University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine

Q: How important are secondary essays?

Secondary essays are a critical component of your application. They provide University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family 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 Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family 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?

Houston, TX

2026 Secondary Essay Prompts

Essay 3

Question 2: (Optional) Describe any employment, family or other obligations that impacted your education that are NOT already indicated in your TMDSAS application. (750 characters)

Essay 4

Question 3: Describe up to 3 of your activities/life experiences that align with our mission. Explain how they might demonstrate a commitment to underserved communities. The examples you select must be included in TMDSAS primary application. Go to the

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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 Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family 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 Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family 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?

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Essay Writing Resources

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