Secondary Applications

What are Secondary Applications?

  • After your primary applications are processed, verified, and received by schools, you may receive secondary applications directly from the schools to which you applied
  • Usually requires additional essays and fees but may also include specific letters of recommendation

Purpose

  • Provides more information for admission committees to know about you before sending interview invitations
  • Further demonstrates your commitment to the schools to which you applied
  • Show that you can follow instructions and answer questions                                                                   

Planning 

  • Secondary application fees can cost $0-150 to submit
  • Can contact schools to request fee assistance/waivers
  • Keep a spreadsheet with these following columns
    • School name
    • Secondary received: Y/N
    • Fee paid: Y/N
    • Submission method: online, mail, fax, etc.
    • Essay topics/questions
    • Date submitted

When to Submit Secondary Applications?

  • ASAP, unless you change your mind about applying to that school
  • Some schools may consider promptness of submission
  • Usually provided ~2 weeks to complete
  • Some schools do not complete reviews until secondary applications are submitted

 

Writing about COVID-19

  • Don't make the essay all about COVID-19
  • If you had a unique experience, you can capture a moving and personal narrative through essays
  • Also, don’t disregard COVID-19 entirely
    • Show awareness in what is going on around the world

Prompt Library

Application Persona

  • Common thread that ties together the entire application
  • Not an accident - the application persona is a decision
  • Purpose: memorability and persuasiveness
  • Tip: Try to have a central theme

Do's

  • Research the schools your are applying to
  • Look at your primary application
  • Make sure you address the essay prompt
  • PROOFREAD!
  • Leave yourself a lot of time to edit
  • Be mindful about deadlines
  • Tell the truth
  • Be professional
  • If asked for a photograph, make sure it is high-quality
  • Make sure your presence on social media is professional

Don'ts

  • Don’t write any contradictions or about questionable items 
  • Don’t write about things you cannot write in depth about
  • Don't always feel like you need to go up to the word/character limit
  • Omit activities in high school unless they were formative
  • Avoid exaggeration
  • Avoid "Checkbox Fallacy"
    • Trying to do multiple things, but nothing makes you stand out from the rest
  • Don't be apologetic
    •  May not notice something and could potentially raise a red flag if they didn't see it
  • Save the creativity
    • May use imagery, but not a lot
    • Focus on why you want to become a physician