why you want to go to medical school essay

• Medical School Secondary Essays

How to Ace "Why This Medical School?" Secondary Essay

When writing your medical school admissions essay, you will likely have to answer the “Why This Medical School?” secondary essays prompt. It’s important to know why schools are asking this essay prompt, and how to answer it! Among other tips you’ll come across when learning how to make your medical school application stand out , having a well written, concise essay that expresses your passion and interest in a specific program is key to getting asked for an interview.

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Article Contents 8 min read

The application process for medical schools can be daunting and stressful, especially if you're not sure about where to apply or what makes one school better than another. There are several components of each application, and in order to land yourself an interview at your top school(s), you’ll need to write enticing essays that follow the instructions of each prompt, and provide relevant details that will help you stand out among other applicants. One question that all applicants will get asked on their applications is, “why this medical school?” or, a similar variation of the question. This essay prompt can help you stand out from the crowd by showing that your interest in attending this school goes beyond just getting an education—you may have ties to the location and city, or researched their program extensively and find it to be the most unique and intriguing for you and your future goals. But what exactly should you include in your “why this medical school” essay in order to stand out? Read on to learn some tips for writing a strong response to this question, and view a few sample essays.

The "why this medical school?" essay is one of the most important parts of your medical school application. The prompt asks you to explain why you want to go to this particular school, and it lets the admissions committee get a deeper sense of who you are an if you’re a worthy of consideration for an interview. This essay allows them to learn more about your personality and interests, so that they can make an informed decision about whether or not they think you’d be a good fit for their program not simply because you wish to attend medical school, but because you’d fit in well, and are passionate about, their specific program.

In other words, if your goal is getting into your chosen medical school as quickly as possible (and what applicant doesn't want that?), then answering this essay well will dramatically improve your chances! This particular essay helps admissions committees weed out candidates who are impartial about which school they attend, and who may not align with their program’s values, culture and structure. Medical programs are competitive, and many are seeking the ‘best of the best’ applicants who demonstrate passion, intrinsic motivation, and determination to attend their program. That is why it’s crucial that you plan out your responses to your each of your prompts and medical school secondary essays throughout your application process. Taking your time, writing authentically, crafting several drafts, revising, asking a trusted individual or seeking medical school admissions consulting for support, and submitting your essays on time are all great ways to ensure your “why this medical school” essay is superb.

Are you applying to UCSD? Check out how to prepare your secondary for this competitive institution!

Your response to “why this medical school” must be genuine, personal, and most of all, convincing. You absolutely do not want to fabricate a response, as if you’re invited to interview, it will be clear that you weren’t honest and authentic in your essay, and this may result in a rejection. You must make your intentions and passion clear, and for eager future medical students, this should actually be quite easy to do!

Ask yourself: “Why do I want to attend this particular school? What do I like about the school and their program? What makes them better than another school with a similar program?” You can write down your thoughts first, or, even record yourself speaking as you share your thoughts with a family member or friend. This can be a good way of starting your writing process if you’re experiencing writers block. Additionally, preparing your essay responses aloud is a good way of indirectly preparing for other common medical school interview questions that will come your way if and when you get invited for an interview!

"Why This Medical School?" Sample #1, 500-750 words

“I recall the first time I knew, with confidence, that I would one day be a doctor. I knew I needed to be a doctor, in fact, because all I’ve ever wanted to do is learn, and help people. When I was seven years old, a child at the playground who had joined in on a game of tag with my friends and I plummeted from the top of the monkey bars and broke her arm. Many onlookers panicked and ran for help, but without hesitation, I ran to the aid of the injured child and comforted her. I knew, somehow innately, how to keep her calm, and the importance of keeping her injury still until help arrived. I felt excited and honored to help in that moment. For the months that followed, many parents complemented me on my composure and expressed how mature I was when all the other children cried and panicked. To me, it only felt natural to be a helper in my community, and to take charge of a situation, so that was when I realized not everybody felt so automatically inclined—or fascinated with—helping injured and ill people. I knew then what path I had to take, and began looking for opportunities to learn more about health care at my school, and in my community. My community is one that is historically underserved, and members of my community are underrepresented in the medical field, and after years of volunteering at various pop-up clinics and detox centers, I’m eager help to change that.

Attending X University Medical School, means I’ll be learning and getting clinical experience in my own community, and will be able to take part in community outreach programs, and eventually, propose my own ideas for outreach. I know first-hand the medical and mental health care support this community surrounding X University is lacking, and, I know the wonderful people who reside in it that make it the incredible place it is. I would be elated to be a part of a renowned learning environment where I could enhance and develop my technical skills, partake in initiatives throughout my program and beyond, and give back to my community by providing compassionate care.

Throughout my time in secondary and post-secondary, I immersed myself in life sciences and sociology—my other favorite subject, which I will receive a double-major in. I started volunteering in various groups and shadowing with other pre-med students in my second year of study, most notably, the local women’s health facility and shelter. There, I learned the importance of accessible care, and came to understand the systemic inequity that exists in healthcare, especially for women and minorities in underserved communities. I was also able to put my understanding of sociology and social systems to use as I helped women navigate next-step programs, whether they were escaping abusive partnerships or recovering from an addiction. As an eager and accomplished self-started, I feel I could bring forth my existing knowledge and passion to help people, and would excel in X University’s interdisciplinary, self-directed components of the medical program. I also look forward to learning alongside a team of likeminded professionals in your clinical, team-oriented experiences offered as both a part of the program, and as extracurricular opportunities. I feel that although there are many medical schools in the state, X University offers the most comprehensive, appealing program to professionals like myself who want to learn the from the best faculty, and apply what I’ve learned throughout my time in your program, and bring the best care to our budding and evolving community when I one day become an MD.”

"Why This Medical School?" Sample #2, 250-500 words

“Attending X University as a medical student means that I would be able to immerse myself into a community renowned for its supportive culture, research alongside incredible faculty, and attend one of the top programs in the country. Because I have a special interest, and experience working with patients with, XYZ, a notoriously under-researched and underfunded area of medicine, I know that X University will provide me with the opportunity to flourish as a future medical professional, and as a future clinical researcher. I have many ground-breaking ideas to explore, and because I’ve followed X University’s research for nearly a decade, I know I would be among like-minded individuals at your institution. Last year, my lab team was awarded the University of Newtown Award for Excellency in Biology and Life Sciences for our project that explored the relation and co-existence between celiac disease and sickle-cell anemia. I enjoyed this extensive research project, and partaking in it only affirmed my dedication and passion for this field of medicine.

My goal as a future medical student it to absorb all learning materials in every form, and take each moment of field experience as both a challenge and an opportunity to shine. Not only will I learn how to best provide care, but to also make the current system better for patients. Whether I do so through my combined passion and knowledge obtained through X University’s program, or through my future research on diseases like XYZ, I will strive to make a difference, and feel the inclusive, non-competitive, supportive learning community at X University is the best place for me access the tools and gain the experiences in order to do so. Because X University has a wonderful reputation for making breakthroughs in the field of medical research, specifically with auto-immune diseases, I am eager and prepared to relocate across the country and begin my professional journey as a member of a prestigious medical school community.”

It might sound like a basic question, but the “why this medical school” essay prompt carries a lot of significance and your response must be well thought out! This prompt is asking you to explain why you want to attend a particular institution, and your response will let the admissions committee understand you, your goals, and get a deeper sense of who you are. This essay will be used to help them assess whether or not you’re worthy of consideration based on your interests, passions, personality, and goals as they relate to the particular medical program you’re applying for.

It isn’t uncommon for students to apply to several medical schools. You likely have one or two ‘top’ choices, but in order to secure a chance of admission, you may apply to your ‘plan B’ schools as well. You should never communicate that a school is not your top choice, but rather, focus on what each school and program offers, what you’ll gain from the experience—should you be accepted and attend—and what makes them unique from other schools. Admissions teams know that many students apply to several schools, so be honest in your answer to the extent of why you want to attend the school, but never state that you are applying because a particular school is “close to home”, “is known for easy admittance”, or “because it’s an option”. Take the time to research and get excited about each school individually before you write each essay.

When drafting and writing your “why this medical school?” essay, and any secondary essay, it’s important that you:

• Stick to a legible, professional and consistent format and font (no colors or creative fonts)
• 1.5-2.0 spacing is always preferred
• Adhere to any specific instructions outlined on your application
• Ensure that you proofread and edit your essay several times to ensure it’s error-free
• This is a personal, professional essay. That means you should write in your own authentic voice, portray yourself as a professional, and include an introduction, body section with appropriate details, and a brief conclusion that reiterates and wraps up your response and prompts the admissions committee to—hopefully—proceed with next steps in your application process.

This can vary by school, and every application is different! In general, most admissions and secondary essays span anywhere from 250-1000 words. Always double check your application/essay instructions and stick as closely to the word count as you can.

Your essay should outline what personal experiences, goals and values you have that align with a particular aspect of the school’s program, culture, reputation, and/or curriculum. You should highlight specific aspects of the medical program that are appealing to you and unique to the school, and detail why this is important to you! This is a brief essay, so it’s best to research and decide on a few key points about the school that are relevant to your interest, and detail them, along with a bit about who you are as a prospective medical school student.

As noted above, this is a brief essay, and schools are trying to get a clear idea of who each applicant is, and why they are interested in their specific medical school program. Avoid detailing irrelevant events, as well as going in-depth about your experience, grades or GPA accomplishments, as a lot of this information was likely already reviewed in your initial application. Along with this, don’t simply regurgitate information from the school’s website! They already know what they offer, so if you’re opting to discuss a specific point, such as a unique curriculum, get specific and detail why it matters to you and aligns with your goals! Finally, it’s important to remember that the admissions team is looking to select candidates with a genuine interest and passion for medicine, and for their school. It’s crucial that your essay is written in your voice, and includes honest details about what entices you about the chosen school specifically.

You may benefit from seeking help from a medical school admissions tutor . The application process, as well as the interview process, for medical school can be extensive and overwhelming! BeMo Academic Consulting can help you prepare for various components of your medical school application by offering 1-on-1 preparatory consulting services to guide you through every step of the application process!

Not always! Although it’s a good sign that the admissions committee has reviewed your initial application and would like to learn more about you, some schools send secondary essay prompts to every applicant, and others opt to send them to applicants whom they have interest in. Because it varies by school, it’s important that you prepare and submit your secondary materials as soon as you can to show that you’re eager and interested in the school!

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Answering the 'Why This Medical School?' Question

Learn how to give specific responses to this important question.

Answering 'Why This Medical School?'

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Specificity is the key to nailing this important question on the application.

Medical school applicants are asked, “Why do you want to go to this medical school ?” in medical school secondary essays and medical school interviews . The key to a strong “Why this medical school” response is to tailor your reasons to both your career interests and the unique opportunities the medical school has to offer.

The first step a med school applicant can take to prepare for this response is to do extensive research to find the unique activities they want to pursue at each medical school. The key is specificity. For example, if you are interested in global health, find a global health elective that you are interested in pursuing. On the other hand, if you are interested in oncology research , find specific professors or labs you want to conduct oncology research with.

Then, you have to craft a strong “Why this medical school” response. Your essays and interview responses should include the specific classes, clinical rotation electives, volunteer opportunities, research projects, student organizations and professors you want to work with.

Finally, align your response to the medical school’s specific mission and culture .

It is hard to tease out what a medical school’s culture is since all their missions sound similar. To gain a better understanding of a medical school’s culture, read the bios of current students on the website, watch YouTube videos of current medical students, and visit the medical school. Pay particular attention to what opportunities the current medical students are involved with.

For example, if all the students you listen to are involved with free clinics , then you know that the medical school values student involvement with the local underserved community. Conversely, if a majority of the students you speak with are conducting research projects , that's an indication that the medical school values research.

Below are hypothetical responses of three med school applicants with different interests.

Applicant 1: Interested in Oncology

My mom passed away from breast cancer when I was in high school. I admired how her oncologist sat down with our family at each appointment to answer our questions and educate us to help make the best decisions for my mom. I was inspired to pursue medicine and care for my patients and their families in the same compassionate manner.

I worked with cancer support groups in my community. I organized my university’s “Breast Cancer Awareness Walk-a-thon” each year and raised a total of $40,000 towards breast cancer research. I met many breast cancer survivors from whom I learned the importance of community in their journeys towards recovery. For example, they talked about the importance of being connected with other patients with breast cancer so that they can relate to others going through the emotional and physical difficulties of chemo and radiation.

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Working in a molecular biology lab in college, I focused on identifying genetic markers associated with breast cancer, which aimed to develop more targeted and effective treatments. Analyzing tumor samples and collaborating with a dedicated team of researchers not only honed my technical skills, but also deepened my understanding of the complexities of cancer biology. In medical school, I want to work with Professor M. on identifying tumor markers through cancer genomic sequencing.

I also want to work with the hospital’s Cancer Institute to organize outreach programs in low-income communities that promote cancer screening awareness. I am excited to pursue clinical electives in women’s health and oncology to learn how to take care of cancer patients. In the future, I am interested in pursuing academic medicine through conducting oncology research and taking care of cancer patients.

Applicant 2: Interested in Urban Health

I want to attend this medical school because of its emphasis on urban health. I grew up next to downtown Los Angeles and volunteered in homeless shelters. I saw how difficult it was for homeless individuals to receive medical care because they lacked transportation and health insurance. In college, I studied sociology to understand the social structures and systems that contribute to homelessness.

I am particularly interested in coming to this medical school because of its commitment to community health , including the impoverished neighborhoods around the hospital. I am excited about the Homeless Health Elective where we can conduct medical exams and take patient histories at the local homeless shelter. As somebody who is interested in emergency medicine, I want to create partnerships between the hospital’s emergency department and local homeless shelters to ensure that our homeless patients have safe shelter after they are discharged.

Applicant 3: Interested in Global Health

Throughout college, I worked on public health initiatives in Ethiopia to reduce childhood mortality among the poorest 25% of the population. Similarly, in medical school, I want to continue pursuing community outreach globally.

I want to pursue the global health scholarly concentration at the medical school. Classes like “Social Entrepreneurship in Global Health” will give me ideas on how to implement innovative programs in developing countries. I am excited about doing a summer elective in Africa to continue to gain clinical experience abroad. Additionally, I would like to organize and go to the annual medical missions supported by the medical school. I would like to learn how to provide effective medical care in resource-limited settings.

Finally, I would love to be mentored by Dr. A, who is involved with UNICEF and the World Health Organization, in order to understand how I can collaborate with these institutions in my future career.   These three case studies show how to highlight specific interests in medicine through the “Why this medical school?” response. We see how each student’s activities in college relate to specific opportunities he or she wants to pursue in medical school. Each applicant also connects the medical school opportunities to what he or she wants to pursue in the future.

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About Medical School Admissions Doctor

Need a guide through the murky medical school admissions process? Medical School Admissions Doctor offers a roundup of expert and student voices in the field to guide prospective students in their pursuit of a medical education. The blog is currently authored by Dr. Ali Loftizadeh, Dr. Azadeh Salek and Zach Grimmett at Admissions Helpers , a provider of medical school application services; Dr. Renee Marinelli at MedSchoolCoach , a premed and med school admissions consultancy; Dr. Rachel Rizal, co-founder and CEO of the Cracking Med School Admissions consultancy; Dr. Cassie Kosarec at Varsity Tutors , an advertiser with U.S. News & World Report; Dr. Kathleen Franco, a med school emeritus professor and psychiatrist; and Liana Meffert, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Iowa's Carver College of Medicine and a writer for Admissions Helpers. Got a question? Email [email protected] .

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Answering “Why This Medical School,” Step-by-Step

Posted in: Interviews

Table of Contents

One of the most common medical school interview questions you’ll need to prepare for is: “Why do you want to attend this medical school?” On your medical school secondaries and at interviews, you’ll need to provide AdComs with a compelling reason that you are interested in their program in particular.

Clever interviewers may ask this question in various other ways, such as:

• “Describe your ideal medical school.”
• “For you, what are the most important qualities of a medical program?”
• “Tell us what you know about our program.”
• “What interests you most about our school?”

The best way to answer this question is to give specific examples of why your interests, experience, and passions align with the school’s mission and focus. Use 2, maybe 3 examples, of strengths of the medical program that will help you advance your career as a physician.

I’ve compiled tips from current med students and former admissions committee members to help you ace this question and stand out as an applicant who will be a great fit for your chosen program.

A great one to start with: Don’t make your answer an infomercial for the school. Check out advice from our Associate Director of Advising, Dr. Ziggy’s:

@shrinkwholovespink #premed #premedadvice #premedstudent #premedlife #medschoolinterview #medschoolinterviews #medschoolinterviewtips #interviewtips #interviewprep ♬ original sound - Ziggy Yoediono MD MBA

1. Do Your Research

The first step to answering this question is to research the medical program you’re applying to. First and foremost, your answer to “why this medical school” should be an authentic look into why you believe this is a great program for you based on what you know about it.

Some of the features of medical schools you might want to look into include:

• Mission and culture: What about the school’s mission and culture stand out to you? How do these align with your goals as a future physician? This institution might favor students who want to work with underserved communities, partner with patients from specific backgrounds, or be leaders in a specific area of medical research. They may strongly spotlight a particular issue with the healthcare system and prefer students who are passionate about addressing that issue.
• Curriculum structure: What unique curriculum or educational structure does this institution use that intrigues you?
• Highlighted specialties: Are there specialties this school emphasizes? For instance, if you’re interested in primary care, a program offering a primary care mentorship would be very attractive. A college of medicine with a strong research arm would be excellent for a student hoping for a research-heavy career.
• Faculty members: Are there well-known faculty members who have contributed to the field of medicine in a way that stands out to you? 
• Location: What stands out to you about the location of this medical program? Is it in a city or state you’re personally connected with? Are you seeking a medical education in an inner-city location because that’s the population you’re hoping to serve? Do you want to be a doctor in a rural area, and therefore attend a school in that setting?
• Legacy: Do you have family members or other loved ones who have attended this school? How did their experience influence your desire to attend this particular institution?

Start researching the school’s mission by thoroughly reading through their website, but don’t stop there. A quick Google search can reveal a lot about the school’s reputation outside of their own website — just search for the institution’s name and click on “News” or “Perspectives.”

It’s also a good idea to check out the school’s presence on social media, both by looking at their own accounts and seeing what others have to say. This sort of research can help you stand out, especially if you learn things from current and past students that’s not as easily defined, like activities from certain clubs or a student-led passion for social justice.

Related: Casper, Duet, and Snapshot 2024/25 Cycle Guide

2. Describe How Your Experiences Align With the Institution

After researching, write down how your experiences line up with what you know about the medical program. I encourage you to write this answer down even if you’re preparing for an interview where you’ll communicate your thoughts verbally.

Avoid generic answers such as “there are lots of research opportunities” or “the community service program looks good.” Instead, highlight areas of your own life that will be compelling to the program where you’re interviewing. Examples might include:

• Relevant extracurricular activities, such as clubs you’ve been a part of or led and volunteer work, and why they lead seamlessly into a medical education at this school
• Your clinical experience during your pre-med years and how it has influenced your interested in healthcare
• Snapshots of personal experiences from undergrad that have shaped you into an ideal candidate for this particular institution
• Research projects you’ve worked on and how they make you a great fit
• Initiatives you’ve been involved with that relate to a specific area of study, such as public health, oncology, or medical ethics (this could be anything from a paper you wrote to your social media presence )

The more in-depth your responses, the better chance you have at standing out. However, avoid just trying to rewrite the mission statement from the school’s website — your response should include storytelling about your own personal experiences and goals, too.

3. Share How You Will Maximize These Opportunities

After you describe your unique interest in the school, follow through by sharing how you plan to take full advantage of the unique opportunities while in the program.

If you love a school because of a research opportunity it presents that aligns with your undergraduate research, maybe you’ll continue that same research. If a lab at the medical school would provide a perfect setting, then explain how you may want to utilize that resource.

4. Ask a Trusted Advisor or Professor to Review Your Answer 

It’s always a good idea to ask for help from people familiar with your background and passion for a healthcare career. Talk to your pre-health advisor, favorite professor, or another trusted professional about reading and providing feedback on your answer to “why this medical school.”

Here are a few things they may want to provide feedback about:

• Does the response feel cocky or otherwise off-putting?
• Is the answer specific, or does it feel generic?
• Does your writing clearly demonstrate a genuine interest in the school?
• Are there details that get too personal or confusing?

Get interview prep support with our Physician Advisors to ensure you’re ready for Interview Day!

5. use your answer in your secondary application.

Once you have a well-developed answer, the first place you’ll be able to use it is on your secondary essays. As succinctly as possible, share why this school of medicine interests you when that prompt is given.

This may go without saying, but don’t just regurgitate your answer from one essay to the next. Offer a unique, well-defined answer specific to each school.

Read Next: Common Medical School Interview Questions [Plus Answers]  

6. Practice Your Answer for Interview Day

Practice answering this question in mock interviews with peers, your pre-health advisor, or a helpful family member. Don’t just rehearse once — do this enough times that you can comfortably deliver your response to med school admissions committee members without stammering.

Remember, you’ll be more nervous on the day of your interview than you are when practicing. It’s okay to be overly prepared to account for stage fright.

7. Get Interview Prep Coaching

Getting outside support to hone your interview skills can be a major help. If you think your skills could use some work, invest in interview preparation with experienced physician coachs.

Bonus: All our coaches are former admissions committee members.

96% of students who do 3+ practice interviews with MedSchoolCoach receive an acceptance letter. Ready to get yours?

Should you use chatgpt to write your answer.

ChatGPT and similar tools are great for editing and helping you suss out weak spots in your writing or interview question outline. However, a chatbot cannot experience things or have feelings or emotions like a human.

Your humanity and personal experiences are what should shine in the answer to this question. Plus, medical school admissions committees are already considering how to implement measures to deprioritize applications that heavily rely on AI — don’t set yourself up for failure.

Use ChatGPT to help edit and identify issues with your answer, but don’t ask it to create experiences on your behalf.

Read Next: How to Choose Where to Apply to Medical School

Student Stories: “Why This Medical School?”

Because a BS/MD program locks you into a specific institution (or a small group of them) for longer than a traditional medical education, you should be able to express clearly why you picked this medical school and undergraduate program. However, the advice remains the same: Share honest, specific reasons you’re willing to commit the better part of a decade to an individual school.

Crafting and rehearsing this answer is just one part of preparing for a BS/MD interview .

When AdComs ask interviewees why they’re interested in this school, they’re looking for specific examples of why a student might thrive in their program. Committees seek applicants who align with their vision and will positively contribute to their school.

When they ask, “Why us?” they’re looking for answers that show you’re not just applying to the school because you think it’s a good fit for your MCAT score and GPA. 

This can feel frustrating for a first-time applicant, but the reality is that the investment an institution makes in each student is significant. It’s vital that they accept students most likely to succeed and improve their reputation in the larger medical community.

This turns the “why this medical school” question around to learn what you bring to the table. It’s a variation on “tell me about yourself” that allows you to explain how your personal experiences and interests make you a valuable addition to the school you’re applying to.

Use this question to highlight your skills, strengths, and passions that mirror the mission of the school.

It may sound overly simplistic, but the best way to sound genuine is to be honest. If you truly enjoy the area where the school is located because your family lives there and it’s where you want to settle one day, then say that. If you’re attracted to their beautiful campus and impressive Match rate, include that in your answer.

Don’t make up answers to make yourself sound better or invent opinions about the institution — at best, they’ll come off disingenuous, and at worst, you’ll be labeled as dishonest.

Double Your Chances at Acceptance with MedSchoolCoach

Medical school is competitive for good reason — physicians are leaders in society with huge responsibilities for the well-being of others. That’s why fewer than half of students who apply to medical school are accepted each year.

You can increase your chances significantly by partnering with MedSchoolCoach for holistic application consulting. Our students double their chances of acceptance by working with experienced Physician Advisors to prepare for applications and the medical school interview.

Find out how you can double your chances of getting accepted to medical school!

Ziggy Yoediono, MD

Ziggy Yoediono, MD is the Associate Director of Advising at MedSchoolCoach. Dr. Yoediono received his MD from the University of Rochester, and did his training at the Harvard Longwood Psychiatry Residency Program. He has worked at Duke as a pre-major advisor and admissions interviewer. Dr. Yoediono co-authored papers published in The New England Journal of Medicine and Academic Medicine.

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How To Write A Personal Statement For Medical School

• Cracking Med School Admissions Team

Your medical school personal statement is a golden opportunity in the medical school application process to strategically direct the attention of admissions officers. You can create your own highlight reel of all your relevant personal experience, best character traits, community service, life events, ambitions. You narrative connects your extracurriculars and intellectual interests. Since medical school acceptances are extremely competitive (roughly half of all med school applicants will not get into any medical school), and assuming you’re committed to a future in medicine, you owe it to yourself to take advantage of the medical school personal statement as an opportunity to stand out and explain why you want to be a doctor.

With 5,300 characters to answer the prompt “use the space provided to explain why you want to go to medical school,” many pre-meds fail to successfully convey these elements and stand out from others applying. In this post, we describe a framework for approaching how to write a personal statement for medical school as well as common mistakes to avoid in order to help you standout!

What is the purpose of the medical school personal statement?

When considering the medical school application, it is important for prospective med school students to understand the goal or purpose of each component and what it attempts to measure.

Statistical metrics like your GPA and MCAT demonstrate your academic preparedness for an individual school or program, and provide a standardized way for schools to compare different applicants. These are complemented by your work and activities , which highlight your accomplishments and experiences as a cv or resume does. Your letters of recommendation reflect what others think about you as they discuss the relevant aspects of your personal character, strengths as a student, and suitability for a career in medicine.

The focus of your personal statement, similar to secondary essays , is YOU. What do you think your strengths and admirable qualities are? Who are you as a student, leader, and individual? What is behind your motivation for medicine? What unique background would you bring to a medical school class? The reader should have a clear idea of the answers to these questions.

Step 1: Read Medical School Personal Statement Examples

The best way our premed students have been able to create a strong narrative for their med school personal statement is to read personal statement examples.

We think one of the best resources to read EXCELLENT medical school personal statements from previous applications is our Cracking Med School Admissions book! Our book has over 50 personal statements and secondary essays. Use these essays as a starting point to inspire ideas for your med school personal statement.

Gather and read example personal statements from successful applicants from previous samples:

Step 2: How to Brainstorm Your Medical School Personal Statement

The second question that premeds have is what experiences they should write about. Thinking back to the different components of a medical school application, we recommend applicants not to approach this as a re-iteration of their work and activities. In other words, write in-depth about fewer activities rather than highlighting all of your accomplishments. This approach allows you to tell more stories and demonstrate how you think rather than what you accomplished.

Before you start writing, consider the following questions when selecting topics to write about:

• When/where have you demonstrated personal qualities which you are proud of?
• Are there any memorable patient experiences that inspired your passion for medicine?
• Is there anything unique about your background or do you have any specific personal qualities which a medical school (check their mission statement) may value?
• What are your future career goals as a medical professional and what experiences were particularly formative in shaping them?
• Were there any mentors (or mentoring programs) that had a large influence on your future goals, career and personal development?

REMEMBER: The specific topic you choose to write about is not as important as how you write about it and what characteristics your personal narrative reveals about you as a future medical professional.

Step 3: Create a Narrative for your Medical School Personal Statement

Once you’ve brainstormed important experiences that you potentially want to highlight in your personal statement, create an outline of how you want the stories to flow.

For each paragraph, think about:

• What is the reader learning about me here?
• What is this experience showing about me?
• Is it too much “tell” rather than “show?”
• How does this experience connect with the previous paragraph?

REMEMBER: Your personal statement doesn’t have to be chronological! In fact, if you look at the examples in our Cracking Med School Admissions book, some successful students started their personal statements with recent clinical activities.

Step 4: Revising Your Personal Statement

Medical school personal statement writing is an iterative process that may span several months. After finalizing your first draft, take some time off before returning to it with a fresh pair of eyes. Re-read and edit until you feel satisfied with what you have. Some pre-meds even completely re-write their personal statements with a new topic!

Equally as important as re-writing is soliciting feedback from others. Take advantage of those around you and send your personal statement to multiple people with different perspectives. For example, another pre-med may read your personal statement differently than an attending physician, or someone outside of medicine entirely. Revise your personal statement so that it is well-received by multiple parties while not losing your own voice. The quality of the feedback you receive will depend on who you choose to seek it from, so be selective with who you ask to review your personal statement!

Individuals to ask for personal statement editing help:

• Your Family Members – Although your family members might not be the best editors for quality, they do know you the best. You can ask your family whether they think the personal statement reflects you and your desires towards medicine.
• University Writing Center – These centers have individuals who are trained to give feedback on essays. Use this resource if it’s available!
• University Pre-health Advising – Your pre-health advising office has also seen several personal statements. Ask them for feedback and tips about personal statement writing. They may even have examples of personal statements from successful med school applicants from previous years!
• Friends – Definitely ask your friends who are strong writers. They can help you with grammar and phrasing, as well as content because they know you well.

Be warned that you will get differing opinions the more people you ask, so you need to stick with your gut and choose what best AMCAS Application Packages

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Tips to write an excellent medical school personal statement, #1.reflect, reflect, reflect on what you learned.

When writing about your experiences, ask yourself what you learned and strive to go deeper. A more nuanced reflection not only leaves a stronger impression, but also demonstrates how well you learn to evaluators. A pre-med who can get more out of their experiences will likely become a medical student who learns quickly and makes the most out of medical school as well (and so forth for residency and beyond). An effective technique to facilitate deeper reflection is to think about insights that no one else would be able to take away from an experience or activity other than you.

#2. Include anecdotes, details, and descriptions to make your statement compelling and convincing  

One common advice given regarding how to write a personal statement for medical school is to “show not tell.” While many people have heard this expression, few actually understand what it means. In the context of a medical school personal statement, this means including details and descriptions that help your anecdotes come to life. While a personal statement should not read like a creative writing piece, relevant details can certainly help engage readers and better convey your message. 

#3. Ensure your personal statement is cohesive by brainstorming themes

Much like your application, your personal statement should center around 2-3 unifying themes. Imagine a medical school admissions committee member reading your application. How would they describe you in 2-3 sentences? Are you going to be a future physician scientist working on the cutting edge of medicine and innovation in a specific field? Or will you work with a specific population of patients as a physician advocate? Your themes should clearly encapsulate your past experiences, future career goals, and qualities as an individual.

#4.Make sure your personal statement is specific to you

Ask yourself: if your personal statement was swapped with that of another applicant, could your reader tell the difference? If the answer is no, then your personal statement is not specific enough to you. Remember that the purpose of the personal statement is for the reader to better understand how you think, what qualities you bring to the class, and who you are as a person. Focus on insights and experiences that only you can speak to! Even common experiences like hospital volunteering can be made specific by highlighting your personal thoughts, insights, and realizations.  

#5. Clearly connect your writing to your goals

Consistently link your past experiences and insights to your future goals in medical school and beyond. For example, if you did lots of neuroscience research in undergrad, how will the skills you developed benefit you in medical school? Did your experience shape your future research interests? By making the connection explicit for your reader, they will better understand how you fit into the class and what type of physician you will become.

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Top 5 Medical School Personal Statement Mistakes That You Can easily avoid

#1.focusing too much on others rather than you.

A personal statement is just that— personal . While writing about role models, patients, or other people in your personal statement is commonly done and can be beneficial, make sure that it ultimately reveals something about you. You do not want a reader to finish reading your personal statement having learned more about someone else rather than about you.

#2. Focusing too much on activities descriptions rather than what they show about you

Similarly, remember that you have already described your extracurriculars in your work and activities section! While it is acceptable to further expand on 1-2 extracurriculars if relevant to your personal statement, the main purpose of your personal statement is not to rehash your cv/resume. A good technique to bring the focus back to who you are is to ask yourself what you learned from the experience and how that insight informs your goals and motivations. The reader is more interested in learning about you rather than the activity!

#3. Being “Too Creative’

Standing out positively on your personal can be a boost to your application but standing out negatively can land you in the rejected pile. Let your experiences and background speak for themselves and avoid being different for the sake of being different. Note: this does not mean you should not try to stand out with your personal statement but consider potential risks and benefits when writing your personal statement. Many people still consider medicine a conservative field; would an older attending form a positive impression of you after reading your statement?

#4.Leaning on clichés or generalizations 

Clichés are not inherently bad. Ultimately, many pre-meds want to help people and enjoy science. But when your personal statement does not move beyond broad generalizations, your reader is unable to learn about you and understand why you specifically want to pursue medicine. Address this by ensuring your personal statement is specific to your experiences, indicative of deeper reflection and personally revealing of who you are. 

#5. Writing with unclear or flowery prose

As with all essays, your writing style and proficiency will impact your readers’ perception of your personal statement. When writing and editing your personal statement, use clear and concise language that conveys your ideas without being overly dramatic or wordy. Because your writing skills are unlikely to substantially grow in the span of writing your personal statement, we recommend having an experienced writer edit your personal statement for flow and clarity before you submit it.

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We can help you strategize and submit your medical school applications so you Get help for your letters of recommendation, school selection, AMCAS activities descriptions, personal statement, secondary essays, and medical school interviews! Click here to compare our various application packages today.

Example Personal Statements

While reading about how to write a personal statement for medical school makes doing so seem easy, it is much harder to put this into practice. As such, we have compiled a list of personal statements written by other pre-meds which we think demonstrate successful models of what a personal statement should look like.

The best resource for example personal statements is our Cracking Med School Admissions book!

We have over 50 personal statements and secondary essays from successful medical school applicants, including essays from our authors!

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Why Us Medical School Essay Example with Writing Tips

Our team of editors have put together a step by step process on how to approach the most common secondary essays . Below is a why us medical school essay example along with the steps to take when writing an effective “why us” response. 

Writing Tips for the “Why Us” Essay

Why Us Essay Example Prompts 

Why Us Medical School Essay Example

Introduction .

While one of the most common medical school secondary prompts, it is also one of the most important. This is your opportunity to convince admissions committees at the med schools of which you applied how or why your values align with theirs . As you can imagine, a well-written essay can potentially influence admissions committees to accept an applicant while a poorly written essay may persuade the reader otherwise. Here are a few tips in order to meticulously demonstrate your medical school candidacy:

Tip #1 Answer the Why Us Prompt

Not all “Why Our School” secondary prompts are created equal. Some prompts will ask how you will contribute to their school while others ask about qualities you have that would further their medical school’s mission. Similarly, while you may have prepared a response for the “Why Our School” question for another school, you must tailor it to what the school is asking specifically . If you do not do so, the school does not have answers to the question they are explicitly asking. Remember, they are asking the question for a specific reason! Also, a general response may lead admissions committees to assume you have one response you use for “Why Our School” secondary essays, forcing them to believe you are not as interested or knowledgeable about their med school.  

Tip #2 Do Your Research and Brainstorming

It is one thing to know what interests you about this school but another to pinpoint the specifics of the school that make it unique . Doing so can show your genuine interest in that school and that you have correspondingly done your research. You may use their website but do some deep digging as well – use YouTube videos, alumni or medical student outreach, or research the geographic location/community for aspects that interest you. Consider the following questions when doing your own search:

• What aspects are important to you when considering a medical school?
• Is there a particular learning structure or curriculum that benefits your learning style? If so, why?
• Is this school near home or family? You might articulate how or why this is important to you and your future medical education.
• What unique aspects interest you about this school? Why?
• Why do you perceive an education at this school would be best for your training? 

Tip #3 Be Specific 

Commonly, students fall into the pitfall of discussing  how the mission statement resonates with them . If the mission statement does, in fact, resonate with you, be sure to discuss why as well as show evidence or examples for how this is true . Often, it is important to be specific about what interests you about the school to demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest. Doing so will increase your likelihood of acceptance as admissions committees are interested in accepting students knowledgeable about the school and willing to represent their school enthusiastically. Is there a club or aspect of the curriculum that interests you? Talk about it! 

Tip #4 Reference Aspects of The Medical School (but do not tell them about their own institution!)

There is certainly a difference between the following:

School X values underserved populations and commitment to community health.

Of particular interest, School X emphasizes underserved communities which has been a passion of mine, evidenced by my involvement in Healthcare for the Homeless.

As you can see, this latter example emphasizes what interests the student about the school while avoiding outright telling the admissions committee a fact about their school.

Takeaways Surrounding the “Why Our School” Medical School Secondary Prompt

Therefore, like any other written aspect of your application, it is important to demonstrate additional details about you as a candidate to paint a vivid picture of who you are. As a result, it is essential to marry what interests you about the school and your own personal qualities or characteristics as opposed to solely discussing one or the other. Here, we want to strive to have the best of both worlds. Be honest and genuine – this is the key. Allowing the reader insight into who you are will give them more information to make a decision about your candidacy for acceptance into medical school. 

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“Why Us” Secondary Essay Example Prompts

Example 1: “Why have you selected the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine for your medical education? Please be as specific as possible.” ( Miami Miller School of Medicine )

Example 2: “Why do you wish to attend Meharry Medical College, School of Medicine?” ( Meharry Medical College )

Example 3: “If you are not a Kansas resident, what is your specific interest in applying to the University of Kansas School of Medicine?” ( KU School of Medicine )

Example 4: “In 500 words or fewer, please explain your reasons for applying to the University at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine. Please be specific.” ( Jacobs School of Medicine )

Example 5: “Why have you chosen to apply to the Georgetown University School of Medicine and how do you think your education at Georgetown will prepare you to become a physician for the future? (1 page, formatted at your discretion)” ( Georgetown University School of Medicine )

Example 6: “ How will you contribute to the diversity of your medical school class and the University of Virginia School of Medicine?” (Virginia School of Medicine)

Example 7:  “Why have you chosen to apply to CNUCOM? (250 words maximum)” ( California Northstate University )

Example 8: “Please write a s hort essay about why you are applying to the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. We suggest that you limit your essay to about 550 words.” ( Pritzker School of Medicine )

When I signed up for the trip, I never imagined that I would hold a human heart in my hands. My high school field trip to the Hackensack University Medical Center in 2013 was a unique experience to tour different departments in the hospital and ultimately learn about medicine. After setting foot in one of the best hospitals in the New Jersey / New York Metropolitan area, I knew this one-day visit was not enough, and I longed to continue learning here. Six years later, I found myself without a job after the scribe program was closed at Englewood Health by the end of August 2019. However, it was this initial disappointment that led to me finding my current job at Hackensack University Medical Center and returning to an excellent learning environment. By working as a scribe at Hackensack University Medical Center and rotating in the surgical ICU and surgical step-down unit, I was able to work with and learn from top-ranked physicians such as Dr. Sanjeev Kaul, Dr. Javier Martin Perez, and Dr. Saraswati Dayal. What draws me to the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine is the opportunity to learn at some of the best hospitals serving northern, central, and southern New Jersey and from one of the most diverse populations in the nation. By beginning my medical education through Hackensack Meridian Health, the largest healthcare network of the state, and being exposed to an extraordinary range of patients, disorders, and challenges, I believe I can develop the ability to serve and provide high-quality care to patients from different backgrounds and with a variety of needs.

In addition to the excellent clinical opportunities, I am also interested in the unique curriculum of the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. During high school, I developed an interest in preventive health and became more mindful of aspects such as nutrition, posture, sleep hygiene, and physical activity. I want to train to be a physician who can effectively educate others to also take control of their own health. For this reason, I am especially interested in the Human Dimension course. Through building relationships and interacting with families in the community, I will better understand the social, socioeconomic, and environmental determinants of health and ultimately learn how to proactively improve others’ lives.  I am also excited about the special 3+1 curriculum that will enable me to customize my fourth year with many possibilities, including research projects, additional clinical experience, early entry into residencies, community service initiatives, and several dual-degree options. Additionally, the smaller class size will cultivate a close-knit community and enhance my learning experience and training overall. I am fortunate that the school is only a 20-minute drive from home, which would enable me to remain close to my support network and thrive in a familiar environment while attending medical school.

Through this response, the student ties in personal experiences and interests initially within not only Hackensack University but the location. Needless to say, the student does not just include the experience or facts about the school without also making it personal to their journey. The student then progresses to discuss specific elements of the curriculum and class size as well as why it interests them. Therefore, from this response, it is immensely clear why this student is applying to this school specifically as well as what unique aspects interest them about this school.

View more Medical School “Why Us” Examples Here.

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