University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine Secondary Application Essay Tips and Timeline [2025–2026], Class Profile
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine (UNC SOM) is one of the nation’s top public medical schools, advancing health through its integrated mission of education, research, and patient care. Guided by the Accelerate Forward Together strategic plan, UNC SOM is dedicated to serving the people of North Carolina and beyond by reducing health disparities, providing outstanding patient care, and pushing the boundaries of biomedical discovery.
With world-class faculty, exceptional research infrastructure, and a strong clinical foundation, the school offers students a unique environment where they receive personalized attention and training to excel as future physicians, scientists, and healthcare leaders. Supported by a rich array of research centers, interprofessional education opportunities, and a commitment to community health, UNC SOM equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to lead in both clinical practice and scientific innovation.
UNC SOM Secondary Essay Tips
Essay #1
Describe an experience where you attempted a task and realized during the process that you were not ready for it. How did this experience impact your approach to trying new things? (250 words)
Consider a task that challenged your preparedness. Did you underestimate an academic, professional, or personal situation? Describe the moment when you realized you were not ready to address it. How did you feel? What was your initial reaction? Focus most of your response on what you did to adapt to this situation. How did you manage stress, uncertainty, or unexpected information? What did you learn about yourself? Reflect on how this has changed your mindset about learning, preparation, or risk-taking. How will it impact your approach to trying new things? Demonstrate how this experience will help you navigate new tasks as a medical student.
Essay #2
How will your life experiences foster a positive educational environment and benefit your future patients? (250 words)
To answer this prompt, reflect on how your personal experiences, background, and values have influenced who you are and your decision to pursue medicine. What are the most important aspects of your life experiences? Consider culture, community, family, and challenges you have faced. How have these experiences shaped your worldview and who you are? Be sure to draw a connection to how these influences will shape your approach as a future medical student and physician. What qualities and perspectives will you bring to the UNC SOM learning environment? How will you ensure it is a positive environment? Will your experiences influence the patient populations you serve, your communication style, or your dedication to a particular cause? How have your identity and life experience shaped the type of physician you hope to be?
Essay #3
Discuss your involvement in a service activity that has impacted your understanding of healthcare and your desire to pursue a career in medicine. (250 words)
Describe one of your most fulfilling community service experiences. It does not need to be a clinical experience but should have impacted your understanding of healthcare and medicine. What did you do, and how did you become involved in the service efforts? What role did this experience play in your journey to medical school? Focus on what you learned about the healthcare system and your own interests. Did it change your perception of a particular issue or community? What insights did you gain, and how did they influence your goals for a future career in medicine?
Essay #4
What motivates you to apply to the UNC School of Medicine? (250 words)
In your response, demonstrate both your enthusiasm for UNC SOM and why you are a good fit for the school. According to the UNC SOM website, the school’s mission is “to improve the health and wellbeing of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.” Reflect on aspects of this mission that resonate with you and align with your goals as a future medical student and physician. Research the school’s curriculum, programs, activities, and research opportunities. What stands out to you about UNC SOM? Be specific and demonstrate why these features are particularly important to you for your medical education. What opportunities do you hope to take advantage of or contribute to? How will an education from UNC SOM help you become the type of physician you want to be in the future? You may also include any personal connections or interests you have to UNC and the surrounding community.
UNC SOM Application Timeline
| Date/Time Frame | Event |
| Early Spring | Suggested time to begin requesting letters of recommendation to allow writers enough time before the deadline |
| August 31 | Deadline for all required letters of recommendation to be submitted through AMCAS |
| October 1 | Deadline for AMCAS primary applicationDeadline for required three letters of recommendationDeadline for optional additional letters (up to two extra allowed) |
| Rolling (after AMCAS submission) | Supplemental application invitations emailed automatically once AMCAS application is verified, with the deadline specified in the email |
| September to February | Interviews conducted Application review by admissions committee, with decisions made throughout the interview season until the class is filled |
| Early April | Final decision notifications (acceptance, waitlist, or denial) sent to all applicants |
Source: UNC SOM website
***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with UNC SOM directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***
UNC SOM Academic Expectations
Here is a look at the UNC SOM academic expectations (data taken from the UNC SOM website):
Matriculants:
- Average MCAT: 512
- Biology/chemistry/physics/math (BCPM) GPA: 3.6-3.7
Competitive in-state applicant:
- BCPM GPA: >3.2
- MCAT: 500+
Competitive out-of-state applicant:
- Overall undergraduate GPA: 3.59
- BCPM GPA: >3.49
- MCAT: 514+
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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