The Secondary Application Process
The secondary application is an important part of the medical school application process. It gives medical schools a chance to learn more about you and your qualifications, and it helps you decide which schools are the best fit for you.
Secondary applications are typically released in June, after the AMCAS application deadline. However, some schools may release their secondaries earlier or later.
There are a few different ways that secondaries can be released to applicants:
- Email: Many schools release their secondaries via email. You will typically receive an email from the school with a link to the secondary application.
- Online portal: Some schools release their secondaries through an online portal. You will need to create an account on the school’s website in order to access the secondary application.
- Mail: A few schools still release their secondaries by mail. You should receive a letter from the school with instructions on how to complete the secondary application.
How to Check for Secondaries
Once you have submitted your AMCAS application, you can check for secondaries by:
- Checking your email: Be sure to check your email regularly for messages from medical schools.
- Logging into online portals: If you have created accounts on any school websites, be sure to log in to check for secondaries.
- Calling or emailing the admissions office: If you have not received a secondary from a school that you are interested in, you can call or email the admissions office to inquire about it.
Tips for Completing Secondaries
Once you have received your secondaries, it is important to complete them promptly and carefully. Here are a few tips for completing secondaries:
- Read the instructions carefully: Each secondary application will have specific instructions on how to complete it. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before you begin.
- Start early: Secondaries can take a lot of time to complete. It is important to start working on them as soon as possible so that you have enough time to complete them thoughtfully.
- Be yourself: The secondary application is a chance for you to show medical schools who you are and what you are passionate about. Be yourself and let your personality shine through.
- Proofread your work: Before you submit your secondaries, be sure to proofread them carefully for any errors.
Benefits of Completing Secondaries
Completing secondaries is an important part of the medical school application process. By completing your secondaries, you can:
- Show medical schools that you are interested in their school: Completing a secondary application shows medical schools that you are serious about attending their school.
- Provide medical schools with more information about you: Secondaries give you the opportunity to provide medical schools with more information about your qualifications, your experiences, and your goals.
- Demonstrate your writing skills: Secondaries require you to write essays and answer short answer questions. This gives medical schools a chance to assess your writing skills.
- Increase your chances of getting accepted to medical school: Completing your secondaries on time and thoughtfully can increase your chances of getting accepted to medical school.
Conclusion
The secondary application is an important part of the medical school application process. By completing your secondaries promptly and carefully, you can increase your chances of getting accepted to medical school.
Additional Resources
- AMCAS Secondary Application Guide
- How to Write a Medical School Secondary Application
- The 10 Commandments of Writing a Secondary Application
Tables
| School | Secondary Release Date | Secondary Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard Medical School | June 15 | July 15 |
| Stanford University School of Medicine | June 1 | June 30 |
| University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine | June 10 | July 1 |
| Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine | June 1 | June 30 |
| Question Type | Tips for Answering |
|---|---|
| Essay | Be yourself, answer the question directly, and proofread your work. |
| Short answer | Be concise, answer the question directly, and proofread your work. |
| Multiple choice | Read the question carefully and select the best answer. |
| Check box | Select all of the answers that apply. |
Step-by-Step Approach to Completing Secondaries
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Gather your materials.
- Start early.
- Be yourself.
- Proofread your work.
- Submit your secondaries on time.
Tips and Tricks
- Use the secondary application as an opportunity to show medical schools why you are a good fit for their school.
- Tailor your secondary applications to each school.
- Be genuine and authentic in your answers.
- Proofread your work carefully before submitting your secondaries.
- Submit your secondaries on time.
Why It Matters
Completing your secondaries is an important part of the medical school application process. By completing your secondaries promptly and carefully, you can increase your chances of getting accepted to medical school.
Benefits
- Shows medical schools that you are interested in their school.
- Provides medical schools with more information about you.
- Demonstrates your writing skills.
- Increases your chances of getting accepted to medical school.