If you thought the AMCAS application was the hardest part of applying to medical school, think again. After submitting your primary, you’ll be hit with another wave: secondary applications.

These school-specific essays are your chance to stand out, show fit, and prove why you belong at each medical school. Nearly every applicant gets them, and the turnaround time is fast. That means your ability to plan ahead and respond strategically can make or break your application.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• What medical school secondary applications are
• The most common essay prompts (with examples)
• How to write standout responses
• A school-by-school list of prompts for 2025–2026

What Are Medical School Secondary Applications?

After submitting your AMCAS application, most medical schools will send you a secondary application within 2–4 weeks. Some schools automatically send secondaries to everyone, while others pre-screen based on GPA and MCAT scores.

Secondary applications typically include:

• Essay prompts (short answer or longer essays)
• Additional questions about your experiences, background, or goals
• Fees (usually $50–$150 per school, unless you qualify for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program)

📌 Why it matters: Admissions committees use secondaries to evaluate your fit for their program. While the primary shows who you are on paper, the secondary reveals whether you’ll thrive in their culture and mission.

The Timeline for Secondary Applications

Here’s a typical secondary application timeline for 2025–2026:

• May 2025: AMCAS opens for data entry
• Late May / Early June 2025: First day to submit AMCAS
• June–July 2025: Schools begin sending secondary applications
• July–December 2025: Secondary deadlines (varies by school)
• August 2025–Spring 2026: Interview season begins

👉 Pro Tip: Aim to submit secondaries within two weeks of receiving them. Fast responses improve your chances of landing interviews in a rolling admissions system.

Most Common Medical School Secondary Essay Prompts

While each school is unique, you’ll see recurring themes across secondaries. Here are the top prompts to prepare for (with examples):

1. Why Our School?

• Example: “Why do you want to attend [School Name], and how do you see yourself contributing to our mission?”
• ✅ Show you’ve researched the school’s curriculum, community, or values.

2. Diversity Essay

• Example: “How will you contribute to the diversity of our student body?”
• ✅ Think beyond race or ethnicity—include socioeconomic background, life experiences, or perspectives.

3. Adversity Essay

• Example: “Describe a challenge you’ve overcome and what you learned.”
• ✅ Focus on resilience and growth, not just the struggle.

4. Gap Year / Activities Essay

• Example: “If you are not in school, what have you been doing since graduation?”
• ✅ Show productivity, whether in research, work, volunteering, or personal development.

5. Future Goals in Medicine

• Example: “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?”
• ✅ Be specific about specialties, populations, or research interests that align with the school’s mission.

Strategies to Write Standout Secondary Essays

1. Pre-Write Responses
   Most prompts are predictable. Start drafting answers in May–June before secondaries arrive.
2. Tailor to Each School
   Generic answers won’t cut it. Tie your experiences to each program’s mission statement, curriculum, or community initiatives.
3. Show, Don’t Tell
   Use anecdotes. Instead of “I’m a team player,” describe a time you worked on a research team or clinic shift.
4. Keep It Tight
   Word limits are strict (often 250–500 words). Edit ruthlessly for clarity.
5. Polish Like Crazy
   Grammar mistakes can tank an otherwise great essay. Always proofread or use a professional editing service.

Medical School Secondary Essay Prompts (2025–2026)

Here’s a preview of the most commonly asked secondary essay prompts for the 2025–2026 cycle:

• Boston University School of Medicine: “Are you applying to other medical schools? Why BU?”
• Harvard Medical School: “Describe a challenge you faced and what you learned.”
• Stanford University School of Medicine: “How will you contribute to the diversity of our community?”
• University of Michigan Medical School: “What role do service and leadership play in your journey to medicine?”
• Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai: “Why our school?”

📌 For a full list of prompts, check the AAMC MSAR database.

FAQs

Do all applicants receive secondaries?
Almost all applicants receive secondaries, though some schools pre-screen.

How fast should I submit?
Within two weeks is the golden rule.

Can I reuse essays?
Yes, but always tailor to each school. Recycled essays are obvious.

What’s the cost?
$50–$150 per school. Use the AAMC Fee Assistance Program if eligible.

Conclusion

Secondary applications are your chance to move from a name on paper to a future physician the school can envision in their class.

• Plan ahead with pre-written essays
• Tailor responses to each school’s mission
• Submit early to maximize interview chances

The process is intense—but you don’t have to do it alone.

👉 Start with Jack Westin’s MCAT prep courses and free weekly sessions to stay ahead. Pairing strong academics with standout essays is the key to medical school success.

Remember to tune in to Jack Westin‘s MCAT Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts to gain expert insights, elevate your preparation, and improve your medical school application!