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Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

Springfield, IL

2026 Secondary Essay Prompts

Essay 3

Question 3: To be successful as a student at SIU School of Medicine and as a practicing physician, you must be flexible and committed to cultivating and employing critical interactive and learning skills. Describe your experiences that demonstrate: contribution in a teamwork setting; engagement in self-directed and life-long learning (taking personal initiative to identify and address your learning goals and needs); and exposure to the small group tutorial process used in a problem-based learning environment. (500 words)

Essay 4

Question 4: If you have previously applied to SIU School of Medicine, please describe how you feel you have strengthened your credentials since that application. (300 words)

Essay 5

Question 5: Have you ever been convicted of a felony? Have you ever been convicted with a misdemeanor other than a minor traffic offense? Have you ever been charged with a felony or a misdemeanor other than a minor traffic offense, or with misconduct on any college campus? If you answered 'YES' to any of the three preceding questions, please explain the relevant circumstances. (No character limit was given.)

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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 Southern Illinois University 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

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