by Mary Mahoney
Tufts University School of Medicine Secondary Application Essay Tips and Timeline [2025–2026], Class Profile
Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM) provides a rigorous, hands-on education that blends classroom learning with clinical and community experiences. Located on Boston’s Health Sciences Campus, TUSM offers students access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the Clinical Skills and Medical Simulation Center and a world-class anatomy lab. Students rotate through diverse clinical environments – from major urban trauma centers to rural clinics – ensuring broad exposure to different patient populations and healthcare systems. The school emphasizes compassionate care, service to the community, and opportunities for global health engagement, with students participating in projects and fieldwork around the world. Distinctive programs – such as the Maine Track and the MD/MPH, MD/MA in International Relations, and MD/PhD dual degrees – give students the flexibility to tailor their education and prepare for leadership roles in medicine, research, and public health.
TUSM seeks applicants who are academically strong, service driven, and committed to compassionate, patient-centered care. The school values candidates who demonstrate leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to social responsibility, particularly in addressing health disparities and improving equity in underserved populations. TUSM is especially interested in students who embrace collaboration, interprofessional teamwork, and lifelong learning. Applicants who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and a passion for making a lasting impact on communities – locally, nationally, or globally – are strongly aligned with TUSM’s mission. The Maine Track program also highlights the school’s interest in applicants drawn to community-based medicine and rural health. Above all, TUSM looks for future physicians who combine intellectual rigor with humanism and a dedication to improving the quality of life for patients everywhere.
TUSM Secondary Essay Tips
Essay #1
Do you wish to share a specific reason why have you chosen to apply to Tufts University School of Medicine? (Yes/No) (1000 character limit)
We highly encourage you to answer “Yes” and take the opportunity to craft a thoughtful, personalized response to this question. This is your chance to demonstrate why TUSM is the right fit for you and to highlight specific aspects of the program that genuinely excite you. For example, you could highlight one of the four curricular themes, such as Population Health, and elaborate on your interest in social justice as well as the work you have already done in this area to help further solidify your fit with the school. In addition, you could opt to write about the Community Service Learning requirement and how you see it both benefiting and supplementing your education. Finally, the Scholarly Project program could be a good option to discuss for applicants who have a background in research and want to connect an item from their primary application directly to this required module.
Essay #2
Please briefly describe your plans for the coming year. Will you be a student, working, conducting research, volunteering, or other activities? (1000 character limit)
Be specific when outlining the exciting opportunities and goals you have planned for the upcoming year. Focus on sharing meaningful clinical experiences, service-based initiatives, personal development, and academic pursuits. Instead of simply listing courses, highlight any new leadership roles you’ve taken on since submitting your AMCAS application as well as any impactful projects you’re involved in through community service. Emphasize your passions and interests, and explain how these activities are helping you grow and prepare for medical school. If any of your goals or experiences align with TUSM’s mission, be sure to thoughtfully highlight those in your response.
Essay #3
Please tell us about your journey to medical school and how your background and experiences will positively impact your future as a medical student and physician. If you have experienced personal circumstances or hardships that have helped you develop qualities that you believe will allow you to better serve your future patients and the medical community as a whole, please share those experiences in your response. (1000 character limit)
Focus on the experiences that make you truly unique, and share them through thoughtful storytelling rather than simply listing your accomplishments. Reflect on what initially sparked your interest in medicine and how that passion has developed over time. Emphasize the skills you’ve gained, the life experiences and challenges you’ve faced, and most importantly, how you’ve grown through them. Medical schools seek diverse applicants with rich perspectives, so use this opportunity to highlight the qualities and experiences that define who you are – and that will shape the kind of compassionate, insightful physician you aspire to be and how you’ll meaningfully connect with future patients.
Essay #4
Which of your experiences with clinical medicine or healthcare has best prepared you for a future career as a physician, and why? Please tell us about the specific experience, the skills you acquired, and the insights you gained about the profession of medicine. (1000 character limit)
Do your best to avoid repeating content found elsewhere in your application. If you choose to revisit an experience, make sure to present it from a fresh perspective or focus on a different aspect of the story. Highlight what you did or observed; this could include experiences from volunteering, work, shadowing, or other relevant activities. Emphasize what you learned and how it influenced your growth. For example, did a physician you worked with demonstrate qualities that shaped your vision of the kind of doctor you hope to become? Were they a strong leader, a compassionate listener, or a skilled collaborator? Use these reflections to illustrate the skills you developed and the insights you gained. Additionally, consider discussing your broader understanding of medicine, such as the challenges physicians face, essential qualities of effective doctors, the value of holistic and team-based care, or how you’ve thought through ethical dilemmas.
Essay #5
Tufts University School of Medicine is committed to social responsibility, and to serve and advocate for all people. Have you done substantial work or service that has contributed to societal good, or addressed social determinants of health, health equity, or social justice? (Yes/No) (1000 character limit)
Be honest when approaching this question. If you only have superficial experience without significant effect, it may be better to leave this question unanswered. Ideally, choose an activity where you had sustained involvement and made a meaningful impact. When writing about the experience, clearly describe the community or individuals you served, the issue you sought to address, your specific role, and the tangible outcomes of your efforts. Most importantly, focus your response on what you learned from the experience and how it helped shape or reinforce your values and aspirations in medicine. Your reflection should highlight personal growth and a deeper understanding of the kind of physician you hope to become.
Essay #6
Do you have any withdrawals or repeated coursework listed on your transcript(s). (Yes/No) (1000 character limit)
If your answer is “Yes,” begin this essay by stating the facts honestly and objectively. Avoid placing blame on others or external circumstances. Briefly explain what occurred and why you believe you received the grades or withdrawals in question. The majority of your response should focus on how you addressed these challenges and what has changed since then. It’s essential to demonstrate self-awareness, accountability, and personal growth. Setbacks do not define you; rather, it’s how you respond, the lessons you take away, and the changes you implement that truly reflect your character. Be sure to highlight the skills, habits, and mindset you’ve developed as a result as well as how these will support your success in medical school.
Essay #7
Did you take any leaves of absence or significant breaks from your undergraduate education? (Do not include time off after graduation.) (Yes/No) (1000 character limit)
If your answer is “Yes,” be honest and factual. Clearly state the duration of your time off and the reason for your leave, whether it was due to financial hardship, health challenges, family responsibilities, research opportunities, or other personal circumstances. Emphasize how you used this time productively, and explain why taking a leave of absence was necessary for your well-being, growth, or long-term goals. Highlight how the experience contributed to your personal or professional development and prepared you to move forward successfully.
Essay #8
Because your academics will not be shared with interviewers until after you complete your interview, we encourage you to use this space to elaborate on any academic challenges you have overcome. We understand that many applicants encounter academic hardships along the way. Please comment on any academic difficulties that you have encountered since completing high school (grades and MCAT scores). We believe that such difficulties offer an opportunity for growth and would appreciate learning how your experiences have affected your approach to academics. If you have not encountered any difficulties, you may answer ‘No.’ (1000 character limit)
Start by presenting the facts honestly and objectively, without placing blame on others or external circumstances. Briefly explain what happened, whether it was a semester of poor grades, a low MCAT score, or another academic challenge. The focus of your response should be on how you addressed these obstacles and the positive changes you have made since then. It is crucial to demonstrate self-awareness, accountability, and personal growth. Setbacks do not define you; it is your response to them, the insights you have gained, and the improvements you have implemented that reveal who you are. Highlight the specific skills, habits, and mindset you have developed as a result – such as improved study techniques, time management strategies, or test-taking approaches – and explain how these will support your success in medical school.
Essay #9
Have you ever been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or no contest to, a Misdemeanor crime, excluding 1) any offense for which you were adjudicated as a juvenile, 2) any convictions which have been expunged or sealed by a court, or 3) any misdemeanor convictions for which any probation has been completed and the case dismissed by the court (in states where applicable)? (Yes/No) (1000 character limit)
If your answer is “Yes,” be truthful and direct in your response. Clearly explain what happened, taking full responsibility without deflecting blame. Focus on what you learned from the experience and how it contributed to your personal and professional growth. Emphasize the steps you’ve taken to ensure the issue will not recur, and reassure the admissions committee that you are prepared to meet the demands of medical school and the responsibilities of becoming a physician. Your reflection should convey maturity, resilience, and confirmation of how you’ve changed.
Essay #10
Have you been a participant in any of the following programs? (a list of programs is provided) (If so, please indicate the dates of your participation.) (1000 character limit)
Simply indicate your participation and the dates.
Essay #11
Do you wish to include any additional comments (beyond those already provided in your application) to the Admissions Committee at Tufts University School of Medicine? (Yes/No) (1000 character limit)
We highly recommend that you answer this question, as it offers a valuable opportunity to share meaningful information that may not be covered elsewhere in your application. Use this space to address any gaps in your education, elaborate on significant aspects of your journey to medicine, or highlight experiences that further illustrate your passion for medicine. This is also an ideal place to emphasize why TUSM is the right fit for you, using specific examples that align with your interests and goals. A well-crafted response can help you stand out – especially if you bring a unique background, skill set, or perspective to medicine. Be intentional with your answer; avoid repetition and instead focus on adding new, relevant insights that enhance your overall application.
TUSM Application Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
| June to November | TUSM receives applications from AMCAS |
| July to January | TUSM receives secondary applications and letters of recommendation |
| July to March | Completed applications are reviewed |
| August 1 | Deadline to complete Early Decision AMCAS application |
| August to March | TUSM sends invitations to interview |
| September 1 | Deadline to complete Early Decision TUSM secondary application |
| September to March | TUSM interview season |
| October 1 | TUSM notifies Early Decision applicants of application outcome |
| October to April | TUSM admissions committee admits selected applicants |
| October to March | Applicants no longer being considered for admission receive letter of regret |
| November 1 | Deadline to complete regular AMCAS application |
| December 30 | Deadline to complete regular TUSM secondary application |
| March 31 | All applicants have received either an invitation to interview or a letter of regret |
| May to July | TUSM admits selected applicants from the waitlist |
| Late July | Orientation for the entering class |
Source: TUSM website
***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with TUSM directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***
TUSM Class Profile
Here is a look at the TUSM Class of 2029 (data taken from the TUSM website):
Enrolled in the MD program: 204
- Regular Boston Track: 164
- Maine Track: 40
MD/MPH: 26
MD/MA in International Relations: 1
MD/PhD: 5
Mean Total GPA: 3.82
Mean Science GPA: 3.77
Mean MCAT Score: 514
States represented: 26 and the District of Columbia
Undergraduate schools represented: 84
Average age: 24
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 Wherely 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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