University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine

Q: How important are secondary essays?

Secondary essays are a critical component of your application. They provide University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College 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 Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College 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?

Iowa City, IA

2026 Secondary Essay Prompts

Essay 3

Question 3: Please list and briefly describe all medically related experiences (paid/volunteer) you have completed during the past 5 years. Do NOT forecast future hours. Please include experiences listed on your AMCAS and also provide any additional experiences NOT listed on your AMCAS. (175 characters)

Essay 4

Question 4: If you are a reapplicant to the Carver College of Medicine, how have you strengthened your application? (1500 characters)

Essay 5

Question 5: If you are not currently in a degree-seeking program, please indicate what you will be doing from the time you complete this secondary application to the start of medical school. (1500 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 University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College 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 Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College 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 Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.

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Essay Writing Resources

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