George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences

Q: How important are secondary essays?

Secondary essays are a critical component of your application. They provide George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences with insight into your fit with their mission, values, and program. Strong secondary essays can strengthen a borderline application, while weak essays can hurt even strong candidates.

Q: Can I reuse essays from other secondaries?

While some prompts may be similar across schools, never directly copy-paste essays. Each response should be tailored specifically to George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, demonstrating genuine interest and research into their unique programs, mission, and values.

Q: What if I don't have anything for a diversity essay?

Diversity encompasses far more than race or ethnicity. Consider your unique perspective, background, experiences, challenges you've overcome, or how you'll contribute to a diverse learning environment. What makes YOUR voice unique at the table?

Washington, DC

2026 Secondary Essay Prompts

Essay 3

Question 3: (Optional) Have you been out of school for more than a year? (yes/no) If yes: Describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (2000 characters)

Essay 4

Question 1: Briefly describe the area of research you would like to explore in graduate school (1800 characters)

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General Secondary Tips

Submit within 2 weeks: Turn around your secondary quickly to show genuine interest
Research the school: Reference specific programs, values, or opportunities at George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Be specific: Use concrete examples and stories, not vague generalizations
Proofread carefully: Typos and grammatical errors signal carelessness
Respect word limits: Admissions committees read hundreds of essays—be concise

Secondary Essay FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I receive George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences's secondary application?

How important are secondary essays?

Can I reuse essays from other secondaries?

What if I don't have anything for a diversity essay?

Am I Competitive?

See how your MCAT, GPA, and background compare to admitted students at George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences.

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Essay Writing Resources

Medical School Secondary Essays: Complete Strategy Guide

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