Chicago Medical School (CMS) at Rosalind Franklin University (RFU) is a community-based institution with a century-long legacy of educating diverse and compassionate physician leaders. The school emphasizes a patient-centered model of care, equipping students with strong communication, reasoning, and technical skills through early clinical exposure and robust simulation training. Students rotate in a wide variety of environments – from inner-city hospitals serving underserved communities, to suburban clinics, to one of the nation’s largest VA hospitals – ensuring a broad and inclusive medical education. CMS also offers rich research opportunities – including the MD with Distinction in Research and the combined MD/PhD program – preparing students to become leaders in both clinical practice and biomedical discovery. Its three-phase curriculum integrates clinical and basic sciences, promotes interprofessional collaboration, and adapts to evolving healthcare demands while fostering professional growth and student well-being.

CMS seeks applicants who are academically strong, compassionate, and deeply committed to patient-centered care. Ideal candidates demonstrate clear communication skills, empathy, and cultural competence, along with resilience and the ability to thrive in diverse clinical settings. The school values individuals with a record of service to underserved populations and those eager to learn in an interprofessional, team-based environment. Applicants with curiosity for research, dedication to leadership development, and a drive to advance equitable health outcomes are especially well aligned with CMS’s mission. Ultimately, CMS looks for students who will excel not only as skilled physicians but also as collaborative leaders, scientists, and advocates dedicated to improving the health and wellness of their communities.

Essay #1

Chicago Medical School values service, interprofessional collaboration, and community engagement. Describe an experience that reflects one or more of these values and how you hope to continue this work during your time in medical school. (150-word limit)

This is a two-part prompt where applicants are asked to identify a specific experience reflecting service, interprofessional collaboration, and/or community engagement and then further write about how they plan to continue that work at CMS specifically. When approaching this essay, choose the right experience rather than trying to hit all three values at once. If you have an example showing interprofessional collaboration (working alongside nurses, social workers, physical therapists, pharmacists, etc.), keep in mind that such experiences are often underused by applicants and therefore will stand out. Highlight a specific story, reflect on what it taught you about medicine, and make a school-specific connection.  

Essay #2

Which specific programs, opportunities, or aspects of Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University motivated you to apply, and how do they align with your career goals? (150-word limit)

This is another two-part answer where the admissions committee is looking for specifics about their program and how it connects to your own goals. An excellent approach to this essay would be to include one or two very specific features of the CMS/RFU program along with a clear connection to your vision of your future self as a practitioner. Avoid generic program identifiers such as “great reputation,” “diverse patient population,” and “early clinical exposure.” Specific program features would include the school’s Interprofessional Community Clinic (ICC) or the MD with Distinction in Research (MDDR) path.  

Essay #3

What interests you about training in the Chicago/North Chicago region, and how might this environment shape your medical education and future career as a physician? (150-word limit) 

Before you answer this question, be sure to do your homework. Understand that North Chicago is different regionally and culturally from downtown Chicago. Researching the specific health disparities and social determinants of health that affect the community of North Chicago will give you both insight and structure when writing this essay. Think about how training in this region and learning from this patient population will enhance your foundational knowledge and cultural competence.  

Essay #4

If you joined the Chicago Medical School community, how would you contribute to the learning environment through initiatives, organizations, or areas of involvement that interest you? (150-word limit)

Consider this easy three-step approach to answering this question. First, research CMS/RFU and find a student organization or event of interest. Second, incorporate details from your track record to make your proposed contribution credible rather than aspirational. Third, describe what you would actually “do” rather than simply stating that you “look forward to participating.” The admissions committee will appreciate the effort and thought involved in being forward-thinking and proactive.

Essay #5

Describe a time when you received difficult or unexpected feedback about your academic performance or behavior. How did you respond to that feedback, and what changes did you make as a result? (150-word limit) 

Adcoms ask this question to see if applicants can receive constructive criticism, reflect honestly, and change their behavior. The strongest essay will have two components: a) feedback that was tough to hear because it was true, not because it was unfair, and b) a moment when your first internal reaction was defensiveness and you had to work past that emotion. Structure your answer by setting the scene concisely. Identify who gave you the feedback and what was said, highlight your internal reaction, let the reader know how/what shifted your perspective, and finish the essay by writing about the resulting change.  

CMS MD Program Application Timeline 

Date/Deadline	Requirement/Action
Within the past three years	Acceptable range for MCAT exam dates (scores older than three years not accepted)
Spring (before applying)	Recommended time to take the MCAT
May 3	AMCAS application opens
August 1	Early Decision Program (EDP) AMCAS application deadline and EDP supplemental materials deadline (5:00 p.m. CDT)
November 1	AMCAS application deadline (11:59 p.m. EDT)
December 1	Supplemental application materials (including processing fee) deadline (11:59 p.m. CST)
After holistic review	Virtual multiple mini interview (MMI) invitations sent and conducted
Ongoing	AAMC-facilitated background check conducted
Ongoing	Applicants must review CMS technical standards for admission

Source: CMS website

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with CMS directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***

CMS Class Profile

Here is a look at CMS’s entering 2025 entering MD class (data taken from the CMS website):

Class Size: 203

Number of AMCAS applicants: 11,985

Cumulative GPA: 3.69

Science GPA: 3.59

Entrance exam (MCAT): 508

In-state residents (based on permanent address): 44%

Average age at matriculation: 24