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So, you’ve submitted your primary application to medical school, congratulations! But hold on, the journey isn’t over yet. Medical School Secondaries are coming up fast, and you need to be prepared. In this blog, we’ll guide you through what secondaries are, how to handle them efficiently, and what to expect in the process.
What Are Medical School Secondaries?
Secondaries are extra applications that individual medical schools send after receiving your primary application. Each school will have its own set of short-answer essay questions. These essays allow schools to get to know you better, your motivations, contributions, and how well you fit into their incoming class.
Why Are Secondaries So Important?
Submitting secondaries early and with high quality can increase your chances of getting interview invites. While the informal deadline for secondaries is two weeks, submitting them as early as possible is ideal. But don’t rush, ensure they’re polished, clear, and well-written before hitting submit.
How I Managed to Submit Early (And You Can Too!)
Even though secondaries may arrive unexpectedly, with good planning, you can stay on track. For example, my average turnaround time was one day, and I received six interview invites thanks to my early submissions and quality essays. Here’s how you can stay ahead too:
- Pre-write Your Essays: Start preparing your secondaries early, even before you receive them. You can easily find past essay prompts with a quick online search. Although prompts may change, pre-writing will save you time once your application is processed.
- Stay Organized: Schools can send secondaries all at once or spaced out over a few days. Keeping track of essay deadlines and managing your time effectively is key to staying on top of everything.
A Glimpse at My Timeline for Secondaries
Here’s a quick look at when I received secondaries and how many essays were involved:
- June 25: Three schools sent their secondaries the same day.
- Next three days: I received three more.
- A few days later: I got several others, and it continued to trickle in.
Each school had anywhere from one to six essays, so you can imagine how quickly things pile up. Altogether, I had 68 essays to write, but many of the questions overlapped, which allowed me to reuse or modify some of my responses.
Why Pre-Writing Is a Game-Changer
Pre-writing your secondaries is one of the best ways to manage the workload. Although some questions might not match exactly, many essay themes are similar from school to school. Pre-writing gives you extra time to ensure your essays are polished, and you can modify them to suit different prompts when needed.
Even with unexpected changes, I managed to submit essays within four days, while working and volunteering! So, take a deep breath. It’s possible to balance everything if you start early.
It’s Not Just Essays – What Else to Expect
Many applicants think secondaries are just about writing essays, but there’s more to it. Here are a few other things you may need to prepare for:
1. Proof of Residency:
Public schools often ask for proof of residency, so make sure you have that ready.
2. Professional Headshot:
Some schools will ask you to upload a professional photo. If you don’t have one, take some time to get a good picture that shows your whole face and looks professional.
3. Personal Information:
You might need to provide additional information about your family background, such as your parents’ education and profession.
4. Coursework and Grades:
Some schools will ask you to re-enter all your coursework, credits, and grades. This can be time-consuming, so keep your transcripts handy.
5. Additional Applications for Dual Programs:
If you’re applying for dual degree programs (like MD/PhD or MD/MPH), you may have to complete extra applications or essays.
6. Campus Preferences:
Some schools with multiple campuses will ask you to explain why you prefer a particular location.
Surprise! Extra Essays Can Appear After You Submit
One of the biggest surprises I faced was discovering that schools might add additional requirements after you submit your secondaries. This happened to me with two schools, and I wasn’t aware until much later. So, check your email regularly and revisit the portal to ensure you haven’t missed any updates.
Organize Everything to Stay on Track
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when secondaries start rolling in. Staying organized is crucial. Here are some tips:
- Use a Spreadsheet: Create a spreadsheet to track deadlines, essay prompts, and the status of each secondary. This will help you avoid missing any submissions.
- Set Reminders: Write notes or set calendar reminders to follow up on any incomplete parts of your secondary application, like missing recommendation letters or additional essay questions.
Beyond the Essays: What You Shouldn’t Overlook
Aside from essays, here are some other steps to remember:
- Letter of Recommendation Delays: Sometimes, schools may delay uploading letters of recommendation or MCAT scores. Check back frequently to ensure everything is uploaded correctly so you can finalize your application.
- Stay Updated: Schools may ask for additional materials, like photos, even after you’ve submitted your application. Be proactive and check for updates to avoid missing anything.
Which medical schools screen for secondaries?
Some medical schools screen applicants before sending secondaries to ensure candidates meet specific criteria such as;
- UCLA
- UCSF
- Mayo Clinic
- Stanford
- Harvard
- Vanderbilt
- Baylor College of Medicine
Policies vary, so it’s best to check each school’s exact requirements on their admissions website.
Medical School Secondaries FAQs
How important are secondary applications for medical school?
Secondary applications are very important! They show schools why you’re a good match for them. A strong response can make your application stand out and boost your chances of getting an interview.
How long are secondary essays medical school?
Most essays have word limits, usually around 200–500 words. Stick to the limit, keep your answers clear, and avoid unnecessary details. Quality matters more than length.
What is UCI screening for medical schools?
UCI screening is an initial review process to evaluate primary applications before secondary applications are sent. UCI looks at academic records, experiences, and personal statements to decide if applicants meet their basic criteria.
Do medical schools send secondary applications in groups?
Yes, many medical schools send secondary applications in batches or groups. This helps them manage applications efficiently and allows them to review candidates in stages.
Do medical school secondaries ask for proof of residency?
Yes, some medical school secondaries may ask for proof of residency, especially if you’re applying as an in-state applicant. This helps schools determine your tuition status and eligibility for certain programs.
Final Thoughts
The medical school application process is challenging, but staying organized and preparing early can make medical school secondaries more manageable. Keep track of deadlines, plan ahead, and double-check for any updates to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Stay positive, stay organized, and remember, you’ve got this! Good luck with your med school secondaries.
