The University of Connecticut School of Medicine Secondary Application Essay Tips and Timeline [2025–2026], Class Profile
The University of Connecticut School of Medicine (UConn SOM), founded in 1961, is a public medical school located in Farmington, Connecticut. Located at the University of Connecticut Health Center, the UConn SOM also includes the School of Dental Medicine, graduate programs in Biomedical Science and Public Health, the UConn John Dempsey Hospital, research buildings, and the UConn Health Sciences Library.
The school uses the M Delta curriculum (Making a Difference in Education, Learning, and Teaching Across the Curriculum), offering team-based learning, collaborative group work, and early clinical exposure. Students begin patient interactions during their first year at local Hartford area hospitals. And the research opportunities are plentiful!
Who should apply to the UConn SOM? First, read the school’s mission statement to see if it aligns with your values: “The mission of the UConn School of Medicine is innovation, discovery and education. We train the next generation of medical students, residents, specialty fellows, and clinical practitioners in an environment of exemplary patient care, research, and public service.” If you have experience in community outreach and want to continue that work in medical school, this may be the program for you! The UConn SOM is known for its student involvement in the local community. Starting with the “Principles of Clinical Medicine” course, followed by the Student Continuity Practice curriculum, students get involved in the greater Hartford community early in their medical school career. Students are further offered many different opportunities to stay involved at the local level.
Table of Contents
UConn SOM Secondary Essay Tips
(1,800-character maximum for each essay)
Essay #1
Highlight your experiences in the health care field. What insights have you gained about potential problems you will face as a physician?
Although you may have already mentioned your specific healthcare-related experiences in your personal statement, work and activities section, and secondary essays, this essay is asking applicants to clearly and concisely list them again. Think of the categories available on the AMCAS application: Paid Employment – Medical/Clinical, Community Service/Volunteer – Medical/Clinical, Physician Shadowing/Clinical Observation, and any research positions that you’ve held in the healthcare field.
The important part of this question is the second sentence. Reflect on what you have learned during the roles you have held, and be very specific about what “problems” you believe you may face as a practitioner. You could talk about not having enough time with each patient, possible burnout, prevention of care by insurance carriers, lack of research funding, or wanting to provide care to the under/uninsured.
Essay #2
How will the University of Connecticut School of Medicine best serve your needs of becoming a physician or physician scientist?
Said another way: “Why UConn?” The strongest answer to this question involves linking something or several things that are very specific and unique to the UConn SOM curriculum and tying them to your personal strengths, goals, and vision of yourself as a physician.
First, you should establish your connection to Connecticut. Why do you want to live here, train here, and serve the people of this state? Next, what do you like about the curriculum? UConn SOM’s M Delta curriculum emphasizes team-based learning, collaboration, and interprofessional teamwork. Is that how you learn best? As you continue your essay, think about the school’s special offerings such as the Primary Care Leadership Track, the Pathology Fellowship, or the Urban Service Track. Would applying to one of these give you the specialized training that you seek to become the physician you envision?
Essay #3
The University of Connecticut School of Medicine realizes that each applicant brings a unique perspective from a broad range of experiences that have been influential in leading to a career in medicine. How will your own life experiences and unique identity enhance the UConn SOM classroom and community?
The adcom would really like to know more about you beyond your personal statement and the biographic information on your AMCAS application. According to the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) database, the 2024 matriculating class at UConn SOM was amazingly diverse: 64% were women, 33% were Asian, 8% were Hispanic/Latino, 5% were Black, 22% were self-reported disadvantaged status, and 11% came from a medically underserved area.UConn values different people and a myriad of perspectives. Where you came from and what you have experienced are important in shaping who you are, how you view others, and how you may eventually render care. As much as you feel comfortable, be vulnerable to talk about where you grew up, interesting parts of your culture, and your family.
Essay #4
Have you participated in any of the Health Career Opportunity Programs (HCOP) or other outreach programs at UConn Health? If not, how did you learn about the University of Connecticut School of Medicine (e.g., recruitment event, word of mouth, research opportunity, website, etc.)? Please list any activities/exposure and approximate time of engagement.
This is a simple question, where the adcom wants to know if you have been engaged and active in any type of early exposure/onboarding program. If not, that’s okay. Be sure to let them know if you ever attended an open house, either in person or virtually, and/or have ever spoken to a member of the admissions team
UConn SOM Secondary Application Timeline
| Date | Event |
| June 1 | Primary application becomes available via AMCAS |
| August 1 | Deadline for Early Decision applicants to complete the AMCAS application |
| August to March | Interview invitations sent to selected applicants |
| October 1 | Early Decision applicants notified of admissions status |
| October to end of admissions cycle | Offers of acceptance issued on a rolling basis |
| November 15 | Deadline for submitting the AMCAS application |
| December 31 | Deadline for receipt of all materials, including the supplemental statement and letters of recommendation |
Source: UConn SOM website
***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with the UConn SOM directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***
UConn SOM Class Profile
Here is a look at the UConn SOM Class of 2029 (data taken from the UConn SoM website):
Applicants: 1,000+
Class size: 114
From Connecticut: 68%
UConn undergraduates: 35%
In addition, here is some data on matriculants for the 2024 application cycle (as reported on the UConn SOM website):
Average cumulative GPA: 3.8
Average MCAT score: 513
Related Resources
- Medical School Selectivity Index, a free tool
- Five Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your Med School & Secondary Essays, a free guide
- Admissions Straight Talk podcast, episodes on med school and healthcare programs
