline for each of the types of questions (see below) before they have received the secondary application. It will save you a lot of time, and get you in the right mindset.

Does Pcom have a secondary?

Beginning in the 2021 application cycle,

PCOM does not have a secondary or supplemental application

.

How do you stand out in a secondary?

  1. Be specific — Whether reflecting about overcoming a challenge or describing your career goals, capture your emotions in the moment and your takeaways. …
  2. Highlight — Discuss impactful experiences that the committee cannot find elsewhere in your application.

What are medical school secondary essays?

Unlike primary applications, secondary applications ask specific questions about your goals, experiences, and your personal views on a range of topics, including your decision to go to medical school. Your secondaries will be read to see how they complement what you have said in your primary application.

How would you describe yourself medical school secondary?

  1. Consider what your primary application says about you. …
  2. Make a list of things you would like someone on the admissions committee to know about you. …
  3. When you make a claim about yourself, support it! …
  4. Show, don't tell. …
  5. Guide your reader through the anecdote.

Are secondary medical school essays important?

Secondary essays come after you submit your primary application. It is a way for schools to learn more about you. It

helps the medical schools determine your fit to their mission

and it helps you do some research to see if you truly want to go there.

What looks good on medical school applications?

Schools also look for evidence that an

applicant has demonstrated good judgment, compassion, and selflessness

— qualities every physician should embody. Applicants can show evidence through their involvement in extracurricular activities, letters of evaluation, and their personal statement.

What is a good MCAT score?

A “good” MCAT score is one that puts you near or above the average percentile for matriculants at your target medical schools. For comparison, the average MCAT score for students admitted to an MD program in the United States in 2017–2018 is

between 510 and 511

, with an average GPA of 3.71. (Source: AAMC ).

Are there secondary applications for residency?


No secondary

, just ERAS.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.