Here are some sample secondary essay prompts for UCSF (University of California, San Francisco) School of Medicine for the 2023-2024 application cycle, along with guidance on how to approach each prompt.
UCSF School of Medicine Secondary Essay Prompts for 2023-2024
Prompt 1: If you wish to update or expand upon your activities, you may provide additional information below. (500 words)
Guidance:
- Updates: Use this space to provide any updates on your activities since you submitted your primary application.
- Elaboration: Elaborate on any activities that you feel are particularly significant or that you could not fully describe in your primary application.
- Impact and Learning: Discuss the impact of these activities and what you have learned from them.
Sample Answer: “Since submitting my primary application, I have continued to volunteer at the community health clinic, where I have taken on a leadership role in organizing health education workshops. These workshops aim to provide underserved populations with essential information about preventive care and managing chronic diseases. In this role, I have collaborated with local healthcare providers to develop educational materials and have led several workshops myself. This experience has deepened my understanding of the barriers to healthcare access and reinforced my commitment to serving marginalized communities. Additionally, I have completed a research project on the impact of social determinants on health outcomes, which was recently published in a peer-reviewed journal. This research has further solidified my interest in addressing health disparities through a combination of clinical practice and public health advocacy.”
Prompt 2: If you are 2023 or earlier college graduate, please use the space below to tell us what you have done since completing your undergraduate degree. (350 words)
Guidance:
- Post-Graduation Activities: Describe what you have been doing since you graduated.
- Relevance: Highlight how these activities are relevant to your medical career.
- Skills and Experience: Discuss any new skills or experiences you have gained.
Sample Answer: “Since graduating in 2021, I have been working as a clinical research coordinator at a major hospital. In this role, I have managed multiple clinical trials, coordinating between patients, physicians, and research staff to ensure the smooth execution of study protocols. This position has allowed me to develop strong organizational and communication skills, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the clinical research process. Additionally, I have volunteered with a local non-profit organization that provides healthcare services to homeless individuals. This experience has been incredibly rewarding and has highlighted the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care. I have also taken advanced courses in public health to further my knowledge and prepare for medical school. These experiences have reaffirmed my commitment to a career in medicine and have equipped me with valuable skills that I will bring to my medical training.”
Prompt 3: Applicants are required to submit one premedical committee letter or a minimum of three individual letters of recommendation. Please describe the origin of your letters of recommendation. (500 words)
Guidance:
- Sources: Describe the sources of your letters of recommendation.
- Selection: Explain why you chose these individuals to write your letters.
- Insight: Discuss what each letter writer can provide insight into regarding your qualifications and character.
Sample Answer: “My letters of recommendation come from three individuals who have significantly influenced my academic and professional development. The first letter is from Dr. Jane Smith, my research advisor and mentor, who supervised my undergraduate thesis on the social determinants of health. Dr. Smith can attest to my research skills, intellectual curiosity, and dedication to addressing health disparities. The second letter is from Dr. Robert Johnson, a physician at the community health clinic where I have volunteered for the past two years. Dr. Johnson can speak to my clinical skills, compassion for patients, and commitment to serving underserved communities. The third letter is from Professor Emily Davis, my biology professor and advisor for the pre-medical club. Professor Davis can provide insight into my academic abilities, leadership skills, and passion for medicine. Together, these letters offer a comprehensive view of my qualifications, character, and readiness for medical school.”
Prompt 4: What is at the heart of your desire to study medicine? (500 words)
Guidance:
- Personal Motivation: Share a personal story or experience that sparked your interest in medicine.
- Core Values: Discuss the core values that drive your desire to become a physician.
- Future Goals: Explain how these motivations and values align with your future goals in medicine.
Sample Answer: “At the heart of my desire to study medicine is a deep-seated commitment to improving the health and well-being of others. This commitment was ignited by a personal experience when my younger brother was diagnosed with a chronic illness. Witnessing the compassionate care he received from his medical team and the positive impact it had on our family inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. My volunteer work at a community health clinic further reinforced this calling, as I saw firsthand the disparities in healthcare access and the difference that dedicated healthcare providers can make in the lives of underserved patients. My core values of empathy, service, and lifelong learning drive my aspiration to become a physician. I am dedicated to providing holistic, patient-centered care and advocating for health equity. I envision a future where I can contribute to both individual patient care and broader public health initiatives, working to create a more just and effective healthcare system.”
Prompt 5: Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses that tested your coping skills. What did you do? (500 words)
Guidance:
- Situation: Describe a specific situation where you faced significant challenges.
- Actions: Explain the steps you took to address the problems or stresses.
- Outcome: Discuss the outcome of your actions and what you learned from the experience.
Sample Answer: “During my sophomore year of college, I faced a particularly challenging period when I was balancing a demanding course load with a part-time job and responsibilities as the primary caregiver for my mother, who was undergoing cancer treatment. The stress was overwhelming, and I struggled to keep up with my academic and personal commitments. To cope with this difficult situation, I developed a structured schedule that allocated specific times for studying, work, and caregiving. I also sought support from my professors and academic advisors, who provided me with extensions and additional resources to manage my coursework. Additionally, I attended counseling sessions offered by the university, which helped me develop effective stress management techniques and maintain my mental well-being. Through this experience, I learned the importance of seeking help, staying organized, and prioritizing self-care. These skills have made me more resilient and better prepared to handle the challenges of a medical career.”
These sample prompts and responses should provide a solid foundation for crafting your secondary essays for UCSF School of Medicine. Good luck with your application!
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