UNMC College of Medicine Secondary Application Essay Tips and Timeline [2025–2026], Class Profile
The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Medicine offers an innovative, learner-centered curriculum designed to prepare physicians who excel in clinical practice, biomedical research, and health systems science. With campuses in Omaha and Kearney, UNMC provides state-of-the-art classrooms, simulation centers, and clinical skills labs that support hands-on learning.
The program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, problem-solving, and compassionate patient care, ensuring graduates are ready to meet the healthcare needs of Nebraska and beyond. Students can tailor their education with dual-degree options and Enhanced Medical Education Tracks while also engaging in service learning and enrichment opportunities. The curriculum’s focus on integrated learning experiences, clinical reasoning, and professional growth positions graduates to succeed in residency, specialty practice, and leadership roles within the medical profession.
UNMC seeks applicants who are committed to improving patient care and health outcomes, particularly within Nebraska and the surrounding region. The admissions committee values candidates with a strong academic foundation, critical thinking skills, and a demonstrated ability to learn across multiple modalities, from simulation and patient encounters to interprofessional collaboration. Applicants should also show evidence of compassion, resilience, and a readiness to embrace the responsibilities of the 21st-century physician. UNMC especially values individuals who aspire to contribute as leaders and problem-solvers in healthcare—those who are dedicated to continuous growth, committed to serving diverse communities, and capable of advancing both medicine and public health through knowledge, teamwork, and innovation.
UNMC College of Medicine Secondary Essay Tips
Essay #1
Do you have relationships in Nebraska? If Yes, state relationship and city of family living in Nebraska.
Simply answer the question, letting the adcom know whether you have family in Nebraska – and if so, what city they live in and how you are related.
Essay #2
If you are a re-applicant to the UNMC College of Medicine, how is your application different this year? (750 characters)
Answer this prompt only if you are a re-applicant to the UNMC College of Medicine. Your response should be focused on your growth since your last application. Have you improved your MCAT score? Did you gain more professional, research, or clinical experience? Have you learned new skills or developed new qualities? Be specific about what you have done since your last application process or matriculation and how it will better prepare you to be a student at UNMC.
Essay #3
What is your personal rationale for applying to the UNMC College of Medicine, especially if you are not from Nebraska? (1000 characters)
Your response to this prompt should demonstrate your enthusiasm for the UNMC College of Medicine as well as how you will contribute to the school. According to the website, UNMC’s mission is “to lead the world in transforming lives to create a healthy future for all individuals and communities through premier educational programs, innovative research and extraordinary patient care.” Some other notable aspects of the school’s vision are commitment to community health and dedication to creating economic growth in the state of Nebraska. Reflect on how your own values and goals align with UNMC’s mission. Research the curriculum, activities, and programs that you are interested in. Be specific in describing how you will take advantage of these opportunities and how they will help you work toward your goals for a future medical career.
If you are from Nebraska, you may also highlight your connections to the state or local communities. If you are not from Nebraska, be sure to acknowledge this and specify your reasons for wanting to train and serve in the state. Do you have any personal, academic, or professional connections to Nebraska? Are you interested in particular aspects of Nebraska’s healthcare landscape or patient population? Demonstrate your specific interest in UNMC and your dedication to serving the surrounding community.
Essay #4
What are you most proud of in your life? (1500 characters)
Reflect on the accomplishments or experiences that are most meaningful to you. This could be something from academics, employment, community service, or your personal life. It doesn’t need to be your most prestigious accomplishment, but it should show how you have made an impact that had personal meaning to you. You may consider times when you took the initiative to make a change, acted as a leader, or helped someone else achieve something. Why does it make you feel proud? If applicable, you may also include how it has influenced your goals for a future career in medicine.
Essay #5
Tell us about a time when you have had to overcome adversity. (1500 characters)
Consider a challenge that demonstrates your resilience or shows growth. Describe the adversity you faced and how it made you feel. Why was it important for you? What was your response? Focus the majority of your response on how you overcame the challenging experience and what you learned. What strategies did you use? Did you reach out for help? You should highlight your resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. What did you learn, and how will this strengthen your response moving forward?
Essay #6
How do you know that you want to be a physician? (1500 characters)
Reflect on experiences that have solidified your desire to become a physician. Although you may have answered “Why medicine?” in your personal statement, use this as an opportunity to expand on your commitment to the profession. Concentrate on specific examples that will help you show rather than tell. Are there particular experiences such as shadowing, patient care, or volunteering that progressed your interest in medicine to certainty? Why did these experiences impact you, and how have they influenced your goals as a future physician? Be sure to make a distinction between wanting to be a physician versus working in other health-related professions.
Essay #7
Tell us something about yourself that will enhance the UNMC College of Medicine. (1500 characters)
Identify a unique part of your identity, background, perspective, or life experiences that will enhance the learning environment at the UNMC College of Medicine. Will you bring a new skill set, culture, language, hobby, or interest to your class? How will your distinctive traits and values benefit your classmates, future patients, and UNMC’s surrounding community? In what ways will you foster an inclusive environment or encourage the exchange of different ideas? Show that you are enthusiastic about not just attending UNMC but also contributing to the school and connecting with your peers.
Essay #8
What have you learned from working with people whose background is different from yours? (1500 characters)
Consider experiences when you worked with individuals whose backgrounds are different from yours. How did you connect and build trust with others despite these differences? What did you learn about yourself and your communication skills? What were the most important things you learned about the value of diversity? Describe how this experience will prepare you for a future as a medical student and clinician.
UNMC College of Medicine Application Timeline
| Application | AMCAS Submission Deadline | MCAT Score Release |
| Early Decision Program | August 1, 2025 | September 3, 2025 |
| Regular MD, MD/PhD, MD/GRAD | November 1, 2024 | Any MCAT completed in the calendar year will be considered. |
| Supplemental applications are due by November 17, 2025. | ||
Source: UNMC
***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with the UNMC College of Medicine directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***
UNMC College of Medicine Class Profile
Here is a look at the profile for the UNMC 2024 entering class (data taken from the UNMC College of Medicine 2024-2025 admissions guide):
Application Demographics
- Total applications: 2,432
- Residents: 272
- Non-residents: 2,129
Accepted Class Demographics
- Accepted: 134
- Residents: 115
- Non-residents: 17
Age
- 20-22: 57
- 23-25: 65
- 26-26: 9
- 29-30: 0
- 30+: 3
(There is no age limitation for admission to medical school.)
Grade Point Averages
- Science: 3.80
- Non-science: 3.89
- Overall: 3.84
Medical College Admissions Test Scores (Mean)
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems: 128
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills: 127
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems: 128
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior: 129
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