secondaries feature

If you're like most applicants to medical school, you're just not that diverse. You are racially or ethnically over-represented. You didn't face many particular hardships growing up, and you haven't had enough life experiences to make you different from the thousands of others applying to med school. That means you'll have to get creative in how you answer this question.

On Game of Thrones, “Winter is coming” is a catchphrase used to warn characters of impending doom. But in the case of medical school admissions, “Summer is coming” would be far more apt. Summer means you'll be getting secondaries soon, and you better not underestimate them!

We analyzed the secondary essays for all US allopathic medical schools and US osteopathic medical schools to see which common essays you can expect to receive this coming 2023-2024 application cycle. Check out our advice for each of these secondary "greatest hits" so that you can streamline your writing and be optimally prepared!

Many students apply to 30+ schools in order to play the numbers game, and this is no secret to the schools themselves.They’re not stupid; they know they’re not your only choice. But it’s your job to convince them that they’re the best choice for you in, which hopefully has a reciprocal effect.