Ranked fifth for research by U.S. News & World Report, Washington University (WashU) School of Medicine provides exciting opportunities for medical students to participate in research at the basic science or clinical levels. The school looks for students who have strong ties to their communities – along with excellent communication skills, a dedication to service, and well-rounded interests.
Ready to get to work on your WashU School of Medicine secondary essays? Read on.
- WashU School of Medicine secondary essay tips
- WashU School of Medicine application deadlines
- WashU School of Medicine class profile
WashU School of Medicine secondary essay tips
Essay #1
Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. (3000 characters)
The best responses to this question will demonstrate resilience. Select an event or commitment that you clearly did not perform well on – but did not give up. Choose something you had to repeat or improve on, and then demonstrate how, through hard work, you were ultimately able to succeed. For example, you might write about your first teaching experience. Most people’s first time teaching a class or group does not go very well, but such experiences are ones you learn from. Focus on how you then improved. Be mindful. End your essay on a high note.
Essay #2
Is there anything else you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions? (optional)
This is both an open question and a diversity question. WashU wants to learn about your personal experiences, socioeconomic difficulties, ethnicity issues, sexual orientation challenges, and/or any other identity-related (yours or your family’s) matters. Also, if you or your family had an unusual life experience, this is the place to relate it. Some applicants use this essay to describe obstacles such as complicated access to education, unusual socioeconomic factors, and/or identification with a particular culture, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity – and/or possibly challenges related to COVID or other issues in preparation for medical school.
Note: Medical students, as rising physicians, must be able to embrace diversity as a core value. To demonstrate this, applicants might draw from their personal experiences or observed experiences, or could tell a story that was integral to their “character” education about the necessary and essential value for diversity, a lesson learned.
Essay #3
Are you still a full time student? If no, describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (Optional) (2000 characters)
Update your resume or CV, and be succinct but comprehensive in your response. Capture the diversity of your activities and interests, including all work experiences and volunteer commitments since you graduated. Because this is meant to be a chronological retelling, show how each successive role has helped you grow as a person and future physician.
Watch: Dr. Valerie Ratts, associate dean for admissions at Washington University School of Medicine, talks about how the WashU adcom selects students.
WashU School of Medicine application deadlines [2023-24]
| Final day for applicants to the MSTP (MD-PhD) Program to submit AMCAS applications | October 13 |
| Final day for applicants to the MSTP (MD-PhD) Program to submit supplemental applications | October 30 |
| Final day for MD applicants to submit AMCAS applications | November 22 |
| Final day (for MD-only applicants) for Washington University School of Medicine to receive: (1) supplemental application, (2) recommendation letters, and (3) MCAT scores | November 30 |
| Final day for WUSM to provide decision notification | April 15 |
***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with WashU directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***
WashU School of Medicine class profile
Here is a look at the WashU School of Medicine class that entered in 2023 (data taken from the WashU School of Medicine website):
Applications: 5,702
Students enrolled: 124
Women: 62 (50%)
Underrepresented in medicine: 31%
From socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds: 25%
Received merit and/or need-based scholarships: 85%
Mean MCAT: 519.5 (96th percentile)
Mean GPA: 3.88
Has this blog post helped you feel more confident about approaching your WashU School of Medicine secondary application? We hope so. It’s our mission to help smart, talented applicants like you gain acceptance to their top-choice medical schools. With so much at stake, why not hire a consultant whose expertise and personalized guidance can help you make your dream come true? We have several flexible consulting options. Click here to get started today!
Dr. Mary Mahoney, PhD, is the medical humanities director at Elmira College and has more than 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 past 20 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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