Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University Secondary Application Tips [2020-2021]

Sidney Kimmel Medical College (formerly Thomas Jefferson Medical College) is located in Philadelphia and prides itself on educating physicians who will provide integrated community healthcare. For example, one of their unique programs focuses on providing physicians for rural areas. The new curriculum integrates basic sciences with clinical experience and professional development and is uniquely suited to produce doctors who consider the social and ethical implications of their work in addition to the medical and scientific side. The school also has a large focus on altruism and individual development.

The secondary also asks for ACT or SAT sub-section score, but these are for research purposes only.

SKMC at Thomas Jefferson University 2020-2021 Secondary Application Essays

SKMC essay #1

Explain any impact that COVID-19 may have had on your educational/research/volunteering or employment plans. (2000 characters)

Like most other medical schools, Sidney Kimmel Medical College wants to know how your education, volunteer work, employment, MCAT, shadowing, employment were affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Most applicants will have had some disruption.

If you were affected personally (you, your family, your community) definitely address this. If you took the initiative to help your family or community deal with the crisis, write about what you did and the impact of your actions on others and you.

Stay factual, clear and brief. This prompt is very, very short. It’s likely SKMC is using this prompt as an organized way to gather this information from their applicants, so the admissions committee is not searching around for it application by application.

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SKMC essay #2

“Do you have any additional information that hasn’t been covered?” (4,000 characters)

Because this is an optional essay, you should not repeat any information that is on your AMCAS. This section should be used either to a) highlight your unique connection to or interest in the school; b) explain something in your application that may be unclear; or c) add any information that was not included in the AMCAS.

To highlight your unique connection, you should write something that is very focused on details specific to why you would be a good fit for this school. Do not write a general essay about yourself or the school, but do the research and investigate specific programs that would be a good fit for you. You should also mention if you have special ties there or to the area. Do not use this essay to beg or make a plea; the essay should be direct and focused.

If you use the essay to clarify or add information, you should ensure the essay does not repeat anything in the AMCAS or letters of recommendation. This section can be used to provide updates on current employment or plans for the gap year, additional steps you’ve taken to improve your application, additional classes you have completed, new volunteer work you have undertaken or any other new information that was not previously discussed. Similarly, the essay should be specific, direct and focused.

SKMC at Thomas Jefferson University 2020-2021 application deadlines

October 15, 2020	MD/PhD Program deadline
November 15, 2020	MD Program deadline
January 1, 2021	All supporting application documents due
April 1, 2021	Deadline for deferral requests

Source: SKMC at Thomas Jefferson University website

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***

Dr. Mary Mahoney, Ph.D. has over 20 years of experience as an advisor and essay reviewer for med school applicants. She is a tenured English Professor with an MFA in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College and a PhD in Literature and Writing from the University of Houston. For the last twenty years, Mary has served as a grad school advisor and essay reviewer for med school applicants. Want Mary to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!

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