After processing the primary applications, most medical schools will ask applicants to complete a secondary application, which typically includes additional essay prompts. This is a supplemental application that allows each school to ask you for more information through additional questions and essays. The essay prompts can vary by school, but they generally aim to understand your candidacy at a deeper level. The prompts provide an opportunity to expand on your experiences, values, and motivations, while demonstrating why you are a strong fit for each school.
Writing secondaries can feel like a stressful process given the volume of essays required. Implementing the Best Time Management Strategies for Secondary Applications is key to making the writing process less overwhelming and more streamlined. Below are some tips for handling multiple secondary essays while also maintaining quality and authenticity of responses.
One of the best time management strategies for secondary applications is prewriting common secondary essays. While you may not have the specific prompt until the schools send their secondary application, the prompts generally stay the same from the previous year. Prewriting your essays can help you get a strong head start and you will not have to draft responses from scratch when the time comes. Having a general draft ready will help save a lot of time and you will only have to make minor edits if needed.
Start by creating a separate folder with responses for common secondary prompts such as “Why Us,” “Diversity Essay,” “Gap Year,” and “COVID-19 impact.” Another recommendation is to write the secondary essay with the largest character count first and this way you will simply have to cut down for a shorter essay instead of trying to expand on a shorter essay. Keep a master file with reusable content that can be adapted for different schools while ensuring each response is specific and tailored to the prompt.
Another effective time management strategy for secondary applications is keeping track of deadlines and staying organized. A simple way to do this is by creating an Excel sheet that lists every medical school you’ve applied to, along with links to the secondary application for easy access. Include the date you received the application, your ideal deadline (typically within two weeks to remain competitive for rolling admissions), the “official” deadline, and any additional requirements such as CASPer, letters of recommendation, or fees.
While there is no golden rule for submitting secondary applications, it is generally recommended to submit them within 2 weeks from receiving them. This is because the application is not considered complete until the secondary application materials are received. And since many medical schools utilize rolling admissions with a finite number of interview spots, it is advantageous to turn in the secondary application in a timely manner.
With so many applications to complete, one of the best time management techniques for secondary applications is to prioritize schools where you are most interested in attending. Start with those secondaries first to ensure you submit high-quality responses in a timely manner.
Cutting and pasting content from other essays can be a smart strategy. However, always ensure that the response is specifically tailored to answer the prompt and personalize each essay by mentioning the school’s name, unique mission, or programs if needed.
Double-check these details before submitting!
Make sure to incorporate AAMC core competencies (such as teamwork, resilience, and cultural competence) into your secondary essay responses. Schools will look for evidence of these competencies that are in line with their core mission and values. They want to see whether a candidate can advance the school’s mission and demonstrate qualities needed to succeed in medical training.
Secondary prompts are yet another great opportunity to share about yourself to the admissions committee, so reflect deeply, and share your story. It is important to get the secondary applications in fairly quickly, but this does not mean you have to lower the quality of your essays. Striking a balance between quick turnaround and high-quality writing is key. Take the time to proofread, refine, and ensure your essays reflect your genuine passion for medicine and commitment to each school’s values.
By implementing these top time management strategies for secondary applications, you’ll navigate the process more efficiently and submit strong, compelling applications on time.
Written By: Riya
Riya is a medical student at the University of Texas Medical Branch, John Seely School of Medicine. As a first-generation medical student, she has navigated the challenges of the medical school journey and is passionate about paying it forward through mentorship. Riya’s experience includes serving as a pre-med counselor, where she helped students with application planning, and as an MMI interviewer on her school’s admissions committee, offering unique insights into what makes a successful applicant. She combines her academic background, research experience, and community service to mentor students, especially in crafting compelling personal statements and secondary essays, and she joined Motivate MD to provide the support and guidance she received during her own application process.
