Health Admissions IQ
All Schools
FEINBERG

Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine

Chicago, IL

Historical and predicted secondary essay prompts. Use these to understand how schools have framed their questions over time.

Not sure how to approach these prompts?

Explore example essays, strategy breakdowns, and expert guidance inside the Secondary Essay Example Hub.

Access the Secondary Essay Hub

17 prompts in the archive

Personal Narrative: The Feinberg School of Medicine values diversity as a measure of excellence. We define diversity as the totality of the characteristics and experiences of our students. We believe that a diverse student body improves the educational environment and the ability of our graduates to serve an increasingly diverse patient population. Everyone has their own narrative. Please provide more detail about how your experiences would enrich the Northwestern community. (200 word max)

200 word max2021-2022, 2022-2023Historical

POST-UNDERGRADUATE EXPERIENCES (if applicable): If you have one year or more between college graduation and medical school matriculation, describe both your completed activities and anticipated plans. (200 word max)

200 wordsOptional2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025Historical

COPING STRATEGIES: Describe specific steps you take to manage your stress and maintain wellness while balancing personal, educational, and professional responsibilities.

200 words2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025Historical

Why did you choose your undergraduate major? How does the subject appeal to you? (200 words)

200 words2025-2026New

The Feinberg School of Medicine values the totality of our students’ experiences. As everyone has their own narrative, please describe how your unique experiences would enrich the Northwestern community. (200 words)

200 words2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

Please provide a brief statement explaining why you are specifically applying to the Northwestern University Medical Scientist Training Program. (200 word max)

200 word max2025-2026New

COVID-19 IMPACT: Describe how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your pathway to medical school. Include any academic, personal, financial or professional challenges, as well as any other relevant information. (200 word max)

200 word max2021-2022, 2022-2023Historical

Describe a new hobby or activity you enjoy in your free time outside of school. (200 Words)

200 Words2025-2026New

Discuss a current unanswered question in biomedical research that you find particularly interesting and what research you would like to see done to address it. (200 words)

200 words2025-2026New

If you have (or expect to have) a year or more between college graduation and medical school matriculation, describe both your completed activities and anticipated plans. (200 words)

200 words2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Given the distinctive educational philosophy and integrated curriculum at FSM, describe how your personal characteristics and learning style would align with the institution. (200 word max)

200 word max2021-2022, 2022-2023Historical

Name a scientific paper that you have read recently that had a strong impact on you and describe what impact it had. (200 words)

200 words2025-2026New

What is the most gratifying research experience you have had to date and why? What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome in research and how did you overcome it? (200 words)

200 words2025-2026New

Do you or an immediate family member have an existing relationship with Feinberg School of Medicine? (Y/N) 50 words if Y

50 words if Y2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

FEINBERG CURRICULUM: Describe which part (s) of Feinberg’s integrated curriculum you are most excited to engage in and best align with your learning style.

200 words2023-2024Historical

Feinberg’s mission is to train future leaders who will serve their patients, communities and society. Explain how specific elements of the FSM integrated curriculum will support your future goals in medicine and how FSM, located in Chicago, will help you achieve these professional aspirations. (200 Words)

200 Words2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

If you are reapplying this cycle, please address steps taken to enhance your application. If not a reapplicant, please enter "N/A". (200 words)

200 words2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple