Essay Topics (2024 - 2025)

Please complete this section using the prompt given. Your essays should be limited to 250-300 words (2000 max characters) each and it is strongly recommended that you not copy and paste your AMCAS application essay.

1. There is no doubt the level of stress brought on by medical school can impact a student's mental health and emotional well-being. Discuss the ways you plan to manage your health and well-being during medical school. (250-300 words maximum)

2. In the event you are accepted into two or more medical schools, what factors would be most important in determining which school would be the "best fit" for you? (250-300 words maximum)

3. Describe an experience that has given you a unique understanding of human suffering and what did you learn from this experience? (250-300 words maximum)

4. Describe your experience with primary care either as a patient, caregiver, visitor, staff, or volunteer. (250-300 words maximum)

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OTHER Questions: (in addition to these main secondary essays)

1. RESIDENCY INFORMATION​

Do you claim to be a North Carolina resident? *If you claim to be resident, you must complete the residency process with the Residency Determination Service (see direct link in Application Instructions). You will receive a Residency Certification Number (RCN) which should be entered onto your admissions application (next question) or provided directly to our office when available.​

• Yes-I claim to be North Carolina resident for tuition purposes.*
• No-I do not claim North Carolina residency for tuition purposes. PLEASE refer back to the Application Instructions.
• Enter your RCN (Residency Certification Number):
• Enter the RCN (Residency Certification Number) expiration date.

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2. ACADEMIC INFORMATION​

Have you ever applied to medical school? (Yes/No)

Have you ever applied to the Brody School of Medicine? If yes, what year(s) did you apply?

If this is not your first application to medical school, please select the additional qualifications you now possess. (Optional)

• Improved GPA
• New MCAT scores
• New medical experiences
• New non-medical volunteer or service opportunities
• Other (explanation in next question)

If you selected "Other" in the previous question, please explain. Optional (1,000 Characters)

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3. BACKGROUND INFORMATION​

These campus safety questions must be completed. Your "yes" answer to any of them will not necessarily preclude your being admitted; however, your failure to provide complete, accurate, and truthful information will be grounds to deny or withdraw your admissions, or dismiss you after enrollment. For the purpose of the following questions, "crime" or "criminal charge" refers to any crime other than a traffic related misdemeanor or an infraction. You must, however, include alcohol or drug offenses whether or not they are traffic related.

1. Have you ever been convicted of a crime? (Yes/No)
2. Have you ever entered a plea of guilty, a plea of no contest, a plea of nolo contendere, or an Alford plea, or have you received a deferred prosecution, or prayer for judgment continued, to a criminal charge? (Yes/No)
3. Have you otherwise accepted responsibility for the commission of a crime? (Yes/No)
4. Do you have any criminal charges pending against you? (Yes/No)
5. Have you ever been expelled, dismissed, suspended, placed on probation, or otherwise subject to any disciplinary sanction by any school, college, or university? (Yes/No)
6. If you have ever served in the military, did you receive any type of discharge other than an honorable discharge? (Never served/Yes/No/Currently Serving)

If you answered "yes" to any of the six questions above, please explain the circumstances. THIS QUESTION REQUIRES AN ANSWER-If you answered "no" to all questions, simply answer "N/A". (1,500 characters)

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4. SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS (see the 4 essay prompts in green above)​

Please complete this section using the prompt given. Your essays should be limited to 250-300 words (2500 max characters) each and it is strongly recommended that you not copy and paste your AMCAS application essay.

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5. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION​

Please indicate your citizenship:​

• U.S. Citizen
• Permanent Resident (a photo of your Green Card must be submitted-"Upload Documents")

Have you, your spouse, or either of your parents been in active military service within the past two years?

• Yes (Please include copies of LES in the "Upload Documents" activity)
• No

Have you participated in the following programs or similar programs for health professions enrichment: ECU Brody School of Medicine Summer Program for Future Doctors (SPFD), ECU Brody School of Medicine Summer Biomedical Research Program (SBRP), Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP), Medical Education Development (MED) Program at UNC, Pitt County Health Sciences Academy, Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars, Medical Explorers, SNMA Pipeline Programs, Health Professions Readiness & Enrichment Program (HPREP), Youth Science Enrichment Program (YSEP). If yes, please list the activity and year(s) of participation. How did the program(s) prepare you as a future physician? Optional (3,500 characters)Please use this area for more complete answers that required additional space, indicating the corresponding number of the question. Optional (3,500 Characters)

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Essay Topics ('23 – '24)

(2500 max characters each)

1. When you close your eyes and imagine your professional life 20 years from now, what do you see?

2. Tell us about a time where you felt that your persisted towards a goal or outcome you wanted even when there where challenges/barriers in the way. How did to you stay motivated to achieve your goal? Describe resources you used to overcome the challenge.

3. Medical school presents numerous emotional and professional challenges. Please share an instance where you faced a difficult academic situation and explain how you managed the situation. How did you promote your wellness during this situation?

4. East Carolina University’s motto is Servire- “To Serve.” Tell us about your most meaningful community service project or experience unrelated to patient care.

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Essay Topics ('22 – '23)

1. Why have you chosen to apply to the Brody School of Medicine and how do you think your education at the Brody School of Medicine will prepare you to become a future physician? (250-300 words).

2. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on everyday life. From your perspective, reflect upon what you have learned or experienced during this time and how will this impact you going forward. (250-300 words). Items to consider incorporating in your response may include but are not limited to:

Academic: Did Covid-19 interrupt your studies? Were you able to interact with your professors and classmates? Did your school require students to move to pass/fail grading systems? Did your MCAT exam get cancelled or delayed?

Clinical Experiences and Community Service Activities: Did you hold a job? Were you able to gain clinical experiences, either in employment or volunteerism? Did you pursue volunteer opportunities in response to community needs during the pandemic?

Personal: How did the pandemic affect you or those close to you? Did you face any personal challenges because of Covid-19? Has Covid-19 changed or challenged your perception of pursuing a career in medicine?

3. East Carolina University’s motto is Servire- “To Serve.” Tell us about your most meaningful community service project or experience. (250-300 words)

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Essay Topics ('21 – '22)

1. Reflect on your reasons for desiring to study medicine, your future professional aspirations, your most significant clinical experience, and also your most meaningful non-medical experience.‍

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Essay Topics ('20 – '21)‍

1. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on everyday life across the world. From your perspective, reflect upon what you have learned or experienced during this time and how will this impact you going forward. (300-500 words)

OPTIONAL QUESTION:

1. Reflect on your reasons for desiring to study medicine, your future professional aspirations, your most significant clinical experience, and also your most meaningful non-medical experience. (300-500 words)

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‍Essay Topics ('19 – '20)

1. Please complete this section using the prompt given. Your essay should be limited to 300-500 words and it is strongly recommended that you not copy and paste your AMCAS application essay.

2. Reflect on your reasons for desiring to study medicine, your future professional aspirations, your most significant clinical experience, and also your most meaningful non-medical experience. (300-500 words, input box limited to 3500 characters)

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‍Essay Topics ('18 – '19)

1. Please complete this section using the prompt given. Your essay should be limited to 300-500 words and it is strongly recommended that you not copy and paste your AMCAS application essay.

2. Reflect on your reasons for desiring to study medicine, your future professional aspirations, your most significant clinical experience, and also your most meaningful non-medical experience. (300-500 words)

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‍Essay Topics ('17 – '18)

1. Please use this area to submit a composition of 300-500 words which reflects your reasons for desiring to study medicine, your future professional aspirations, your most significant clinical experience, and also your most meaningful non-medical experience. Please DO NOT copy and paste your AMCAS essay.

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Essay Topics ('16 – '17)

1. Please use this area to submit a composition of 300-500 words which reflects your reasons for desiring to study medicine, your future professional aspirations, your most significant clinical experience, and also your most meaningful non-medical experience. Please DO NOT copy and paste your AMCAS essay.

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‍Essay Topics ('15 – '16)

1. A composition of 30-500 words which reflects your reasons for desiring to study medicine, your future professional aspirations, your most significant clinical experience, and also your most meaningful non-medical experience. Please DO NOT copy and paste your AMCAS essay.

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‍Essay Topics ('14 – '15)

1. Supplemental Essay:

Please use this area to submit a composition of 300-500 words which reflects your reasons for desiring to study medicine, your future professional aspirations, your most significant clinical experience, and also your most meaningful non-medical experience. Please DO NOT copy and paste your AMCAS essay. (Max: 3200 characters)

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Essay Topics ('13 – '14)

1. A composition of 300-500 words which reflects your reasons for desiring to study medicine, your future professional aspirations, your most significant clinical experience, and also your most meaningful non-medical experience.