Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine Secondary Application Essay Tips and Timeline [2025–2026], Class Profile
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (FSM) is a top-ranked, research-intensive medical school located in the heart of Chicago. Known for its innovative, learner-centered MD curriculum, Feinberg offers students a rigorous and integrated education grounded in clinical experience, scientific discovery, and health equity. The program emphasizes real-world applications and prepares students to deliver evidence-based, team-oriented care in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Feinberg values applicants who are not only academically exceptional but also compassionate, curious, and collaborative. Ideal candidates are active learners who ask thoughtful questions, demonstrate leadership, and thrive in team-based environments. The school looks for individuals who are passionate about patient care, research, and personal growth – and who are eager to engage with diverse communities and cutting-edge faculty mentors throughout their training.
Feinberg Secondary Essay Tips
Essay #1
Feinberg’s mission is to train future leaders who will serve their patients, communities and society. Explain how specific elements of the FSM integrated curriculum will support your future goals in medicine and how FSM, located in Chicago, will help you achieve these professional aspirations. (200 words)
FSM highlights the importance of training “future leaders” to serve others, particularly in the Chicago community. Reflect on these values and conduct your own research on the FSM integrated curriculum. What are your career goals? Are there particular classes, research, or clinical experiences offered by FSM that will help you reach these goals? Consider FSM’s unique location in downtown Chicago. How will this diverse urban environment contribute to your medical education and your future goals? Your response should demonstrate your enthusiasm for FSM and how your career goals align with its mission and opportunities.
Essay #2
Describe a new hobby or activity you enjoy in your free time outside of school. (200 words)
Adcoms ask this question both to learn more about you as a person and to ensure you can demonstrate the implementation of a positive work-life balance. Given that the rigors and demands of medical school can be intense, medical schools want to understand how you relax, unwind, and decompress. And your hobbies need not be healthcare related! Think about music, baking, writing poetry, or running, just to name a few. In your essay, focus on demonstrating your ability to manage stress while balancing multiple different commitments. How will these strategies ultimately help you in medical school?
Essay #3
POST-UNDERGRADUATE EXPERIENCES (if applicable): If you have one year or more between college graduation and medical school matriculation, describe both your completed activities and anticipated plans, including the extent of your involvement. (200 words)
Answer this prompt only if you will take one or more years off of school between graduating college and attending medical school. Describe what you have done with your time since graduating college. Are you pursuing another degree? Are you employed? Are you participating in any research, community service, clinical shadowing opportunities, or other activities? If you are a recent graduate, what do you plan to do during the upcoming year? Provide a clear picture of how you are spending your time, highlighting experiences that strengthen your medical school candidacy.
Essay #4
REAPPLICANT (if applicable): If you are reapplying to medical school, please address steps taken to enhance your application. (200 words)
Answer this prompt only if you are a reapplicant. Reflect on the time since you submitted your previous application. How have you grown? What new experiences have you sought out? How have these experiences better prepared you for a career in medicine? Focus on ways you have enhanced your application, such as through clinical, research, academic, service, professional, or personal experiences. Demonstrate what you have learned and why you are a better candidate during this application cycle.
Essay #5
Do you or an immediate family member have an existing relationship with the Feinberg School of Medicine? Yes/No, if Yes 50 word response
If you select “yes,” discuss any relationship you or your family may have with FSM. This may include a family member who is an FSM graduate or faculty/staff member.
Essay #6
The Feinberg School of Medicine values the totality of our students’ experiences. As everyone has their own narrative, please describe how your unique experiences would enrich the Northwestern community. (200 words)
Reflect on what makes you unique. Are there aspects of your identity, family, upbringing, or experiences that give you a different perspective? Discuss these experiences as your “narrative.” What did you learn? What values have you developed? Make sure to discuss how your unique experiences and perspectives will enrich the Northwestern community. Will they help you contribute to discussions, foster an inclusive community, or better care for patients? Your response should be authentic but highlight your strengths.
Feinberg Application Timeline
| Date | Description |
| May 28, 2025 | Earliest date for submission of application to AMCAS |
| June 27, 2025 | Earliest date to be invited to complete the secondary application |
| August-February | Admissions interviews |
| November 1, 2025 | Feinberg AMCAS deadline |
| November 15, 2025 | Secondary application deadline |
| November 15, 2025 | Letters of recommendation deadline |
| April 9-10, 2026 | Feinberg First Look |
| July 6, 2026 | Feinberg commit to enroll deadline |
Source: Feinberg School of Medicine website
***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with Feinberg directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***
Feinberg Class Profile
Here is a look at the Feinberg 2025 entering class (data taken from the Feinberg School of Medicine website):
Applications received: 8,609
Applicants invited to interview: 704
Class size: 140
States represented: 32
Median GPA: 3.93
Median MCAT: 521
Underrepresented in medicine: 15%
Women: 54%
Men: 45%
Another gender identity: 1%
LGBTQ+: 19%
Student athletes: 10%
Students who studied abroad: 33%
Students who have served as a tutor or have other teaching experience: 92%
Students who received institutional funding: 93%
Students who took no gap year: 36%
Students who took one gap year: 34%
Students who took two or more gap years: 30%
Undergrad schools represented: 50
Students who engaged in research at the undergraduate or graduate level: 100%
Fields of study represented: 46
Languages spoken: 25
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 Wherley 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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