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NJMS

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Newark, NJ

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

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10 prompts in the archive

If you are reapplying to medical school, describe the steps you have taken to strengthen your candidacy and reflect on what this process has taught you about your motivation and preparedness for a career in medicine. (if applicable)

1500 characters2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

Use this space to address any personal, academic, or professional challenges not thoroughly addressed elsewhere in your application (i.e., institutional actions, academic and/or MCAT inconsistencies, health, family issues, etc.).

1500 characters2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2025-2026School Staple

Is there anything else you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you or your journey to medicine?

1500 charactersOptional2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

We are committed to supporting our NJMS community by enhancing collaboration between students, staff, and faculty, with a dedicated focus on humanism, health equity and social justice. How do you envision yourself contributing to the NJMS community?

1500 characters2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025Historical

Please share why you have decided to apply as an Early Decision applicant, as well as insight on your Motivation for NJMS?

1500 characters2024-2025Historical

As an Early Decision applicant, how do you intend to enhance your preparation for a successful transition into NJMS over the next year?

1500 characters2024-2025Historical

If you have chosen to pursue any “growth/gap” time prior to applying or prior to your intended matriculation to medical school, please share insight on your decision for growth/gap time:

1500 characters2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025Historical

If you will not be enrolled as a full-time student between July 2025 and July 2026, please describe your planned activities, including time commitments and goals for each.

1500 characters2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

At NJMS, we are committed to the principles of humanism in medicine and to addressing health inequities that affect many communities. Our students work as part of interprofessional teams to care for patients who may experience disparities in health and access to care. Reflect on an experience that shaped your understanding of humanism and equity in healthcare. How do you hope to embody these values as a medical student and future physician?

1500 characters2025-2026New

Medicine demands humility, self-awareness, and resilience. Describe a significant challenge or failure you have faced. What did you learn about yourself, and how has it shaped your approach to working with others and handling responsibility? (if applicable)

1500 characters2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple