In the top ten ranking for research, WashU provides exciting opportunities for medical students to participate in research at the basic science or clinical levels. They are looking for students with strong ties to their communities—with excellent communication skills, a dedication to service, and well-rounded interests.
Washington University (St. Louis) 2020-21 secondary application essay questions
WashU essay #1
Have you already completed your undergraduate education, have you had your college or graduate education interrupted, or do you plan not to be a full-time student during your application year? If yes, Describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (2000 characters)
Update your resume or CV, be comprehensive in your response. Capture the diversity of your activities and interests. Include all work experiences or volunteer activities. Cover all significant gaps in your education. If there were increases or decreases in your GPA before or after these breaks, explain.
WashU essay #2
Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. (3000 characters)
The best responses to this type of question will demonstrate resilience. Select an event or commitment that you clearly did not perform well on but one in which you did not give up. Choose something you had to repeat or improve and demonstrate how, through hard work, you were able to succeed. For example, you could use your first teaching experience. For most people, the first time you teach a class or group, it may not go well, but you learn from that first experience and improve. Focus on how you improved and on outcomes. Be mindful. End on a high note.
WashU essay #3
Is there anything else you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions? (optional)
Some applicants use this space to describe unique experiences and obstacles such as significant challenges in access to education, unusual socioeconomic factors, and/or identification with a particular culture, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity and/or possibly challenges related to COVID or other issues in preparation for medical school. (3000 characters)
This is an open question, yet a diversity question. WashU wants to know your own experience, socio-economic challenges, ethnicity issues, sexual orientation challenges, or other identity (you and your family) challenges. Also, if you or your family had an unusual life experience, this is the place to relate it.
Note: Medical students, as rising physicians, must be able to embrace diversity as a core value. In order to do this, applicants may draw from personal experience, observed experience, or retell a story that was integral to their “character” education about the necessary and essential value for diversity, a lesson learned.
Watch: Dr. Valerie Ratts, Associate Dean for Admissions at Washington University School of Medicine, talks about how the WashU adcom selects students:
If you would like professional guidance with your Washington University (St. Louis) Medical School application materials, check out Accepted’s Medical School Admissions Consulting and Editing Services, which include advising, editing, and interview coaching for WashU’s application materials.
Washington University (St. Louis) Medical School 2020-21 application timeline
| LAST DAY to submit your AMCAS application to Washington University School of Medicine | December 1 |
| LAST DAY for Washington University School of Medicine to receive your Supplemental Application, LORs and MCAT Scores | December 15 |
Source: WashU website
***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***
Dr. Mary Mahoney, Ph.D. has over 20 years of experience as an advisor and essay reviewer for med school applicants. She is a tenured English Professor with an MFA in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College and a PhD in Literature and Writing from the University of Houston. For the last twenty years, Mary has served as a grad school advisor and essay reviewer for med school applicants. Want Mary to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
Related Resources:
- 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your Med School & Secondary Essays, a free guide
- What It’s Like to Apply to Washington University School of Medicine, a podcast episode
- 7 Simple Steps to Writing an Excellent Diversity Essay
The post Washington University (St. Louis) Medical School Secondary Application Essay Tips [2020 – 2021] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog.
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