Essay Topics (2024 - 2025)

Activities, Service, Research​

1. Please describe any new or additional medically related employment, volunteer activities or observation experiences not included in your AMCAS application (2000 character limit).

2. Please describe any new or additional community service, volunteer or leadership activities not included in your AMCAS application (2000 character limit).

3. Please describe any new or additional research experiences not included in your AMCAS application (2000 character limit).

4. Please select the description(s) below that best describes your overall research experience. If a project status is pending, choose the option that represents the current status. Use the space in question 5 to describe the anticipated timeline and outcome of any pending projects.

- 1 or more publications where you are listed as an author for a peer-reviewed publication, 2 or more National oral presentations, 2 or more National poster presentations OR doctoral dissertation

- 2 or more local/regional/district poster presentations, 1 or more National oral presentation, OR Master's thesis

- Member of a research team for more than a year OR 1 or more local/regional/district poster presentation

- A Member of a research team for less than a year with no publications or presentations

- No Research

5. Use this space to provide clarification of your research experiences, if needed (1000 character limit).

Personal Information​

1. Please consider sharing experiences, challenges, family or personal circumstances, interests, etc. that you believe would bring added value and unique lived experience to the learning community at USC School of Medicine Greenville (2000 character limit).

2. If you are not a South Carolina resident, what relationships, bonds, or other interests or connections do you have to the state?(1000 character limit).

3. Is there any additional information you would like the Admissions Committee to consider that has not been previously addressed? (1000 character limit).

4. Why have you chosen to apply to USC School of Medicine Greenville and how do you think your education at USCSOM Greenville will prepare you to become a physician in the future? (2000 character limit).

5. What areas of medicine are you interested in at this time or what areas do you plan to pursue, and why? (1000 character limit).

Essays (500 word limits)​

1. At USCSOM Greenville we are committed to Transforming Medicine One Doctor at a Time. Share how, as a physician, you will seek to transform medicine.

2. Caring for under-resourced and underserved communities is critical to the mission of our medical school and in best meeting the health needs of the most vulnerable patient populations. Please provide personal examples of how you have demonstrated your commitment to supporting these communities, and what you have learned about providing quality care in this process.

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Essay Topics ('23 - '24)

1: Please consider sharing experiences, challenges, family or personal circumstances, interests, etc. that you believe would bring added value and unique lived experience to the learning community at USC School of Medicine Greenville. (5000 characters)

2: If you are not a South Carolina resident, what relationships, bonds, or other interests or connections do you have to the state? (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)

3: Is there any additional information you would like the Admissions Committee to consider that has not been previously addressed? (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)

4: Why have you chosen to apply to USC School of Medicine Greenville and how do you think your education at USCSOM Greenville will prepare you to become a physician in the future? (5000 characters)

***Essay Question 1*** At USCSOM Greenville we are committed to Transforming Medicine One Doctor at a Time. Share how, as a physician, you will seek to transform medicine. (5000 characters)

***Essay Question 2*** Please describe a personal work, social or educational experience which felt inclusive and welcoming. (5000 characters)

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Essay Topics ('22 - '23)

Academic History​:

1. Did you apply to any MD or DO program during any previous academic year? (1a) If you previously applied to any medical school, what was your final application status? (1b) If you are a re-applicant, what have you engaged in and/or accomplished to strengthen your candidacy? (If not applicable, please write N/A) (3000 characters) (1c). If you applied previously to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, please provide the year(s) of your application(s). (1000 characters)

2. If you are not accepted to medical school for the upcoming academic year, what are your plans? (5000 characters)

3. Are you currently, or have you ever been subject to disciplinary action at a college or professional school that did not result in academic probation or dismissal? If you answered ‘Yes’ to Question 3, please provide a brief description. (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)

4. Have you ever been placed on academic probation at or dismissed from a college or professional school? If you answered ‘Yes’ to Question 4, please provide an explanation of the event and final outcome. (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)

5. Please briefly describe circumstances regarding any courses with a grade less than a B minus, or any course withdrawals. Additionally, please describe the circumstances if you took any required courses as Pass/Fail rather than graded due to COVID-19, including if you had a choice to take as graded or pass/fail and the context of that decision. (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)

6. If you are currently participating in an academic program, please outline intended coursework for the academic year. (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)

7. If you do not expect to spend this academic year in school, please explain how you intend to use this time. (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)

8. Please ensure you have completed the Prerequisite coursework section of the Applicant Gateway. If you need to explain any irregularities regarding your prerequisite courses, please indicate that here. (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)

Activities, Service, Research​:

9. Please describe any new or additional medically related employment, volunteer activities or observation experiences not included in your AMCAS application. (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)

10. Please describe any new or additional community service or volunteer activities not included in your AMCAS application. (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)

11. Please describe any new or additional research or leadership experiences not included in your AMCAS application. (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)

12.Have you participated in the U of SC School of Medicine Greenville Medical Experience Academy (MedEx)?

Personal Information​

13. Please consider sharing experiences, challenges, family or personal circumstances, interests, etc. that you believe would bring added value and diversity of lived experience to the learning community at UofSC School of Medicine Greenville. (5000 characters)

14. If you are not a South Carolina resident, what relationships, bonds, or other interests or connections do you have to the state? (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)

15. Is there any additional information you would like the Admissions Committee to consider that has not been previously addressed? (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)

16. Why have you chosen to apply to U of SC School of Medicine Greenville and how do you think your education at UofSCSOM Greenville will prepare you to become a physician in the future? (5000 characters)

Essays​:

17. How do you believe you will transform medicine as a physician? (500 words or less)

18. If there were 25 hours in the day, how would you fill the additional time? (500 words or less)

Demographic Profile:​

In responding to the following questions please keep in mind that the Admissions Committee seeks to select applicants with distinctive personal attributes and lived experiences who will bring added value to an inclusive learning community.

19. Does this application represent a career change or shift (including military service)? If you answered ‘Yes’, please describe your first career. (If not applicable, please write N/A) (2000 characters)

20. What best describes your experience in a rural area (defined as less than 25,000 people and greater than thirty miles from a population of over 100,000 people) Please answer with one of the following options:

21. Please share your racial identity as you indicated on your AMCAS application. (1000 characters)

22. Please share your ethnic identity as you indicated on your AMCAS application. (1000 characters)

23. Do you consider yourself as from a racial or ethnic population that is underrepresented in the medical profession, as defined by the AAMC, relative to their numbers in the general population?

24. Were you eligible to participate in the AAMC Fee Assistance Program for this application cycle?

25. Are you a first-generation college student? (Defined as an individual, neither of whose parents completed a baccalaureate degree; or an individual who, prior to the age of 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and whose supporting parent did not complete a baccalaureate degree; or an individual who, prior to the age of 18, did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or adoptive parent; thus, if a student’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s) attended college but to not have a bachelor’s degree (i.e. did not graduate), the student is considered to be first generation.)

26. Did you grow up in a home in which English was NOT the primary language?

27. If you answered ‘Yes’ to question 8, please list the primary language(s) used in your childhood home. (If not applicable, please write N/A) (1000 characters)

28. Are there any additional aspects of your personal background or identity that you feel are important to share with the Admissions Committee? Examples might include barriers to educational opportunities; experience with socioeconomic disadvantage; and/or identification with a diverse culture, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability. (5000 characters)

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Essay Topics ('21 - '22)

All prompts are 5000 characters unless otherwise noted.

1. If you are a re-applicant, what have you engaged in and/or accomplished to strengthen your candidacy? (If not applicable, please write N/A)

2. If you are not accepted to medical school for the upcoming academic year, what are your plans?

3. Please briefly describe circumstances regarding any courses with a grade less than a B minus, or any course withdrawals. Additionally, please describe the circumstances if you took any required courses as Pass/Fail rather than graded due to COVID-19, including if you had a choice to take as graded or pass/fail and the context of that decision. (If not applicable, please write N/A)

4. If you are currently participating in an academic program, please outline intended coursework for the academic year. (If not applicable, please write N/A)

5. If you do not expect to spend this academic year in school, please explain how you intend to use this time. (If not applicable, please write N/A)

6. If you are not a South Carolina resident, what relationships, bonds, or other interests or connections do you have to the state? (If not applicable, please write N/A)

7. Is there any additional information you would like the Admissions Committee to consider that has not been previously addressed? (If not applicable, please write N/A)

8. Why have you chosen to apply to UofSC School of Medicine Greenville and how do you think your education at UofSCSOM Greenville will prepare you to become a physician in the future?

9. Please provide any information regarding personal hardships that you have overcome. You may wish to include any past achievements, experiences, challenges, family or personal circumstances, interests, etc. that you believe would bring added value and diversity to the learning community at UofSC School of Medicine Greenville?

10. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your decision to attend medical school? What did you learn about yourself during this unprecedented pandemic? Comment also on how the pandemic contributed to your understanding of the challenges and rewards of caring for critically ill patients who may themselves represent a risk to your own health as well as that of your family. (500 words)

11. How do you define community? What role should physicians have in communities in which we live? (500 words)

12. Are there any additional aspects of your personal background or identity that you feel are important to share with the Admissions Committee? Examples might include barriers to access educational opportunities; economically disadvantaged status; or identification with a minority culture, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. (3000 characters)

‍Essay Topics (’20 – ’21)‍

1. If you are a re-applicant, what have you engaged in and/or accomplished to strengthen your candidacy? (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)

2. If you are not accepted to medical school for the upcoming academic year, what are your plans? (5000 characters)

3. Please briefly describe circumstances regarding any courses with a grade less than a B minus, or any course withdrawals. Additionally, please describe the circumstances if you took any required courses as Pass/Fail rather than graded due to COVID-19, including if you had a choice to take as graded or pass/fail and the context of that decision. (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)

4. If you are currently participating in an academic program, please outline intended coursework for the academic year. (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)

5. If you do not expect to spend this academic year in school, please explain how you intend to use this time. (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)

6. Please provide any information regarding hardships that you have overcome. You may wish to include any past achievements, experiences, challenges, family or personal circumstances, interests, etc. that you believe would bring added value and diversity to the learning community at UofSC School of Medicine Greenville. (5000 characters)

7. If you are not a South Carolina resident, what relationships, bonds, or other interests or connections do you have to the state? (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)

8. Is there any additional information you would like the Admissions Committee to consider that has not been previously addressed? (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)

9. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your decision to attend medical school? What did you learn about yourself during this unprecedented pandemic? Comment also on how the pandemic contributed to your understanding of the challenges and rewards of caring for critically ill patients who may themselves represent a risk to your own health as well as that of your family. (5000 characters)

10. In what ways is it important for physicians to serve as leaders? How does this relate to your personal strengths? Are there important leadership qualities that you are working to develop or improve? (5000 characters)

11. Are there any additional aspects of your personal background or identity that you feel are important to share with the Admissions Committee? Examples might include barriers to access educational opportunities; economically disadvantaged status; or identification with a minority culture, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. (5000 characters)

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‍Essay Topics ('19 – '20)‍

1. If you are a re-applicant, what have you engaged in and/or accomplished to strengthen your candidacy? (If not applicable, please put N/A)

2. If you are not accepted to medical school for the upcoming academic year, what are your plans?

3. Are you currently, or have you ever been subject to disciplinary action at a college or professional school that did not result in academic probation or dismissal?

4. If you answered ˜Yes to Question 3, please provide a brief description (If not applicable, please put N/A):

5. Have you ever been placed on academic probation at or dismissed from a college or professional school?

6. If you answered ˜Yes to Question 4, please provide an explanation of the event and final outcome. (If not applicable, please put N/A)

7. Please briefly describe circumstances regarding any courses with a grade less than a B minus, or any course withdrawals. (If not applicable, please put N/A)

8. If you are currently participating in an academic program, please outline intended coursework for the academic year (If not applicable, please put N/A)

9. If you do not expect to spend this academic year in school, please explain how you intend to use this time. (If not applicable, please put N/A)

10. Please describe any additional medically related volunteer activities or observation experiences not included in your AMCAS application. (If not applicable, please put N/A)

11. Please describe any additional community service or volunteer activities not included in your AMCAS application. (If not applicable, please put N/A)

12. Please describe any additional research or leadership experience not included in your AMCAS application. (If not applicable, please put N/A)

13. Have you participated in the U of SC School of Medicine-Greenville Medical Experience Academy (MedEx)?

14. Please provide any information regarding personal hardships that you have overcome. You may wish to include any past achievements, experiences, challenges, family or personal circumstances, interests, etc. that you believe would bring added value and diversity to the learning community at UofSC School of Medicine Greenville?

15. If you are not a South Carolina resident, what relationships, bonds, or other relevant interests or connections do you have to the state? (If not applicable, please put N/A)

16. Is there any additional information you would like the Admissions Committee to consider that has not been previously addressed? (If not applicable, please put N/A)

17. Lifestyle medicine is an integral component of the curriculum at UofSC School of Medicine Greenville. Lifestyle factors including nutritional practices, physical activities, recreation and strategies to manage stress are critical determinants of health. Please discuss what you believe to be effective measures by which physicians can address these issues in the care of their patients. (500 words or less)

18. Consider a leader with whom you have a personal and/or professional relationship. Describe the qualities you admire in this person and the similarities and differences you see between yourself and the leader you identified. What leadership qualities do you have that make you a strong candidate for Medical School? (500 words or less)

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‍Essay Topics ('18 – '19)‍

1. Please provide any information regarding personal challenges/hardships that you have overcome. (If not applicable, this question may be left blank.)

2. What traits, experiences, challenges, family or personal circumstances, interests, etc. make you unique and would bring added value and diversity to the learning environment at USCSOM Greenville?

3. If you are not a South Carolina resident, what relationships, bonds, or interests do you have to this state? (If not applicable, this question may be left blank.)

4. One of the Guiding Principles of the USCSOM Greenville is to "produce physicians competent not only in medical knowledge, technical skills and patient care, but also in compassion, collaborative interpersonal communication, professional responsibility and ethical behavior." Patients sometimes complain that physicians are "aloof", "don't seem to care" or "lack compassion". How, especially in a busy and often hectic setting, can a physician best demonstrate his or her compassion and genuine concern for a patient? How might compassionate patient-centered care improve patient outcomes? (500 words or less)

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‍Essay Topics ('17 – '18)‍

1. Please provide any information regarding personal challenges/hardships that you have overcome. (If not applicable, this question may be left blank.)

2. What traits, experiences, challenges, family or personal circumstances, interests, etc. make you unique and would bring added value and diversity to the learning environment at USCSOM Greenville?

3. If you are not a South Carolina resident, what relationships, bonds, or interests do you have to this state? (If not applicable, this question may be left blank.)

4. One of the Guiding Principles of the USCSOM Greenville is to "produce physicians competent not only in medical knowledge, technical skills and patient care, but also in compassion, collaborative interpersonal communication, professional responsibility and ethical behavior." Patients sometimes complain that physicians are "aloof", "don't seem to care" or "lack compassion". How, especially in a busy and often hectic setting, can a physician best demonstrate his or her compassion and genuine concern for a patient? How might compassionate patient-centered care improve patient outcomes? (500 words or less)

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‍Essay Topics ('16 – '17)‍

1. If you are a re-applicant, what have you done to strengthen your candidacy? (May be left blank when answer to question 1 is 'No')

2. If you are not accepted to medical school for the upcoming academic year, what are your plans?

3. If you are currently participating in an academic program, please project intended coursework for the academic year. (If not applicable, this question may be left blank.)

4. If you do not expect to spend this academic year in school, please explain how you intend to use this time. (If not applicable, this question may be left blank.)

5. Please describe any additional medically-related volunteering/shadowing/experience not included in your AMCAS application. (If not applicable, this question may be left blank.) 2000 characters

6. Please describe any additional community service or volunteer activities not included in your AMCAS application. (If not applicable, this question may be left blank.)

7. Please describe any additional research, teamwork, accomplishments or leadership experience not included in your AMCAS application. (If not applicable, this question may be left blank.)

8. One of the Guiding Principles of the USCSOM Greenville states that "Students will practice patient-centered care that values the interdependent roles of health care providers and facilities in service to their patients." Provide a definition of patient centered care and describe your understanding of how successful implementation of this principle will enable health care providers to address a patients medical and emotional needs in a more comprehensive, caring and cost-efficient manner (500 words).

9. Describe any past achievements, experiences, special family or personal circumstances that you believe make you a unique student, able to bring diversity to the class.

10. If you consider yourself disadvantaged and/or an underrepresented minority, in what capacity? Please answer with all of the following options that apply to you: Disadvantaged background - family income, Disadvantaged background - rural community, Disadvantaged background - parental education levels, Disadvantaged background - first generation college student, Underrepresented minority

11. Please provide any information regarding personal challenges/hardships that you have overcome not included in your AMCAS application. (If not applicable, this question may be left blank.)

12. What traits, experiences, challenges, interests, etc. make you unique and would bring added value to the learning environment at USCSOM Greenville?

13. If you are not a South Carolina resident, what relationships, bonds, or interests do you have to this state? (If not applicable, this question may be left blank.)

14. What other additional information would you like the Admissions Committee to consider that has not been previously addressed? (If not applicable, this question may be left blank.)

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‍Essay Topics ('15 – '16)‍

1. One of the Guiding Principles of the USCSOM Greenville states that "Students will practice patient-centered care that values the interdependent roles of health care providers and facilities in service to their patients." Describe how you would best provide patient-centered care to a 26-year-old graduate student recently diagnosed with a type of cancer which typically requires a prolonged course of aggressive chemotherapy.

2. What traits, experiences, challenges, interests, etc. make you unique and would bring added value to the learning environment at USCSOM Greenville?

3. Describe any past achievements, experiences, special family or personal circumstances that you believe make you a unique student, able to bring diversity to the class.

4. What you would do for the year if you were not accepted to medical school?

5. If you do not expect to spend this academic year in school, please explain how you intend to use this time. (If not applicable, this question may be left blank.)

6. If you are not a South Carolina resident, what relationships, bonds, or interests do you have to this state? (If not applicable, this question may be left blank.)

7. Please provide any information regarding personal challenges/hardships that you have overcome not included in your AMCAS application. (If not applicable, this question may be left blank.)

8. If you are not accepted to medical school for the upcoming academic year, what are your plans?

9. If you have experienced academic difficulties in college, please briefly explain circumstances regarding any courses with a grade less than a B minus, or any course withdrawals. (If not applicable, this question may be left blank.)

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‍Essay Topics ('14 – '15)‍

1. If you are a reapplicant, what have you done to strengthen your candidacy? (May be left blank when answer is NO, 2000 characters)

2. If you have experienced academic difficulties in college, please briefly explain circumstances regarding any courses with a grade less than a B minus, or any course withdrawals. (If not applicable, this question may be left blank, 2000 characters)

3. If you are currently participating in an academic program, please project intended coursework for the academic year. (If not applicable, this question may be left blank, 2000 characters)

4. If you do not expect to spend this academic year in school, please explain how you intend to use this time. (If not applicable, this question may be left blank, 2000 characters)

5. Please describe any additional medically-related volunteering/shadowing/experience not included in your AMCAS application. (If not applicable, this question may be left blank, 2000 characters)

6. Please describe any additional community service or volunteer activities not included in your AMCAS application. (If not applicable, this question may be left blank, 2000 characters)

7. Please describe any additional research, teamwork, accomplishments or leadership experience not included in your AMCAS application. (If not applicable, this question may be left blank, 2000 characters)

8. Please provide any information regarding personal challenges/hardships that you have overcome not included in your AMCAS application. (If not applicable, this question may be left blank, 2000 characters)

9. If you are not a South Carolina resident, what relationships, bonds, or interests do you have to this state? (If not applicable, this question may be left blank, 2000 characters)

10. What other additional information would you like the Admissions Committee to consider that has not been previously addressed? (If not applicable, this question may be left blank, 2000 characters)

11. Does this application represent a career change, if yes please describe your first career.

12. Describe any past achievements, experiences, special family or personal circumstances that you believe make you a unique student, able to bring diversity to the class (32,000 characters same problem as above with the character count)

13. If you are not accepted to medical school for the upcoming academic year, what are your plans? (2,000 characters)

14. What traits, experiences, challenges, interests, etc. make you unique and would bring added value to the learning environment at USCSM-Greenville (2,000 characters)?

15. One of the Guiding Principles of the USCSM Greenville states that "Students will practice patient-centered care that values the interdependent roles of health care providers and facilities in service to their patients." Describe your understanding of and commitment to patient-centered care and how successful implementation of this principle will help address the medical needs of your future patients and the community that you serve (500 words)

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‍Essay Topics ('13 – '14)‍

1. If you are a re-applicant, what have you done to strengthen your candidacy?

2. If you are not accepted to medical school for the upcoming academic year, what are your plans?

3. If you have experienced academic difficulties in college, please briefly explain circumstances regarding any courses with a grade less than a B minus, or any course withdrawals. (This question may be left blank)

4. Please describe any additional medically related volunteering/shadowing/experience not included in your AMCAS application. (This area may be left blank)

5. Please describe any additional community service or volunteer activities not included in your AMCAS application. (This area may be left blank)

6. Please describe any additional research, teamwork, accomplishments or leadership experience not included in your AMCAS application. (This area may be left blank)

7. Please provide any information regarding personal challenges/hardships that you have overcome not included in your AMCAS application. (This area may be left blank)

8. What traits, experiences, challenges, interests, etc. make you unique and would bring added value to the learning environment at USCSM Greenville?

9. If you are not a South Carolina resident, what relationships, bonds, or interests do you have to this state? (This question may be left blank)

10. What other additional information would you like the Admissions Committee to consider that has not been previously addressed? (This question may be left blank)

11. Please address the following question in a short essay of 500 words or less: One of the Guiding Principles of the USCSM Greenville states that students will practice patient centered care that values the interdependent roles of health care providers and facilities in service to their patients. Describe your understanding of, and commitment to, patient centered care and how successful implementation of this principle will help address the medical needs of your future patients and the community that you serve.

12. Describe any past achievements, experiences, special family or personal circumstances that you believe make you a unique student, able to bring diversity to the class?