Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine Secondary Application Essay Tips and Timeline [2026–2027], 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.
Table of Contents
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 favorite book, movie, album, or other work of art you would like to share with your future classmates and why. (200-word maximum)
Of all the secondary essays out there, try to enjoy answering this one! This prompt gives you the opportunity to select one item from this list: a book, movie, album, or other work of art. First, be sure to include the title. Highlight the author, artist, actor, director, or any other significant contributor. Share why this piece is important to you, what resonated with you when you first encountered the piece, and what lasting impression or message has remained with you. What are the important notes you would share with your future classmates as you all embark on a new chapter of your professional journey?
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 experiences have shaped your interests, preparation for medicine, or perspective on patient care, and how they may contribute to your development with the Northwestern community.
This essay prompt provides a unique opportunity to give the admissions committee insight into three things: something unique about yourself, how that “uniqueness” has given you specific insight into patient care, and a new, interesting item about your identity that you have not yet revealed in your primary application. How should you approach this essay? First, try to think of something you’d really like the adcom to know about you but haven’t yet shared in your personal statement or any other writing piece. Perhaps you moved frequently during childhood, are an avid reader, or speak several languages. Next, draw a clear link between the experience and how it has informed your approach to medicine. Examples include your adaptability, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. Finish your essay by highlighting how bringing both your personal story and your strengths to FSM will benefit the student body and professional community.
Feinberg Application Timeline
| Date | Description |
| May 28, 2026 | Earliest date for submission of application to AMCAS |
| June 26, 2026 | Earliest date to be invited to complete the secondary application |
| August-February | Admissions interviews |
| November 1, 2026 | Feinberg AMCAS deadline |
| November 15, 2026 | Secondary application deadline |
| November 15, 2026 | Letters of recommendation deadline |
| April 8-9, 2027 | Feinberg First Look |
| June 21, 2027 | 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: 8,610
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: 12%
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: 37%
Students who took one gap year: 34%
Students who took two or more gap years: 29%
Undergrad schools represented: 50
Students who engaged in research at the undergraduate or graduate level: 100%
Fields of study represented: 45
Languages spoken: 25
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