Pre-meds oftentimes make the mistake of not taking the secondary application as seriously. What exactly is the secondary application? They are supplements to individual medical schools based on what they want. Luckily, there are a few trends that most medical schools follow in creating their secondary application and working with these for the past 18 years has given me the expertise to correctly spot them.

Some Articles to Help You Write

On my website, INQUARTA, I got plenty of information to get those brain juices flowing. I know, you’ve been doing a lot of work thus far and the secondary application seems like a hassle, but this is crucial. This is the last big hurdle (aside from the interview of course). Let’s look at some articles:

• “Video: Why Are You Picking Your Med Schools? Writing the Essay” features me explaining what you should expect of the secondary application. I give you some insight into some of the expected questions in this nifty video.
• “The Medical School Secondary — Questions and Answers” gives a general overview of just what the secondary application is, why schools do it, and why it needs your attention just as much as any other part of the process.
• “Your Medical School Secondary Application Expands on Your Primary Application” — this is crucial to realize. Think of this part of the application as a means to back up everything you said initially on the primary application.
• “Middle School Secondaries — How to Write the ‘Why This School?” Essay” talks about what not to say for this section of the secondary application. Some pre-meds make a big mistake by mistaking this section as unimportant and end up writing cliches or empty sentences that can hurt their chances.
• “Which Medical School Secondary Applications Should You Start With?” is an article that deals with a question I get asked often by my students. I make a little comparison to summarize my thoughts on the matter.

It also helps to look at samples beforehand to ensure the voice of your writing is appropriate for your audience, the admissions committee.

Common Mistakes and Surprises to Anticipate

In reality, the secondary application is supposed to be a surprise for pre-meds (although it doesn’t have to be!). It’s sudden and has very short deadline. However, aside from the basic “Why are you going to this school” question, you might get a curve ball thrown at you on one of these. These can also be anticipated because they are usually autobiographical, about plans for the future, or on ethical dilemmas.  What to do? Be honest, but also be wary of time — and most importantly, be ready and give it your all!

Because pre-meds rush this section, they often make mistakes.

• “Typical Mistakes Many Applications Make on Their Secondary Application” is written from personal experience — I have seen students do these things! Make a checklist and make sure none of these become your problems.
• “What the Internet Gets Wrong about the Medical School Secondary Application” is direct towards people that ask my why the secondary application is not talked about more. This is not an indicator that it’s not important — most people simply don’t know what to expect! Luckily, I have been working with these applications long enough to identify what’s important and common.

Finally, once you have all this information down, you need to start writing that winning secondary essay. With the help of these articles, you’re a step closer to being prepared, but there’s much more you can do.

My Program: How to Quickly Write Strong Secondary Essays

After completing your AMCAS, it is time to begin your secondary application. They have a strict deadline sometimes a few days or maybe a week, therefore you need to be prepared to show some strong writing and show it quickly. I advise getting these in as fast as possible within 24-48 hours. Trust me, you can do it and I can even get you there. Currently, my online program with video tutorials, master list with “super prompts,” and a slew of information is available for only $97 (formerly $147!). However, if you want to try the course first before purchasing it, I also have a $5 trial period which lasts for five days which gives you full access to make sure you like it.

If You Have Any Other Questions, Feel Free to Contact Me

Although this about covers all I have written on the secondary application, I can surely answer any additional questions you have on specifics! Leave a comment below or send me an email and we’ll talk.