In 2009, Icahn SOM received the Spencer Foreman Award for Outstanding Community Service because it places special emphasis on recruiting students from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate a strong dedication to community service through long-term involvement and leadership roles. Implication for applicants: Highlight the unique characteristics, talents and experiences that you have had that will enhance the diversity on Icahn’s campus.
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai 2014 Essay Questions:
• Two short essays, with a character limit of 250 and 200 words.
• Applicants should use single line spacing and 12 point size font.
• Responses should be constructed strategically to highlight an applicant’s strengths.
The following essays are required in the Secondary Application:
1. What makes you unique, someone who will add to the Mount Sinai community? (250 words)
Since this question is intentionally broad, this is your opportunity to reflect on all the factors that define your character and identity. What are permanent parts of your personality or defining characteristics that have always been important to you? Which are relatively new ones that play a large part in who you are today? Make a list—be creative. Take a short break before ranking the list. Rank the items based on relevance, meaning use only those characteristics that will be helpful to you and your classmates in your medical education. If you have always had a wonderful sense of humor and have performed at comedy clubs or at hospitals, mention this! There are so many possibilities and combinations of characteristics. If you are stuck on this question, you can ask friends and/or family to help you identify your defining characteristics.
2. Indicate the reasons for your specific interest in Mount Sinai. (200 words)
Basically, the adcom wants you to demonstrate your knowledge of their program. To provide the best response, do your research. The more personal connections you can draw between the school’s values and your volunteer and life experiences, the stronger your response will be. If you are interested in continuing research in a particular area, find out if Icahn offer opportunities in this specific field. If you can attend pre-med conferences, sometimes they will have representatives from different medical schools present. Attending such fairs is another great way to gather intel about what medical schools, including Icahn, offer their medical students.
AMCAS Application Due October 15, 2013
Secondary Application *December 1, 2013 (Strong recommendation: Submit within two weeks after receipt.)
Rolling Admissions Begins November 15, 2013
If you would like professional guidance with your Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai application materials, please consider using Accepted’s Medical School Admissions Consulting and Editing Services, which include advising, editing, and interview coaching for Icahn SOM’s application materials.
Alicia Nimonkar is an Accepted.com advisor and editor specializing in healthcare admissions. Prior to joining Accepted, Alicia worked for five years as Student Advisor at UC Davis’ postbac program where she both evaluated applications and advised students applying successfully to med school and related programs.
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