Looking for the best osteopathic med school admissions advice out there? Ace those AACOMAS apps by reading our osteopathic application tips series – each post, another set of 5 expert tips that will help you get accepted.
Once you file the AACOMAS application and choose your schools, the process is not yet over. You will start to receive secondary essays in the mail for each school. While some may be similar (e.g. biggest challenge, significant volunteer experience), others will ask you to explain why you would like to attend their school. Below are a few tips to help you through the process.
1. Plan.
One of the hardest parts of this process is allotting enough time to get the secondary applications done in a timely manner. So, plan ahead. Don’t leave them all for the last minute. The turn-around time can be as tight as two weeks, so start early and leave time to revise.
2. Emphasize fit.
Secondary essays are all about assessing whether you are a right fit for the school. So, research the schools and emphasize the qualities that are important for each school.
3. Dedicate the time.
Often, applicants run out of steam when they reach the secondaries. But, you should make sure that you put as much time into these essays as you did the AACOMAS application. This is a way to show schools that you are serious about the process and their time.
4. Research the schools.
Applicants sometimes apply to schools without looking into their missions or specific programs. But, schools want applicants that want to go to attend their institutions. So, the time you spend researching and asking questions is well worth it.
5. Don’t repeat.
Make sure that the anecdotes and information in the secondary applications don’t repeat stories in the personal statement. You want to present new materials to the school.
The AACOMAS secondary essays are incredibly important for schools and are an opportunity for you show that you are a good fit. Make sure that you spend the time and effort to make the final push for acceptance.
You need to work hard if you want to submit a winning AACOMAS (or AMCAS or AADSAS) application — and we can help! Check out Accepted’s Primary Application Package to receive complete application guidance from conceptualization to final review. Your experienced consultant will guide you through the entire primary application, ensuring that you make the best use of your time to create a compelling portrait of yourself as a future leader in the medical field.
Jessica Pishko graduated with a J.D. from Harvard Law School and received an M.F.A. from Columbia University. She spent two years guiding students through the medical school application process at Columbia’s Postbac Program and is a former Accepted admissions consultant. Want an admissions expert help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!
Related Resources:
• 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your Med School Application Essays, a free guide
• Do You Measure Up to the DO Applicants Who Got Accepted Last Year?
• How to Create Sizzling Secondary Applications
