Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth Secondary Application Essay Tips [2022 - 2023]

As one of the oldest medical schools in the United States—the fourth oldest—Geisel has a 200-year history of accomplishments. They are ranked #47 for research and #36 for primary care by U.S. News and World Report. Students love the smaller class sizes and the opportunity to gain clinical experience in the first year. The school provides individualized support, with 81% of their first and second year students involved in community service. Geisel also offers its students the opportunity to train at their health clinics in Africa. Based on the school’s guiding principles, Geisel is looking for students with extensive experience in leadership roles and research collaborations.

Dartmouth secondary application essays questions 2022 – 2023

Geisel School of Medicine secondary essay #1

Please indicate your plans for the 2022-2023 academic year. If in school, please list your courses. If working, let us know something about the nature of your job. If your plans or courses change subsequently, please inform the Admissions Office by email at Geisel.Admissions@dartmouth.edu. (no word limit)

During the application year, Geisel wants to see that you’ve been productive and forward-thinking. Do your activities fill gaps in volunteering, clinical experience, patient-oriented activities and work, rounding out your history and experience? Even if you are working for pay in another field, explain this. Circumstances may warrant the need for a salary. If you’re working full-time, perhaps find some kind of community-based volunteer work related to the coronavirus pandemic in the evening or on the weekend.

Geisel School of Medicine secondary essay #2

Please reflect on your primary application and share something not addressed elsewhere that would be helpful to the Admissions Committee as we review your file. (no word limit)

Review a copy of your AMCAS primary application. Anything previously covered is off limits for this essay. Is there anything about yourself that you have not discussed? Are there any talents or hobbies that you did not have space to include in the activities section? Have you recently received an award or promotion? Have you or your family faced hardship that is not otherwise represented on your application? Have you accomplished something else since submitting your AMCAS application? If you are certain that there is nothing in your past (talking with a friend or advisor may help you identify something useful here), you can use this essay to share a unique experience or discuss a long-term relationship with a mentor. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something not previously covered and is something that enhances the application’s complete portrait of you.

Geisel School of Medicine secondary essay #3

Please tell us specifically why you are interested in Geisel: (no word limit)

This is a fairly common prompt. Your explanation of why you’re interested in Geisel should demonstrate your fit with their values, mission, or special programs. Geisel’s mission emphasizes the “complete physician” and the “whole patient.” Also, they expect their physicians to be skilled in improving healthcare delivery systems, and they have integrated this curriculum in first and second year courses. You may find useful information about healthcare delivery on the American Hospital Association’s website (www.aha.org).

Your answer should be genuine. It is too easy to answer a prompt like this one in a way that sounds full of flattery. Also, avoid telling the school about their own programs, and avoid telling the school what their programs will do for you.

Show them what you know, what you’ve done, or tell a story that elucidates your understanding of the complexity of healthcare delivery and a need for change, as that change corresponds with an aspect of their mission or curriculum.

Or address the concept of the “complete physician.”

In the News section of the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth website, Dean Duane Compton says of distinguished alumni “They’re fulfilling the commitments they made as students”– so choose your stories wisely — Geisel medical students, it seems, have a good head on their shoulders and have their feet planted on the ground.

Tell a story about a complete physician you know, or tell a story about yourself that demonstrates how you are “complete” – a mature, well-rounded, multifarious, compassionate doctor-to-be.

Geisel School of Medicine secondary essay #4

Geisel School of Medicine values social justice and diversity in all its forms. Reflect on a situation where you were the “other”. (250 words)

There’s no doubt that this additional essay prompt from Geisel School of Medicine stems directly from the the COVID-19 pandemic and the unrest following George Floyd’s murder, both of which highlighted social, economic, racial, cultural and political inequality throughout the world. In order to effectively respond to this prompt, applicants need to convey their own experience with marginalization. Doing so is different from writing the narrative of a victim, which is part of marginalization, but the marginalization narrative is about being aware. So a marginalization narrative “outs” the exploitation. Stay very real. This is “the fit” with their program about which they are unflinching.

Applying to Geisel School of Medicine? Here are some stats:

Geisel School of Medicine average MCAT score: 514

Geisel School of Medicine average GPA: 3.74

Geisel School of Medicine acceptance rate: 2.4%

U.S. News ranks Geisel School of Medicine #47 for research and #36 for primary care.

Check out the Med School Selectivity Index for more stats.

Has this blog post helped you feel more confident about approaching your Dartmouth secondary application? We hope so. It’s our mission to help smart, talented applicants like you gain acceptance to your top choice medical school. With so much at stake, why not hire a consultant whose expertise and personalized guidance can help you make your dream come true? We have several flexible consulting options—click here to g et started today!