University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine

Q: When will I receive University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine's secondary application?

University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine typically sends secondary applications shortly after receiving your verified AMCAS application. You should aim to complete and submit your secondary within 2 weeks of receiving it.

Q: How important are secondary essays?

Secondary essays are a critical component of your application. They provide University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine 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 University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine, 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?

Honolulu, HI

2026 Secondary Essay Prompts

Essay 3

Describe any personal connection to JABSOM and/or Hawaii and the Pacific that you may have. If you do not have a personal connection to JABSOM and/or Hawaii, please describe why you have chosen to apply to JABSOM. (600 word limit)

Essay 4

If you are a re-applicant to JABSOM, please complete the following additional essay. Describe what efforts you have made to further improve your application to the MD Program. (600 word limit) Optional

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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 University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine
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 University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine'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 University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine.

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Essay Writing Resources

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