Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Secondary Application Essay Tips and Timeline [2025–2026], Class Profile
The Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) at Columbia University is one of the nation’s leading medical schools, dedicated to preparing students to become leaders in patient care, research, education, and health policy. With more than 2,000 faculty members and only 140 students admitted each year, VP&S delivers a highly personalized and rigorous medical education in New York City.
The school’s curriculum is competency based, forward looking, and deeply rooted in humanism, professionalism, and equity, with strong integration of foundational sciences and clinical training. VP&S offers its students electives, scholarly projects, dual-degree options, research opportunities, and service experiences, along with a rich array of extracurricular activities through the VP&S Club. As the first medical school in the nation to replace loans with scholarships for all students qualifying for financial aid, VP&S also demonstrates a strong commitment to accessibility and financial equity.
VP&S seeks applicants who not only demonstrate academic excellence and curiosity but also embody humanism, integrity, and a commitment to serving patients and society. The school values individuals who are collaborative, inclusive, and dedicated to equity, diversity, and justice in healthcare. Ultimately, the admissions committee aims to identify future physicians and scientists who will shape the future of medicine through innovation, compassionate care, and a deep sense of responsibility to patients, communities, and the broader world.
VP&S Secondary Essay Tips
Essay #1
Did you work for compensation during college (either during the school year or summers)? If so, what did you do? How many hours a week did you work? (300 words)
Answer this prompt only if you worked for compensation during college, which includes both the school year and the summer. Describe your job including your responsibilities as well as how many hours you worked per week. If applicable, you may also discuss why you worked for compensation. Were you helping to support your family or contribute to your tuition? What did you learn from the work experience? If you worked multiple different jobs during college, describe them all.
Essay #2
If you have graduated from college, please briefly summarize what you have done in the interim. (300 words)
If you have graduated from college, provide a clear and succinct summary of your activities since graduation. This includes but is not limited to work experience, research, community service, shadowing, and any other activities or hobbies. Have you published a paper, given a presentation, or attended a conference? Have you lived in a new place or started a new hobby? Your response should provide a thorough picture of how you are spending your time and demonstrate how you are preparing for medical school after graduating college.
Essay #3
Please describe your most meaningful leadership positions. (300 words)
Consider your recent leadership positions. Were you the head of a club or captain of a team? Did you mentor younger students or take on a leadership role at work? Select the roles that were most meaningful to you and briefly describe your responsibilities and leadership style. What did you learn? How will these experiences guide your role as a leader going forward?
Essay #4
Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons values diversity in all its forms. How will your experiences contribute to this important focus of our institution and inform your future role as a physician? (300 words)
Reflect on aspects of your identity, background, experiences, and beliefs that will contribute to diversity at VP&S. The prompt emphasizes the value of diversity “in all its forms,” so your answer does not necessarily need to include topics such as race, ethnicity, or gender identity. What aspects of your life, background, or upbringing have created your unique perspective? Discuss these experiences and how they will allow you to contribute to and embrace the diversity of Columbia. In what ways will you foster an inclusive environment or encourage the exchange of different ideas? You may also choose to discuss how you will continue to contribute to diversity as a future physician. How will your unique experiences and perspectives help you to better connect with patients or collaborate with an interdisciplinary team?
Essay #5
Is there anything else you would like us to know? (400 words)
Answer this prompt if you have additional information that is not included in your AMCAS or secondary applications. Is there an important part of your identity you have not yet discussed? Did you overcome any unusual academic or personal challenges? You may also wish to write about experiences that have driven you to apply to VP&S. Use this space however you see fit, but you should reflect on how this information will contribute to the admission committee’s understanding of you and your candidacy for medical school.
VP&S Application Timeline
| Date/Time Frame | Event |
| May | Primary application available via AMCAS |
| July-October | Secondary application invitations sent; applications processed |
| Mid-August-January | Interview invitations sent |
| September | Last month to take the MCAT for the 2025 application cycle |
| October 15 | Deadline for AMCAS primary application |
| October 22 | Deadline for secondary application |
| October 29 | Deadline for supporting documents (application fee, MCAT scores, letters of recommendation) |
| Early March | Admission offers sent; waitlist opens |
| Early April | Admitted students’ day |
| April 15 | Drop date for admitted students to withdraw from all but three schools |
| April 30 | Admitted students planning to enroll: Select “Plan to Enroll” in the Choose Your Medical School tool |
| May 1 | “Commit to Enroll” option available in the Choose Your Medical School tool |
| May-August | Waitlist applicants reviewed by admissions committee |
| Late May | Matriculating students: Submit background check report (due before June 1) |
| June 15 | Matriculating students: Select “Commit to Enroll” in the Choose Your Medical School tool |
| Late June | Matriculating students: Submit official final transcript with date and degree confirmed |
| Early August | Orientation and classes begin; waitlist closes |
Source: VP&S website
***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with VP&S directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***
VP&S Class Profile
Here is a look at the Columbia VP&S Class of 2028 (data taken from the VP&S website):
Applicants: 7,291
Interviewed: 757
New students: 140
Female: 51%
Male: 49%
First-generation college students: 4%
GPA: 3.39-4.0
MCAT: 508-528
States represented: 32
Colleges represented: 60
As the former assistant dean of student affairs at the William Beaumont School of Medicine and former director of pre-health advisement and the Postbaccalaureate Certificate Program at Sacred Heart University, Dr. Valerie Wherely brings more than 20 years of success working with pre-health candidates in medicine, dental, vet, PA, PT, OT, exercise science, and nursing. Her clients appreciate her expertise in the holistic admissions process and her patient, thoughtful, strategic, and data-driven working style. Work with Valerie! Schedule a free consultation today!
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