Essay Topics (2024 - 2025)

Note: Carle uses a unique format for its secondary. Please read the instructions carefully. There is a video response that you have to do in addition to the below.

In the three artifacts we ask you to SHOW US how compassion, curiosity, and creativity have played out in your life, and how you exemplify these values. Each artifact should be uploaded as a PDF (one page for each value, formatted no larger than 8.5" x 11"). No hyperlinks or embedded videos are allowed. We encourage you to make your artifacts image focused but captions or other brief notes can be included on the artifact to help us understand the context of your images. Your artifacts will be most powerful if you include multiple activities for each and clearly indicate the quality and depth of your experience, but only include that which is meaningful for the value. The artifacts should be somewhat reflective in nature so share your thoughts and insights. You may repeat experiences listed on your AMCAS application and/or include new ones. Our screeners will evaluate your portfolio independently BEFORE they evaluate your AMCAS application so do not assume the screeners are aware of any of the information in your AMCAS. Please do not include activities from high school or earlier unless they are of very high quality or impact (an example would be achieving Eagle Scout rank). Family interactions/relationships ("spending time with family") are unlikely to score well unless you can show how they are unusual or significant (an example would be full-time caregiver for a family member for a period). Please make your role clear. Was the activity you are presenting part of a class for credit or something you did on your own? Was this part of a team? If so, what was YOUR role?

For example, if you did or are still doing work in a research lab, we are less interested in a detailed description of the science and more interested in learning what you did, how YOU contributed, and if you were able to be innovative. While the content of your portfolio is of primary importance, our reviewers are also evaluating your presentation. This does not mean you have to be "artistic", but it is valuable to show an innovative approach. Instead of thinking about what WE want, include what YOU want to share. What drives you? What do you want us to know? Show us who you are, and why you are uniquely suited to our school.

In the impact statement we ask you to TELL US more. This statement will provide meaningful context and scope for your artifacts and tell us the impact of what you are showing us. The impact statement is not intended to explain your artifacts, but rather to expand on and supplement them; to demonstrate the impact of the experiences you included. Think of this statement being like an abstract, a synopsis, or a legend for a figure in a paper. You have a maximum of 250 words.

‍Compassion

‍We believe in creating physicians who, in addition to solving healthcare's most complex problems, are also tender, kind, and warm. From day one, you will be working with patients.

‍Show Us - How have you changed the lives of others? What have you experienced that has fostered a deep sense of compassion? For example, have you had a moving volunteer experience? Have you learned through adversity and shared those lessons with others in need? Share with us the ways you’ve impacted a larger population and help us see how you will be the type of physician we would entrust with our most beloved community members.

‍Curiosity

‍Carle Illinois College of Medicine values lifelong learners. We want to see your passion for learning and growing!

‍Show Us - How have you explored new interests, cultures, or people? Have you identified a need and taken the initiative to respond to that need? For example, is there a research project or work experience you’d like to share? Has your curiosity fostered a deeper sense of vulnerability, resilience, or life-long learning? If so, how? Let us see where your curiosity has taken you.

‍Creativity

‍The dictionary tells us that innovation is a new method, idea, or product. Often there is an outcome, a clearly defined result, or a new thing is discovered. The introduction of something new requires dynamic thinking and creative solutions. Creativity is key to innovation. Help us see your creativity and potential for innovation!

‍Show Us - What are the ways you demonstrate you have an active mind? What are you really proud of? For example, have you used technology in novel or distinct ways? What innovative solutions have you employed in your work, healthcare, or hobbies? Have you taken a risk to respond to a problem, to express yourself, or to achieve your goals? Describe how you live and lead a creative life.

‍Impact Statement‍

‍Tell Us - In 250 words or less, create an abstract-style narrative describing the impact of the experiences you included in your portfolio artifacts and how they have shaped your understanding of and connection to the Carle Illinois values of Compassion, Curiosity, and Creativity. The narrative should provide context and scope to the stories told in your artifacts and the value and impact these Carle Illinois values have in your life.

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Essay Topics (’23 – ’24)

Note: Carle uses a unique format for its secondary. Please read the instructions carefully. There is a video response that you have to do in addition to the below.

Carle Illinois is looking for everything most other medical schools are looking for – and something more. If you are completing our secondary application, you have already passed the threshold for our competency checklist. Well done. Now we want to find out more about you.

Our secondary application is unique. We are looking for physician-innovators. Does that describe you? Our secondary application is your chance to demonstrate that you have the compassion, curiosity and creativity we believe a physician-innovator needs. We are asking you to complete a portfolio comprised of three artifacts and three very short essays (100 words each). The portfolio provides an opportunity to SHOW US and TELL US how compassion, curiosity, and creativity have played out in your life through visual artifacts and short essays. How do you exemplify these values? How have you grown in these areas? Show us and tell us the connections between these values and your experience. The artifacts should be somewhat reflective in nature so share your thoughts and insights. For example, if you did or are still doing work in a research lab, we are less interested in a detailed description of the science and more interested in learning what you actually did, how YOU contributed, and if you were able to be innovative. Was the activity you are presenting part of a class for credit or something you did on your own? Was this part of a team? If so, what was YOUR role? Show us and tell us who you are, and why you are a strong applicant for our program.

Each artifact should be uploaded as a PDF (one page for each value, formatted no larger than 8.5" x 11"). No hyperlinks or embedded videos are allowed. We encourage you to make your artifacts image focused. Your artifacts will be most powerful if you include multiple activities for each and clearly indicate the quality and depth of your experience, but only include that which is meaningful for the value. You may repeat experiences listed on your AMCAS application and/or include new ones. Please do not include activities from high school or earlier unless they are of very high quality or impact (an example would be achieving Eagle Scout rank). Family interactions/relationships ("spending time with family") are unlikely to score well unless you can show how they are noteworthy or significant (an example would be full-time caregiver for a family member for a period). As you are completing your portfolio, please keep in mind that our screeners will evaluate your portfolio independently BEFORE they evaluate your AMCAS application so do not assume the screeners are aware of any of the information in your AMCAS.

Captions or other brief notes can be included on the artifact to help the screener understand your images. Don't provide an essay in place of a visual artifact unless you are an extraordinarily skilled writer! In addition to any notes included on your artifact, each artifact will be accompanied by a very brief essay (maximum 100 words) to give context to your artifact. While the content of your portfolio is of primary importance, our reviewers are also evaluating your presentation. This does not mean you have to be "artistic", but it is valuable to show an innovative approach.

‍

Compassion

We believe in creating physicians who, in addition to solving healthcare's most complex problems, are also tender, kind, and warm. From day one, you will be working with patients.

Show Us - How have you changed the lives of others? What have you experienced that has fostered a deep sense of compassion? For example, have you had a moving volunteer experience? Have you learned through adversity and shared those lessons with others in need? Share with us the ways you’ve impacted a larger population and help us see how you will be the type of physician we would entrust with our most beloved community members.

Upload Compassion PDF artifact.

Tell Us - In 100 words or less, explain how this artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of Medicine's value of Compassion.

‍

Curiosity

Carle Illinois College of Medicine values lifelong learners. We want to see your passion for learning and growing!

Show Us - How have you explored new interests, cultures, or people? Have you identified a need and taken the initiative to respond to that need? For example, is there a research project or work experience you’d like to share? Has your curiosity fostered a deeper sense of vulnerability, resilience, or life-long learning? If so, how? Let us see where your curiosity has taken you.

Upload Curiosity PDF artifact

Tell Us - In 100 words or less, explain how this artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of Medicine's value of Curiosity.

‍

Creativity

The dictionary tells us that innovation is a new method, idea, or product. Often there is an outcome, a clearly defined result, or a new thing is discovered. The introduction of something new requires dynamic thinking and creative solutions. Creativity is key to innovation. Help us see your creativity!

Show Us - What are the ways you demonstrate you have an active mind? What are you really proud of? For example, have you used technology in novel or distinct ways? What innovative solutions have you employed in your work, healthcare, or hobbies? Have you taken a risk to respond to a problem, to express yourself, or to achieve your goals? Describe how you live and lead a creative life.

Upload Creativity PDF Artifact

Tell Us - In 100 words or less, explain how your artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of Medicine’s value of Creativity.

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Essay Topics ('22 - '23)

1. Describe a stressful situation that you have experienced. Please detail your reaction, how you managed the situation, and what you learned that will help you handle a similar circumstance in the future. (No word limit indicated)

2. In addition to training as a competent physician please select up to two additional areas of interest from the items below that you may want to pursue during your medical studies. Your responses will have no bearing on applications to joint degrees or special programs to which you might also apply.

Simulation

Clinical Research

Basic Science Research

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Healthcare disparities

Academic medicine

Global Health

Community Health Urban

Community Health Rural

Innovation Medicine

Selecting any of the above results in a new box where you describe your interest in that area of interest. (No word limit indicated)

3. Please describe any abrupt changes that you experienced in your preparation for application for medical school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (No word limit indicated)

4. Compassion
We believe in creating physicians who, in addition to solving healthcare's most complex
problems, are also tender, kind, and warm. From day one, you will be working with patients.
Show Us -How have you changed the lives of others? What have you experienced that has fostered a
deep sense of compassion? For example, have you had a moving volunteer experience?
Worked in a difficult environment? Taken care of others? Have you learned through adversity
and shared those lessons with others in need? Help us see how you will be the type of
physician we would entrust with our most beloved community members.

Tell Us -In 100 words or less, explain how this artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of Medicine’s
value of Compassion. For your time commitment in hours please tell us the time spent on
the activities presented in the artifact, not the time to create the artifact itself. For your level
of commitment were you a group participant, a project leader, an idea initiator, doing this
activity independently?
‍

5. Curiosity
Carle Illinois College of Medicine values lifelong learners. We want to see your passion for
learning and growing!
Show Us - Curiosity is a strong desire to know or learn something. Have you explored new
interests, cultures, or people? Or has your curiosity grown in a particular area? Did your
curiosity lead to a research project? or a hobby? or a change at work? Let us see where your
curiosity has taken you.
Tell Us - In 100 words or less, explain how this artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of
Medicine’s value of Curiosity. For your time commitment in hours please tell us the time
spent on the activities presented in the artifact, not the time to create the artifact itself. For
your level of commitment were you a group participant, a project leader, an idea initiator,
doing this activity independently?

‍
6. Creativity
Have you approached complex problems with dynamic thinking and creative solutions? Or
do you show your creativity through hobbies, or artistic interests? or something else
entirely? Help us see your creativity!
Show Us - Creativity is the use of the imagination or original ideas. What are you really proud
of? Have you used technology in novel or distinct ways? What innovative solutions have you
employed in your work, healthcare, hobbies, life. Describe how you live and lead a creative
life.
Tell Us - In 100 words or less, explain how your artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of
Medicine’s value of Creativity. For your time commitment in hours please tell us the time
spent on the activities presented in the artifact, not the time to create the artifact itself. For
your level of commitment were you a group participant, a project leader, an idea initiator,
doing this activity independently?

‍
7.There is also a video essay:

After our faculty reviewers have thoroughly examined all of your other application materials
(portfolio, letters of recommendation, AMCAS application) they will turn to your video essay.
Answering questions through a video platform may be new to you. Don’t worry. While we
take your responses very seriously, this is a small portion of the evaluation process. The
purpose of the video essay is to pose questions to you that allow you to share more about
yourself, including how you think "on your feet", and to give us an opportunity to learn more
about your style, thought process, and personality.
You will have just one opportunity to record your answers. When the recording starts, the
questions will remain on the screen and you will have five minutes (300 seconds)to provide
responses for each realm. In order to pace your response, you will see a countdown clock
(in seconds) running in the bottom right corner of the video capture. You will respond to all
questions in one recording, so please state the question number before each answer. If you
finish early, you may click "Stop Recording," or the recording will stop at five minutes. Your
video will automatically attach to your secondary application.

‍

Essay Topics ('21 - '22)

1. Describe a stressful situation that you have experienced. Please detail your reaction, how you managed the situation, and what you learned that will help you handle a similar circumstance in the future. (No word limit indicated)

2. In addition to training as a competent physician please select up to two additional areas of interest from the items below that you may want to pursue during your medical studies. Your responses will have no bearing on applications to joint degrees or special programs to which you might also apply.

Simulation

Clinical Research

Basic Science Research

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Healthcare disparities

Academic medicine

Global Health

Community Health Urban

Community Health Rural

Innovation Medicine

Selecting any of the above results in a new box where you describe your interest in that area of interest. (No word limit indicated)

3. Please describe any abrupt changes that you experienced in your preparation for application for medical school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (No word limit indicated)

4. Compassion
We believe in creating physicians who, in addition to solving healthcare's most complex
problems, are also tender, kind, and warm. From day one, you will be working with patients.
Show Us -How have you changed the lives of others? What have you experienced that has fostered a
deep sense of compassion? For example, have you had a moving volunteer experience?
Worked in a difficult environment? Taken care of others? Have you learned through adversity
and shared those lessons with others in need? Help us see how you will be the type of
physician we would entrust with our most beloved community members.

Tell Us -In 100 words or less, explain how this artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of Medicine’s
value of Compassion. For your time commitment in hours please tell us the time spent on
the activities presented in the artifact, not the time to create the artifact itself. For your level
of commitment were you a group participant, a project leader, an idea initiator, doing this
activity independently?
‍

5. Curiosity
Carle Illinois College of Medicine values lifelong learners. We want to see your passion for
learning and growing!
Show Us - Curiosity is a strong desire to know or learn something. Have you explored new
interests, cultures, or people? Or has your curiosity grown in a particular area? Did your
curiosity lead to a research project? or a hobby? or a change at work? Let us see where your
curiosity has taken you.
Tell Us - In 100 words or less, explain how this artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of
Medicine’s value of Curiosity. For your time commitment in hours please tell us the time
spent on the activities presented in the artifact, not the time to create the artifact itself. For
your level of commitment were you a group participant, a project leader, an idea initiator,
doing this activity independently?

‍
6. Creativity
Have you approached complex problems with dynamic thinking and creative solutions? Or
do you show your creativity through hobbies, or artistic interests? or something else
entirely? Help us see your creativity!
Show Us - Creativity is the use of the imagination or original ideas. What are you really proud
of? Have you used technology in novel or distinct ways? What innovative solutions have you
employed in your work, healthcare, hobbies, life. Describe how you live and lead a creative
life.
Tell Us - In 100 words or less, explain how your artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of
Medicine’s value of Creativity. For your time commitment in hours please tell us the time
spent on the activities presented in the artifact, not the time to create the artifact itself. For
your level of commitment were you a group participant, a project leader, an idea initiator,
doing this activity independently?

‍
7.There is also a video essay:

After our faculty reviewers have thoroughly examined all of your other application materials
(portfolio, letters of recommendation, AMCAS application) they will turn to your video essay.
Answering questions through a video platform may be new to you. Don’t worry. While we
take your responses very seriously, this is a small portion of the evaluation process. The
purpose of the video essay is to pose questions to you that allow you to share more about
yourself, including how you think "on your feet", and to give us an opportunity to learn more
about your style, thought process, and personality.
You will have just one opportunity to record your answers. When the recording starts, the
questions will remain on the screen and you will have five minutes (300 seconds)to provide
responses for each realm. In order to pace your response, you will see a countdown clock
(in seconds) running in the bottom right corner of the video capture. You will respond to all
questions in one recording, so please state the question number before each answer. If you
finish early, you may click "Stop Recording," or the recording will stop at five minutes. Your
video will automatically attach to your secondary application.

‍

Essay Topics (’20 – ’21)

- Video secondary (prompt is a surprise once you log in)

‍

Essay Topics ('19 - '20)

You are asked to upload one, 1-page artifact (as a PDF; formatted no larger than 8.5x11") per value (Creativity, Compassion, Curiosity). Images, certificates, text or other visual options are allowed, however, hyperlinks and embedded videos are prohibited. You are encouraged to include multiple examples (i.e. a collage) to demonstrate your qualifications and awards, and you may repeat experiences that are listed on your AMCAS application.

Creativity
We know that complex problems require dynamic thinking and creative solutions. Help us see your creativity!

Show Us - What are the ways you demonstrate you have an active mind? What are you really proud of? For example, have you used technology in novel or distinct ways? What types of innovative solutions have you employed in your work, healthcare, or hobbies? Have you taken a risk to respond to a problem, to express yourself, or to achieve your goals? Describe how you live and lead a creative life.

Tell Us- In 100 words or less, explain how this artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of Medicine’s value of Creativity. Please indicate your time commitment in hours in the field below. If appropriate please share your level of commitment (e.g. your specific contributions if the artifact is a group effort).

Compassion
We believe in creating physicians who, in addition to solving healthcare's most complex problems, are also tender, kind, and warm. From day one, you will be working with patients.

Show Us - How have you changed the lives of others? What have you experienced that has fostered a deep sense of compassion? For example, have you had a moving volunteer experience? Have you learned through adversity and shared those lessons with others in need? Share with us how you’ve impacted a larger population, and help us see how you will be the type of physician we would entrust with our most beloved community members.

Tell Us- In 100 words or less, explain how this artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of Medicine’s value of Compassion. Please indicate your time commitment in hours in the field below. If appropriate please share your level of commitment (e.g. your specific contributions if the artifact is a group effort).

Curiosity
Carle Illinois College of Medicine values lifelong learners. We want to see your passion for learning and growing!

Show Us - How have you explored new interests, cultures, or people? Have you identified a need and taken the initiative to respond to that need? For example, is there a research project or work experience you’d like to share? Has your curiosity fostered a deeper sense of vulnerability, resilience, or life-long learning? If so, how? Let us see where your curiosity has taken you.

Tell Us- In 100 words or less, explain how this artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of Medicine’s value of Curiosity. Please indicate your time commitment in hours in the field below. If appropriate please share your level of commitment (e.g. your specific contributions if the artifact is a group effort).

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VIDEO ESSAY
In the video essay, we are asking you to answer 4 questions within one recording session. After testing your device, you may enter the recording session. The questions will appear on the webpage, and you will have four minutes to prepare a response. Professional attire is not required, however, we encourage you to record in a distraction free environment. The actual recording session will run for five minutes; we encourage you to briefly introduce yourself, and spend roughly one minute per question. A countdown clock will be running (in seconds) during the recording to assist you with the timing.

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Essay Topics ('18 - '19)

“We want to get to know you through the secondary application. We're looking for physician-innovators; and in leading by example, we are offering an innovative, non-traditional secondary application process. Show us how you are prepared for our unique curriculum, built at the intersection of engineering and medicine. What evidence from your background supports your success? Do you have experience in coding, collaboration, health system management, healthcare delivery, or advanced understanding of our suggested course work? Tell us how you will thrive at Carle Illinois!

You are asked to upload one, 1-page artifact (as a PDF; formatted no larger than 8.5x11") per value (Creativity, Compassion, Curiosity). Images, certificates, text or other visual options are allowed, however, hyperlinks and embedded videos are prohibited. You are encouraged to include multiple examples (i.e. a collage) to demonstrate your qualifications and awards, and you may repeat experiences that are listed on your AMCAS application.

Creativity


We know that complex problems require dynamic thinking and creative solutions. Help us see your creativity!

Show Us - What are the ways you demonstrate you have an active mind? What are you really proud of? For example, have you used technology in novel or distinct ways? What types of innovative solutions have you employed in your work, healthcare, or hobbies? Have you taken a risk to respond to a problem, to express yourself, or to achieve your goals? Describe how you live and lead a creative life.

Tell Us - In 250 words or less, explain how this artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of Medicine’s value of Creativity. If a time commitment was involved, please share your level of commitment (e.g. total hours/years invested; your specific contributions if the artifact is a group effort).

Compassion
We believe in creating physicians who, in addition to solving healthcare's most complex problems, are also tender, kind, and warm. From day one, you will be working with patients.

Show Us - How have you changed the lives of others? What have you experienced that has fostered a deep sense of compassion? For example, have you had a moving volunteer experience? Have you learned through adversity and shared those lessons with others in need? Share with us how you’ve impacted a larger population, and help us see how you will be the type of physician we would entrust with our most beloved community members.

Tell Us - In 250 words or less, explain how this artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of Medicine’s value of Compassion. If a time commitment was involved, please share your level of commitment (e.g. total hours/years invested; your specific contributions if the artifact is a group effort).

Curiosity
Carle Illinois College of Medicine values lifelong learners. We want to see your passion for learning and growing!

Show Us - How have you explored new interests, cultures, or people? Have you identified a need and taken the initiative to respond to that need? For example, is there a research project or work experience you’d like to share? Has your curiosity fostered a deeper sense of vulnerability, resilience, or life-long learning? If so, how? Let us see where your curiosity has taken you.

Tell Us - In 250 words or less, explain how this artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of Medicine’s value of Curiosity. If a time commitment was involved, please share your level of commitment (e.g. total hours/years invested; your specific contributions if the artifact is a group effort).

VIDEO ESSAY
In the video essay, we are asking you to answer 5 questions within one recording session. After testing your device, you may enter the recording session. The questions will appear on the webpage, and you will have five minutes to prepare a response. Professional attire is not required, however, we encourage you to record in a distraction free environment. The actual recording session will run for six minutes; we encourage you to briefly introduce yourself, and spend roughly one minute per question. A countdown clock will be running (in seconds) during the recording to assist you with the timing.
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Essay Topics ('17-'18)

‍
A description of the nontraditional Secondary application now has a link from the website to a You Tube video at: Secondary Application – Carle Illinois College of Medicine

A) Minute 1.02: You will submit artifacts to your portfolio featuring your greatest accomplishments to date, to reflect your:

1) Compassion
2) Creativity
3) Curiosity
4) Competence

[Examples in each category are provided.]

B) Minute 2.47: Questions posed to you through the application platform will need a camera enabled phone, tablet, or laptop for response. A question will come up on the screen. You'll have a few seconds to reflect on the answer and after the camera turns on, may have two attempts to respond.

No interviews, but a series of regularly scheduled showcases and open houses to meet faculty and see the campus will be offered.