university of michigan medical school secondary essays

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University of Michigan Secondary Application

University of michigan secondary essay prompts, (if you have updated prompts, please submit them at updatesecondaries.com).

Prompts have been updated June 2023 . (Older essays, if available are below)

Comment on how you hope to impact medicine in the future. If examples are needed, feel free to refer to our seven Paths of Excellence. (1500 characters)

OR, if applying to the Medical Scientist Training Program: Describe why you are applying to the University of Michigan MSTP. If you are interested in a specific department, program, or area of research for your Ph.D., please provide a brief explanation. We recognize that your interests may change.

• Please respond to only one of the following two prompts. (2500 characters) Describe your identity and how it has impacted the development of your values and attitudes toward individuals different from yourself and how this will impact your interactions with future colleagues and patients. If you recognize and/or represent a voice that is missing, underrepresented, or undervalued in medicine, please describe the missing voice(s) and how increased representation in medicine could impact the medical community.
• How was your journey to medical school affected by the COVID pandemic? Please feel free to describe any positive or negative aspects. (2500 characters)
• Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, please tell us what you’re curious about, or what you’re passionate about, or what brings you joy – and why. Some examples include listening to historical novels, exploring national parks, woodworking, baking cupcakes, podcasting, knitting, playing pickleball, filmmaking, making music, etc. (1500 characters)

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• Medical School Application

University of Michigan Medical School Secondary Essay Examples

If you’re applying to the University of Michigan Medical School, one of the best medical schools in Michigan, then you should read University of Michigan medical school secondary essays. Secondary essays give you an opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are, what your goals are, and how you can contribute to the school community. The aim of your secondary essays is to show the school that your attributes align with their mission. Secondary essays can be difficult and stressful, so in this article, we go over each secondary essay for Michigan medical school and provide sample answers.

Disclaimer : Please note: although we have made every effort to provide the most accurate information, admissions information changes frequently. Therefore, we encourage you to verify these details with the official university admissions office. You are responsible for your own results. BeMo does not endorse nor affiliate with any official universities, colleges, or test administrators and vice versa. 

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Article Contents 10 min read

What are medical school secondary essays.

Before you start writing your secondary essays, it’s a good idea to review examples of medical school secondary essays . Secondary essays are an opportunity for admissions committees to get to know you better. Remember, because you’ve already submitted a medical school personal statement in your primary application, schools already know some of your background information, so your secondary essays need to be distinct. Each essay will require you to address a topic within a specified word or character limit.

At the University of Michigan Medical School, there are four mandatory essays. Some essays have two prompts that you can choose from. Here’s a list of the following topics you must address (these aren’t the prompts themselves):

Prompt 1: “Comment on how you hope to impact medicine in the future. If examples are needed, feel free to refer to our seven Paths of Excellence.” Do not exceed 1,500 characters including spaces (about 250 words) .

OR, if applying to the Medical Scientist Training Program:

Prompt 2: “Describe why you are applying to the University of Michigan MSTP. If you are interested in a specific department, program, or area of research for your PhD, please provide a brief explanation. We recognize that your interests may change.” Do not exceed 1,500 characters including spaces (about 250 words) .

My goal is to improve current approaches to achieving patient autonomy; specifically, I want to address commonplace classifications of what is considered beneficence and non-maleficence in a rapidly evolving medical context. I believe the balance between justice and freedom of choice remains a point of contention within medical ethics due to the advancement of technologically sophisticated and personalized treatment. As such, I believe that there are ways to enhance patient autonomy without interfering with due process in clinical settings.

When I was writing for the student medical journal at X university, I was involved in a research project investigating mental health disparities among minority groups. What we noticed was that Black residents in most American states were significantly less likely to access counselling services for mental health issues, despite no evidence to suggest a lower incidence of mental illness compared to other racial groups.

An effective compromise between autonomy and due process can be made by improving accessibility. At Michigan Medical School, the path of excellence that I would like to pursue is ethics, as I would like to explore the dimension of health care accessibility dealing with ethical implications. I would also like to participate in an independent study at the Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine emphasizing the elimination of disparities in health care.

Characters: 1,433

I am applying to the University of Michigan MSTP because I’m interested in pursuing research in the field of genetics. My grandfather suffered from early onset Alzheimer’s, and while he was receiving treatment, he participated in a study focusing on the role of dopamine in Alzheimer’s progression. My experience with the emotional toll of witnessing my grandfather’s pain motivates my desire to contribute to alleviating the suffering associated with this type of disease.

What appeals to me the most about the Medical Scientist Training Program are the research rotations. The area that aligns with my goal of becoming a neuroscience researcher is sensory and computational neuroscience, a topic that receives a surfeit of attention from faculty members, which are at present focused on the genetic dissection of neural circuits that underlie the processing of sensory stimuli.

In addition to specific research interests, the MSTP seminars are another aspect of the program that excites me. During my pre-med studies, I was a member of an association in which students gather with guest speakers to discuss current research. It was in this association that I built a cursory understanding of epigenetics and neuroplasticity as it relates to neurodegenerative disorders. I know that the value of discourse cannot be overstated, which is why scientific seminars are something I’d like to continue to be a part of and eventually contribute to as I pursue my medical degree.

Characters: 1,470

University of Michigan Medical School Secondary Essay #2

“Please respond to only one of the following two prompts. Do not exceed 2,500 characters including spaces.” (about 400 words)

• Prompt 1: “Describe your identity and how it has impacted the development of your values and attitudes toward individuals different from yourself and how this will impact your interactions with future colleagues and patients.”
• Prompt 2: “If you recognize and/or represent a voice that is missing, underrepresented, or undervalued in medicine, please describe the missing voice(s) and how increased representation in medicine could impact the medical community.”

Prompt: “How was your journey to medical school affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? Please feel free to describe any positive or negative aspects.” Do not exceed 2,500 characters including spaces (about 400 words).

My journey to medical school was changed in a significant way because of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the start, I was planning on becoming a physiotherapist after I completed my degree in biology. However, when the schools were locked down and classes were put on hold, I started reading about the development of vaccines. I found the information so fascinating and inspiring because of how quick and diligent the medical experts and scientists were. With lives and livelihoods on the line, there was no time to waste. I was intrigued by how the mRNA uses a protein to trigger the production of a section of that protein in an immune response. I was also fascinated by the biomechanics behind our cells making copies of the spike protein and the fact that they can recognize the real virus and know how to trigger an immune response with the information they were given through the vaccine.

One negative aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of my journey to medical school was the delay it caused. Because classes were shut down, I graduated a year later than I was supposed to. I also had trouble adapting to the remote learning format because I tend to thrive in group settings and when I’m around others. This sudden format change did not affect my grades, but I initially struggled to find the motivation I had when classes were on campus. I know that many other students experienced similar demoralization. However, I think having that experience gave me a more urgent and vigilant outlook when it comes to preventing the next pandemic and wanting to contribute to that effort by becoming a vaccine researcher.

Characters: 1,622

Prompt: “Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, please tell us what you’re curious about, or what you’re passionate about, or what brings you joy – and why. Some examples include listening to historical novels, exploring national parks, woodworking, baking cupcakes, podcasting, knitting, playing pickleball, filmmaking, making music, etc.” Do not exceed 1,500 characters including spaces (about 250 words).

When I was completing my undergraduate degree, a hobby that I stumbled upon was creative writing. Growing up, I was never too interested in English classes, and I was never enthusiastic about my writing assignments or assigned readings until I reached university. However, in my freshman year, I began journaling to manage stress. It was recommended to me by a wellness coach that I was seeing regularly from the campus student resource center, but eventually, it turned into writing fiction. I’ve always been interested in books, primarily thrillers and horror novels, because I enjoy the suspense. I’m also fond of a good mystery novel, as I enjoy playing detective and trying to figure out who the culprit of the crime is.

I find reading such an enriching experience because you’re immersing yourself in the world and experience of someone or something completely different and hitherto unexplored. Reading is also a good measure of compassion and critical thinking, and I think it’s a fun and practical exploration of the human mind and what people can accomplish. When it comes to creative writing, I find that designing worlds with my own physics and limitations satisfies the often-neglected creative side of me. I also enjoy the challenge that creative writing entails – setting goals and actualizing them is something I’ve been able to apply to my life in other ways and having small writing accomplishments shows me that I’m capable of achieving bigger things.

Characters: 1,469

Each prompt has its own requirements. For the first prompt, in which applicants can choose one of two options, the essay should not exceed 1,500 characters with spaces; about 250 words. All other prompts besides the final one have a character limit of 2,500 (about 400 words), and the final prompt has a limit of 1,500 characters.

Your identity is about how you define yourself. Consider how your background, interests, beliefs, and experiences shape who you are. You may incorporate your long-term goals as a physician and what you hope to achieve based on how you define yourself.

This prompt is specifically about the MSTP program, so you will want to discuss aspects of the program that appeal to you. Be specific; for example, you might write about a research interest that you can tackle through this program.

You can visit the researcher profiles at the University of Michigan Medical School website. Read about what they’re actively working on and think about how your research goals will align with their interests.

Familiarize yourself with the strategic plan for the University of Michigan Medical School, which has 5 relevant sections: people, discovery, education, care, and service. Then, identify areas that resonate with your experiences, interests, and objectives.

First, establish which essays you are going to write. Some of the prompts involve a choice, so make sure you’re choosing to write the most applicable essay. Then, research the program, including the curriculum and special activities. This will help you connect your interests and goals with the school’s mission. Finally, create an outline for each essay using information from your research before you start writing the first draft.

The University of Michigan Medical School recognizes that your research interests can change. However, for the purposes of your secondary essays, you should be prepared to discuss potential research areas that appeal to you, even if they might change in the future.

You can, but you don’t have to. Applicants should view this prompt as more open-ended. There isn’t a strategic way to answer this question besides being direct and honest.

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July 3, 2022

University of Michigan Medical School Secondary Application Essay Tips [2022 – 2023]

University of Michigan Medical School is ranked #17 by U.S. News for excellence in research and #20 in primary care. Given the school’s focus on self-directed learning and building on a strong science foundation, it will be important in your secondary essays to convey your level of self-awareness in meeting your academic goals. How did you approach challenging science courses? In what ways have you demonstrated a commitment to lifelong learning? How has your community benefited from this commitment? For students interested in earning a MD/PhD, UMMS has a Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) Program. As part of this program, students will be given the training to enter academic medicine and conduct basic science research. Application Tip: Check out this helpful advice .

University of Michigan Medical School 2022-2023 secondary application essay questions

University of michigan medical school essay #1 (for md applicants).

Comment on how you hope to impact medicine in the future. If examples are needed, feel free to refer to our seven Paths of Excellence . Do not exceed 1500 characters (about 250 words).

A good way to approach this question is to create a list of previous experiences you have had in the medical field. Past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior. Sharing what you have done in that field will demonstrate your knowledge, level of experience, and accomplishments. Then, spell out realistic goals for what you hope to achieve, addressing any obstacles that you will have to work around or overcome. Then, explain the importance of the path you see yourself on within the culture of twenty-first century medicine. Be sure to associate your vision for your impact in medicine in keeping with one of the Paths to Excellence since Michigan’s paths to excellence are not purely inspirational but integrated into elective and required medical school curricula. They highlight on their website that “80 – 90% of our MIs join a Path of Excellence each year.” This prompt seeks to bring out your fit, how your embrace of medicine will sync with their educational vision and design.

University of Michigan Medical School essay #1 (For MSTP applicants)

Describe why you are applying to the University of Michigan MSTP. If you are interested in a specific department, program, or area of research for your Ph.D., please provide a brief explanation. We recognize that your interests may change. Do not exceed 1500 characters (about 250 words).

This essay response will require you to reflect upon the history and structure of the Medical School Scientist Training Program ( MSTP) . After reading their web pages, what features of the program stand out in your mind? After reviewing a complete list of their departments , what areas interest you? Have you completed research or a degree in any of these fields? What attracted you to that research project or field? Align your background and long-term interests with their program in your essay response.

University of Michigan Medical School essay #2

Please respond to only one of the following two prompts (select the question to which you are responding): Do not exceed 2500 characters including spaces (about 400 words).

• Describe your identity and how it has impacted the development of your values and attitudes toward individuals different from yourself and how this will impact your interactions with future colleagues and patients.
• If you recognize and/or represent a voice that is missing, underrepresented, or undervalued in medicine, please describe the missing voice(s) and how increased representation in medicine could impact the medical community.

A couple of years ago, the University of Michigan changed their diversity question to your choice of these two prompts.

For prompt 1: Choose this prompt if you do not see your identity as representing the underrepresented.

The key to responding well to this prompt as someone quite possibly white and middle to upper middle class, and perhaps male, is to explain how you were raised or grew to be an advocate for diversity as a value. Writing this response will require some real soul searching or examination of the values with which you were raised, whether they were inclusive values taught to you by your family, community, friends, or experience — or whether you arrived into inclusive values on your own, as a growth experience, as an arrival into clarity. Tell the story of the path to your truth as one who values diversity and inclusivity – what can others who might choose the second prompt expect from you as a medical student and as a doctor? What do you bring to the table regarding diversity as a value and how have you or will you do that?

For prompt 2:  Choose this prompt if you see your identity as underrepresented, in whatever way that seems true for you.

The notion of “missing voice(s)” appears twice in this prompt. The key to responding to it well is to address the values of diversity and inclusion as guiding principles that bring about health equity through positive change. Tell a story that demonstrates your understanding of an experience where the concerns of the marginalized were less valued and thereby resulted in a less desirable outcome. Close this story with a meaningful insight about growth and what you learned. 

Or, tell the story of an experience where you or someone else from an underrepresented group spoke up, and the entire conversation changed in a way that facilitated inclusion, equity and justice. This story does not have to be a medical story, though it may be one.

How does your voice support advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion? If you are not from an underrepresented group, what can others who are underrepresented expect from you? Have you ever advocated for the underrepresented or voiceless? Tell that story in whatever way this is true revealing what you bring to the table regarding diversity as a value and how you will continue to amplify the concerns of the marginalized.

Here’s another scenario that may apply: sometimes an applicant may be from a minority group in society that is duly represented in medicine today. In this case, your focus could be on the needs of the community with whom you identify and the successful effects thus far of having this inclusion in place in medicine. Then, by extension, how are you passionate about being a true advocate for those who are still underrepresented?

University of Michigan Medical School essay #3

How was your journey to medical school affected by the COVID pandemic? Please feel free to describe any positive or negative aspects. Do not exceed 2500 characters including spaces (about 400 words).

Everyone has a COVID pandemic story. All students were derailed from in-class learning, many premed students were cut off from shadowing, scribing, volunteering, or taking the MCAT. Some of you may have been affected personally by COVID-19, whether you got sick, family members got sick, or your community was affected. This information needs to be told in a straightforward way. After this, what can you add to this narrative that demonstrates a conviction to get involved with pandemic relief, whether medically-oriented or community-oriented? Future doctors would likely be expected to have rolled their sleeves up to assist during a global health crisis. Then, close with what you learned about humanity from your efforts and experiences. What you learned should be humbling and insightful, maybe even deep.

University of Michigan Medical School essay #4

Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, please tell us what you’re curious about, or what you’re passionate about, or what brings you joy – and why. Some examples include listening to historical novels, exploring national parks, woodworking, baking cupcakes, podcasting, knitting, playing pickleball, filmmaking, making music, etc. Do not exceed 2500 characters including spaces (about 400 words).

To feel passionate “about” something is an applied feeling. No one can explain the wonders of this human interlude from rational thinking more truthfully than you can. This prompt is the antithesis of science and thinking. It is an opportunity to demonstrate that you understand the link between feeling and experience, that you engage in activities purely for joy in doing them.

Be sure to show human virtue in this passion, whether by describing the passion and its essence, or in discussing your experience of it.

Keep in mind Michigan’s three pillars of values: education, discovery and service. This prompt guides you to address the value of creativity, reading, listening, playing, doing or making something. It’s not asking about a pursuit where the motivation is competitive, but rather what do you do that inherently brings you pleasure? Don’t win the marathon. Don’t win an award. Don’t express a motivation that aims to “be the best at.” Humble is best. How does an activity stir your curiosity or provide joy? What does this activity do for you? 

Many medical school applicants are motivated by being forward-looking, taking action steps and plans to achieve a goal. This prompt asks you to address something else essential to yourself other than a career goal, other than aspirations for the future. Who are you and what do you like to do today? What hobby, activity or art do you engage in that keeps your mindset in the present? What is the value in stopping a tendency to overthink in order to be an effective wingperson in soccer or an inspired jazz singer?

This prompt is about feeling and experience. It may demonstrate that you are in tune with your ethereal self. The University of Michigan has increased the character limit for this prompt, so clearly they seek deeper insight and mindfulness about fulfilling human engagement. Though one may feel compelled to write about a deep emotional fervor for science, the prompt asks for a non-scientific aspect of you. Don’t fill in the blank with “I am passionate about science.” Reviewers will be looking for your authenticity and multi-dimensionality. They hope to be more moved by a well-composed narrative about a passion for puzzles, for instance, than narratives that seek to out-psych the prompt, like those written to impress by declaring a higher love of science, even if that is true.

This prompt is more about rounding out the snapshot of you and how you nurture life experiences outside of medicine that embody human fulfillment. Who are you outside of medicine? How does life fill you with wonder?

Applying to Michigan? Here are some stats:

University of Michigan Medical School median MCAT score: 516

University of Michigan Medical School median GPA: 3.83

University of Michigan Medical School acceptance rate: 3.5%

U.S. News  ranks Michigan #17 for research and #20 for primary care.

Check out the Med School Selectivity Index for more stats.

Has this blog post helped you feel more confident about approaching your Michigan application? We hope so. It’s our mission to help smart, talented applicants like you gain acceptance to your target schools. With so much at stake, why not hire a consultant whose expertise and personalized guidance can help you make your dream come true? We have several flexible consulting options— click here to get started today !

University of Michigan Medical School 2022-23 application timeline

Source: University of Michigan Medical School website

Related Resources:

• 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your Med School and Secondary Essays , a free guide
• What NOT to Write in Your Medical School Secondary Application Essays
• School-Specific Secondary Application Essay Tips

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University of Michigan School of Medicine Secondary Essay Prompts

These are the secondary application essay prompts for University of Michigan School of Medicine. To put your best foot forward and maximize your chance of an interview invitation, visit our secondary application editing page .

about University of Michigan School of Medicine

Secondary Deadline : November 1, 2024 Secondary Fee : $85 FAP Waiver : Yes CASPer Required : No Screens Applications : Yes Accepts Application Updates : Yes

To transform health through bold and innovatiove education, discovery, and service. 

Essay 1 Comment on how you hope to impact medicine in the future. If examples are needed, feel free to refer to our seven Paths of Excellence . Do not exceed 1500 characters including spaces (about 250 words).

OR, if applying to the Medical Scientist Training Program:

Describe why you are applying to the University of Michigan MSTP. If you are interested in a specific department, program, or area of research for your Ph.D., please provide a brief explanation. We recognize that your interests may change. Do not exceed 1500 characters including spaces (about 250 words).

Essay 2 Please respond to only one of the following two prompts. Do not exceed 2500 characters including spaces (about 400 words).

• Describe how your identity has impacted the development of your values and attitudes toward individuals different from yourself and how this will impact your interactions with future colleagues and patients.
• If you recognize and/or represent a voice that is missing, underrepresented, or undervalued in medicine, please describe the missing voice(s) and how increased representation in medicine could impact the medical community.

Essay 3 How was your journey to medical school affected by the COVID pandemic? Please feel free to describe any positive or negative aspects. Do not exceed 2500 characters including spaces (about 400 words).

Essay 4 Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, please tell us what you’re curious about, or what you’re passionate about, or what brings you joy – and why. Some examples include listening to historical novels, exploring national parks, woodworking, baking cupcakes, podcasting, knitting, playing pickleball, filmmaking, making music, etc. Do not exceed 1500 characters including spaces (about 250 words).

Essay 1 Comment on how you hope to impact medicine in the future. If examples are needed, feel free to refer to our seven Paths of Excellence. Do not exceed 1500 characters including spaces (about 250 words).

OR, if applying to the Medical Scientist Training Program: Describe why you are applying to the University of Michigan MSTP. If you are interested in a specific department, program, or area of research for your Ph.D., please provide a brief explanation. We recognize that your interests may change. Do not exceed 1500 characters including spaces (about 250 words).

• Describe your identity and how it has impacted the development of your values and attitudes toward individuals different from yourself and how this will impact your interactions with future colleagues and patients.

Essay 4 Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, please tell us what you’re curious about, or what you’re passionate about, or what brings you joy – and why. Some examples include listening to historical novels, exploring national parks, woodworking, baking cupcakes, podcasting, knitting, playing pickleball, filmmaking, making music, etc. Do not exceed 1500 characters including spaces (about 250 words). (word count updated based on applicant reports)

All prompts have a 1,500 character limit.

1. Comment on how you hope to impact medicine in the future. If examples are needed, feel free to refer to our eight paths of excellence.

2. At the University of Michigan Medical School, we are committed to building a superb educational community with students of diverse talents, experiences, opinions, and backgrounds. What would you as an individual bring to our medical school community?

1. Tell us something you are passionate about and why. Do not exceed 1500 characters (about 250 words).

2. At the University of Michigan Medical School, we are committed to building a superb educational community with students of diverse talents, experiences, opinions, and backgrounds. What would you as an individual bring to our medical school community? Do not exceed 1500 characters (about 250 words).

3. Please briefly describe your personal experience in a leadership position and the challenges that presented themselves in that position. Do not exceed 1500 characters (about 250 words).

Disclaimer: The information on this page was shared by students and/or can be found on the medical school’s website. Med School Insiders does not guarantee the accuracy of the information on this page.

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Cracking University of Michigan Medical School Admissions

• Cracking Med School Admissions Team

Hi premeds! Through the past fiver years, the University of Michigan has been positioning itself to become one of the best medical schools in America (and not just in the state of Michigan). The most important quality to convey on your AMCAS application and University of Michigan medical school secondary essays is your vision to change medicine. This page serves as a high-yield resource for University of Michigan Medical School admissions. The information from this page is a GOLDEN resource to help you understand how to get into University of Michigan medical school. We’ve compiled it from University of Michigan medical school acceptance rate data, University of Michigan medical school admissions statistics, the University of Michigan med school website, and most importantly, from University of Michigan med students themselves! You will have facts such as admissions statistics, but you’ll get an insider perspective about the curriculum.

Whether you’re comparing medical schools that you have been accepted to, preparing for an interview, or wanting to learn more about University of Michigan mMedical School, then keep reading.

Need help getting accepted to University of Michigan Medical School? Get Dr. Rachel Rizal’s and Dr. Rishi Mediratta’s expertise. Several of our students have received acceptances into University of Michigan Medical School. If you have questions, contact us .

WHY CHOOSE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MEDICAL SCHOOL?

The most common reasons we’ve heard from students:

• Surrounded by other medical students and physicians who want to improve healthcare for Americans
• Excellent clinical training
• Many students get involved with research 
• Great for primary care and specialty-focused fields

Table of Contents

University of michigan secondary application.

It’s important to show how you specifically want to change healthcare in your University of Michigan medicals chool secondary essays. Read the UMich prompts below, and we have tips on how to stand out on each University of Michigan secondary question on: How to Answer University of Michigan secondary essays .

University of Michigan Medical School admissions includes CASPer (Computer Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics). 

Timing: The University of Michigan Medical School admissions office advises students to submit the secondary application as soon as possible. The UMich secondary application is one that the Cracking Med School Admissions team advises students to turn around ASAP. But, of course, do not compromise quality! We advise applicants to pre-write the essays for the University of Michigan secondary application essays.

University of Michigan Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts (2020-2021):

Essay 1) MD students – Comment on how you hope to impact medicine in the future. If examples are needed, feel free to refer to our eight Paths of Excellence. Do not exceed 1500 characters (about 250 words).

MSTP students – Briefly describe why you decided to apply to the University of Michigan MSTP. If you are interested in a specific department, program, or area of research for your Ph.D., please provide a brief explanation, we recognize that your interests may change.

Essay 2)  At the University of Michigan Medical School, we are committed to building a superb educational community with students of diverse talents, experiences, opinions, and backgrounds. What would you as an individual bring to our medical school community? Do not exceed 1500 characters (about 250 words).

Essay 3)  Tell us something you are passionate about and why. Do not exceed 1500 characters (about 250 words).

Essay 4)  Describe your experience in a leadership position, the challenges that presented themselves in that position and what you did to contribute to the success of the team or project. Do not exceed 1500 characters (about 250 words).

If you have questions about your University of  Michigan Medical School secondary application, email us at [email protected] or contact us .

NEED HELP WITH EDITING YOUR UMICH SECONDARY ESSAYS?

University of Michigan Medical School Interview Format

• The Multiple Mini Interview: What it is, and How to do Well
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• Mastering the Multiple Mini Interview

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If you are prepared, the interview gives you the perfect opportunity to standout and shine by sharing with people what you are passionate about.

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University of Michigan Medical School Acceptance Rate

University of michigan medical school admissions statistics:.

• University of Michigan Medical School Average GPA: 3.84
• University of Michigan School Average MCAT: 516 (129 chemical & physical / 128 critical analysis / 129 biological & biochemical / 130 psychological, social)

How did University of Michigan Medical School Students Do on Their USMLE Step Exams?

• Average University of Michigan Medical School USMLE Step 1 Percentage Passing Rate: N/A
• Average University of Michigan Medical School USMLE Step 2 Score: N/A

Source: U.S. News 

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Each year, the Cracking Med School Admissions team helps students get accepted to top medical schools. We can help you get accepted! Contact us today.

The Insider's View on University of Michigan Medical School's Pre-clinical years

How to Get Into University of Michigan Medical School – Know the Curriculum

University of Michigan Medical School Curriculum Overview: 

As a University of Michigan Medical School student, you are only doing pre-clinical coursework for your first year of medical school. Then, you do a year of clinical clerkships, followed by your USMLE Step 1 and then more advanced clinical clerkship & electives.  You learn clinical skills through clinical cases relevant to the block you are studying. Learn more about the overall curriculum here .

Pre-Clinical Years:

The first year at University of Michigan Medical School focuses on organ-based courses. Students also learn about doctoring and leadership.

The blocks during the second year are:

• Cardiovascular
• Respiratory
• Gastrointestinal / Nutrition
• Reproductive
• neuroscience
• Ear/Nose/Throat/Eye
• Musculoskeletal
• Infectious diseases & microbiology
• Immunopathology & skin
• Hematologic
• Behavioral Science

How to Get Into University of Michigan Medical School – Know Unique Opportunities

Unique highlights about pre-clinical years:

• Class that focuses on evidence-based medicine
• One year of pre-clinical training
• Complete organ-based approach
• Emphasis on leadership in medicine
• Several classes are in small group discussions of 10-12 students

Dual Degrees:

University of Michigan offers a wide range of dual degrees, including a Masters in Hospital Administration.

Taking Time Off:

Most MD candidates at University of Michigan graduate within 4 years.

What students are saying about UMich Medical School

The insider's view on university of michigan medical school's clinical years.

University of Michigan Medical School Clinical Curriculum:

You start your 2nd year with the transition to clerkship course.  The core clerkships are:

• Family Medicine
• Internal Medicine
• Surgery & Applied Sciences

Unique highlights about clinical years:

• Starting clerkships during your second year, giving you more time to explore your interests and do research in your final 2 years of medical school
• Longitudinal clerkship where you work with one preceptor throughout an entire year
• Taking USMLE Step 1 after one year of clerkships
• Offer “Residency Prep Courses” which are four to eight week courses to help you with encounters you will have in residency. They are offered in surgery, OB/GYN, internal medicine, pediatrics, primary care, and emergency medicine.
• During your fourth year, you can focus on electives that target specific patient populations, procedures, radiology/pathology, and hospital administration.

What students are saying about clinical rotations at UMich Med

Where do students live?

Students can apply for graduate housing during medical school, however most students find off-campus housing.

Getting around:

Many students have a car, and you usually drive to your clinical rotation sites. 

Financial Considerations:

• University of Michigan Medical School in-state Tuition: ~$50,265
• University of Michigan Medical School out-of-state Tuition: ~$69,714
• Room and board : ~$24,600
• Average indebtedness of 2019 graduates: ~$151,662

Cracking Med School Admissions Resources

Here are useful Cracking Med School Admissions resources:

• How To Write A Personal Statement For Medical School
• Download Cracking Med School Admission’s FREE AMCAS Activities Workbook
• Premed Timeline: Planning For Medical School Applications

Read our other popular school blogs here:

• How to Get Into Harvard Medical School
• How to Get Into University of Chicago Medical School
• Stanford Medical School Admissions Information

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University of Michigan Medical School Secondary Questions

Here are the secondary prompts for the University of Michigan Medical School.

How do you hope to impact medicine and improve patient care in the future and why do you need a medical degree to fulfill these goals? ( 1500 characters ) -OR – if applying to the Medical Scientist Training Program:  Describe why you are applying to the University of Michigan MSTP. If you are interested in a specific department, program, or area of research for your Ph.D., please provide a brief explanation. We recognize that your interests may change. If relevant, please describe your gap/growth year plans. (1500 characters) Essay 2 Please describe the impact of your identity and experiences on your growth and development, and how it may impact your career as a physician. ( 1500 characters )

Essay 3 The University of Michigan Medical School strives to be a place of equity and belonging for diverse patients, learners, and healthcare professionals. Please describe your experience advancing inclusion and how you envision contributing to our community’s mission. ( 1500 characters ) Essay 4 Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, tell us what you are curious about or what you have chosen to explore. ( 1500 characters )

Essay 1 Comment on how you hope to impact medicine in the future. If examples are needed, feel free to refer to our seven Paths of Excellence. (1500 characters)

-OR – if applying to the Medical Scientist Training Program Describe why you are applying to the University of Michigan MSTP. If you are interested in a specific department, program, or area of research for your Ph.D., please provide a brief explanation. We recognize that your interests may change. (1500 characters)

Essay 2 Please respond to only one of the following two prompts. (2500 characters) Describe how your identity impacts the development of your values and attitudes toward individuals different from yourself and how this will impact your interactions with future colleagues and patients. If you recognize and/or represent a voice that is missing, underrepresented, or undervalued in medicine, please describe the missing voice(s) and how increased representation in medicine could impact the medical community.

Essay 3 How was your journey to medical school affected by the COVID pandemic? Please feel free to describe any positive or negative aspects. (2500 characters)

Essay 4 Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, please tell us what you’re curious about, or what you’re passionate about, or what brings you joy – and why. Some examples include listening to historical novels, exploring national parks, woodworking, baking cupcakes, podcasting, knitting, playing pickleball, filmmaking, making music, etc. (1500 characters)

2022-2023 Michigan Secondary Essay Prompts

Essay 1 Comment on how you hope to impact medicine in the future. If examples are needed, feel free to refer to our Seven Paths of Excellence . Do not exceed  1500 characters  including spaces (about 250 words).

OR, if applying to the Medical Scientist Training Program: Describe why you are applying to the University of Michigan MSTP. If you are interested in a specific department, program, or area of research for your Ph.D., please provide a brief explanation. We recognize that your interests may change. Do not exceed  1500 characters  including spaces (about 250 words).

Essay 2 Please respond to  only one  of the following two prompts. Do not exceed  2500 characters  including spaces (about 400 words).

• Describe your identity and how it has impacted the development of your values and attitudes toward individuals different from yourself and how this will impact your interactions with future colleagues and patients.
• If you recognize and/or represent a voice that is missing, underrepresented, or undervalued in medicine, please describe the missing voice(s) and how increased representation in medicine could impact the medical community.

Essay 3 How was your journey to medical school affected by the COVID pandemic? Please feel free to describe any positive or negative aspects. Do not exceed  2500 characters  including spaces (about 400 words).

Essay 4 Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, please tell us what you’re curious about, or what you’re passionate about, or what brings you joy – and why. Some examples include listening to historical novels, exploring national parks, woodworking, baking cupcakes, podcasting, knitting, playing pickleball, filmmaking, making music, etc. Do not exceed  2500 characters  including spaces (about 400 words).

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A Guide to the University of Michigan Medical School’s (UMMS) Secondary Essays

“The only constant is change.” You’re probably familiar with this phrase, but you probably don’t know how it relates to the University of Michigan Medical School .

Turns out UMMS is all about change .

When you check out the school’s mission, it’s abundantly clear that UMMS is looking for visionaries with big ideas and “change agents” in society.

The school even lists five compelling reasons they’re so concerned with change:

• Our discipline is growing exponentially with regard to knowledge, skills, and attributes – far exceeding what could be covered within the confines of a medical school curriculum.
• Medical education programs are structured in serial silos; yet development must be integrated and longitudinal.
• Assessment tools are inadequate and incomplete with regard to what students will be expected to do.
• The intensity of the practice environment and its associated requirements are disconnecting our instructors and assessors from our learners.
• Society is asking for a different kind of health system and health practitioner.

MANY OPPORTUNITIES AT UMMS CORRELATE WITH THIS THEME OF CHANGE.

5 reasons to apply here (from past students):.

Global REACH Program and Global Health Disparities Path of Excellence

Interprofessional Clinical Experience (ICE)

Creating Adventurous and Mindful Physicians (CAMP)

The “Impact” Curriculum and the Capstone for Impact (CFI)

Geriatrics Center and Institute of Gerontology

Besides change, the school also promotes the dual goals of “Excellence and Impact.”

University of Michigan secondaries

So, you want your secondary essays for UMMS to show you as a changemaker who can improve communities and systems you’re a part of. It would also be wise to show yourself as someone with BIG ideas who can also apply BIG follow-through to get the job done.

Let’s look at the three prompts for UMMS specifically so you know how to tackle them:

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MEDICAL SCHOOL (UMMS) SECONDARY ESSAY TOPICS ('18-'19)

1500 characters max for each.

1. Choose one of the following areas in which you have interest (biological and biomedical sciences, entrepreneurial medicine, and public health). Comment on how you would hope to impact medicine in this area.

Hopefully, your experiences have clear synergy with one of these areas. For some candidates, this area of mini-expertise might have been the focus of their general diversity essay , which would be especially convenient. If that’s the case, use your diversity essay here and your challenge essay for Michigan’s second prompt.

If not, you’ll need to repurpose an essay about research, leadership, or community involvement (to match with the three areas of interest respectively), or write an original essay to explain this interest. Make sure to spend some time illustrating your involvement through anecdotes and examples before declaring your area of interest (show first, tell later).

Don’t forget to include a future projection to how you might influence medicine through this area of interest. But it’s okay if you cover your goals in only 2-3 sentences. Showing why you have those goals is more important.

2. At the University of Michigan Medical School, we are committed to building a superb educational community with students of diverse talents, experiences, opinions, and backgrounds. What would you as an individual bring to our medical school community?

Depending on the candidate, this essay could draw upon past answers to the common challenge or diversity prompts .

If you’re stuck, here are some other ways to ask the question:

• How are you going to make their campus a more interesting place?
• Have you ever had an unusual job? Did you major in something unique? What makes you different from other pre-meds?
• Pretend you’re in a conversation with your future medical school classmates about the state of healthcare in the United States. What point of view could you contribute to that conversation?

This prompt also has opportunities for “Why Our School” elements. Ideally, you’d celebrate one of your major accomplishments/special projects (with challenges along the way), and then briefly connect that experience to the school’s mission and opportunities.

3. If you would like to comment in depth regarding your research background you may answer this optional question. How would your past experiences in laboratory-based research on fundamental problems in the biological and biomedical sciences motivate you to pursue similar efforts as a physician-scientist?

If you selected ‘biological and biomedical sciences’ as your area of interest, you should definitely use this space to elaborate, even if it seems like you’ve already answered the question in the first prompt. Other candidates will, so your goal is to do it better than them.

Without pandering, you could connect your research efforts to ongoing projects/studies at UMMS. Another option would be to expand on possible future inquiries or research avenues you could explore as medicine evolves, based on your personal topics of interest.

Even if you selected entrepreneurial medicine or public health, it’s still probably a good idea to include some information for this prompt, if your experiences qualify (to show your research cred). Just be careful not to send mixed messages about your career goals. The most ideal situation would be if your biological/biomedical research was interdisciplinary or somehow involved the other two areas of interest.  

Was this guide helpful? Still have questions about UCR or its prompts? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll respond personally!

Good luck, and stay tuned for more school-specific secondary guides! ‍

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• Secondary Essay Prompts

Secondary Essay Prompts – University of Michigan Medical School

Secondary Essay Prompts for the University of Michigan Medical School

Below are the secondary essay prompts for the University of Michigan Medical School Ann Arbor, MI.

2019 – 2020

• 1) Comment on how you hope to impact medicine in the future. If examples are needed, feel free to refer to our eight Paths of Excellence . Do not exceed 1500 characters (about 250 words).
• 2) At the University of Michigan Medical School, we are committed to building a superb educational community with students of diverse talents, experiences, opinions, and backgrounds. What would you as an individual bring to our medical school community? Do not exceed 1500 characters (about 250 words).

2018 – 2019

This school requires CASPer (Computer Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) as part of the medical school secondary application.

• Choose one of the following areas in which you have interest. (Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Underserved Populations, Entrepreneurial Medicine or Other (specify)). Comment on how you would hope to impact medicine in this area. Please do not exceed 1500 characters (about 250 words).
• At the University of Michigan Medical School, we are committed to building a superb educational community with students of diverse talents, experiences, opinions, and backgrounds. What would you as an individual bring to our medical school community? Do not exceed 1500 characters (about 250 words).
• OPTIONAL. If you would like to comment in depth regarding your research background you may answer this optional question. How would your past experiences in laboratory-based research on fundamental problems in the biological and biomedical sciences motivate you to pursue similar efforts as a physician-scientist? Do not exceed 1500 characters (about 250 words).

Below are the secondary essay prompts for the University of Michigan Medical School.

2017 – 2018.

• The University of Michigan Medical School strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians who embrace all dimensions of caring for the whole person. Please describe how your personal characteristics or life experiences will contribute to the University of Michigan Medical School community and bring educational benefits to our student body. (1000 characters)
• Is there any further information that you would like the Committee on Admissions to be aware of when reviewing your file that you were not able to notate in another section of this or the AMCAS Application? (1000 characters)
• Why have you chosen to apply to the University of Michigan Medical School and how do you think your education at University of Michigan Medical School will prepare you to become a physician for the future? (1 page, formatted at your discretion, upload as PDF)
• Tell us something you are passionate about and why. Do not exceed 1500 characters (about 250 words).

2016 – 2017

MedEdits  advises against using outdated prompts for the current season.

• Essay 1: Tell us something you are passionate about and why. Limit to 1500 characters.
• Essay 2: At the University of Michigan Medical School, we are committed to building a superb educational community with students of diverse talents, experiences, opinions, and backgrounds. What would you as an individual bring to our medical school community?Limit to 1500 characters.
• Essay 3: Please briefly describe your personal experience in a leadership position and the challenges that presented themselves in that position. Limit to 1500 characters.

Secondary essay webcast with Dr. Jessica Freedman, founder and president of MedEdits Medical Admissions.   Read more about Dr. Freedman.

University of Michigan Medical School

Topics covered in this presentation:

• When should I submit my secondary essays?
• Pay attention to the word/character limits.
• Can I recycle secondary essay prompts for multiple schools?
• Identify topics that you left out of your primary application.
• And, much more.

University of Michigan Medical School Admissions Requirements

Learn more about this school:

Secondary Essay Prompts for Other Schools

Do you want to see secondary essay prompts for other medical schools?

Select a school below:

Secondary Essay Prompts By School

*Data collected from MSAR 2022-2023, 2022 Osteopathic Medical College Information Book, and institution website.

Disclaimer: The information on this page was shared by students and/or can be found on each medical school’s website. MedEdits does not guarantee it’s accuracy or authenticity.

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