Introduction
The University of California, Riverside School of Medicine (UCR SOM) is a highly competitive medical school that receives thousands of applications each year. One important part of the application process is the secondary essay, which is a written response to a specific prompt or set of prompts. The secondary essay gives the admissions committee an opportunity to learn more about your motivations, experiences, and goals.
This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the UCR SOM secondary essay, including the prompts, deadlines, and tips for writing a strong essay.
Prompts
The UCR SOM secondary essay has four prompts:
- Why do you want to attend UCR SOM?
- Describe a time when you faced a challenge or setback. How did you overcome it?
- What are your career goals and how does UCR SOM fit into your plans?
- Additional information that you would like to share.
Deadlines
The UCR SOM secondary essay deadline is November 1st.
Tips for Writing a Strong Essay
Here are some tips for writing a strong UCR SOM secondary essay:
- Answer the prompts directly. Make sure that your essay addresses all of the prompts.
- Be specific. Use specific examples to support your claims.
- Be concise. Each essay should be no more than 500 words.
- Proofread your essay carefully. Make sure that there are no errors in grammar or spelling.
Step-by-Step Approach
Here is a step-by-step approach to writing your UCR SOM secondary essay:
- Brainstorm your ideas. Spend some time brainstorming ideas for your essay. What are your motivations for attending UCR SOM? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your career goals?
- Create an outline. Once you have some ideas, create an outline for your essay. This will help you to organize your thoughts and make sure that your essay flows logically.
- Write your essay. Once you have an outline, start writing your essay. Be sure to answer all of the prompts and support your claims with specific examples.
- Proofread your essay. Once you have finished writing your essay, proofread it carefully. Make sure that there are no errors in grammar or spelling.
Compare and Contrast Other Programs
Here is a table that compares the UCR SOM secondary essay to the secondary essays of other medical schools:
| Medical School | Number of Prompts | Word Limit | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCR SOM | 4 | 500 words each | November 1st |
| UCLA School of Medicine | 5 | 500 words each | October 1st |
| UC San Diego School of Medicine | 4 | 500 words each | November 1st |
| UC Davis School of Medicine | 5 | 500 words each | November 1st |
Pros and Cons
Here is a table that lists the pros and cons of applying to UCR SOM:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong research programs | High cost of attendance |
| Diverse student body | Large class size |
| Location in a major metropolitan area | Less clinical experience than other medical schools |
Conclusion
The UCR SOM secondary essay is an important part of the application process. By following the tips in this guide, you can write a strong essay that will help you to stand out from the competition.
