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UICOM

University of Illinois College of Medicine

Chicago, IL

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

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13 prompts in the archive

Have you applied for admission to medical school previously?

No character/word limit2022-2023, 2023-2024Historical

In addition to training as a competent physician please select up to two additional areas of interest from the items below that you may want to pursue during your medical studies. Your responses will have no bearing on applications to joint degrees or special programs to which you might also apply. Simulation Clinical Research Basic science research Interdisciplinary collaboration Healthcare disparities Academic medicine Global Health Community Health Urban Community Health Rural Innovation Medicine

no word limits2021-2022, 2022-2023Historical

Which characteristics, qualities, or attributes of UI COM attracted you to apply for medical school here?

No character/word limit2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

An important part of UI COM’s identity is the concept of “one college, three campuses.” The curriculum is identical on each campus; however, each campus has unique characteristics. Please describe what you have learned about at least two of our three campuses.

No character/word limit2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

What are some of the causes and consequences of prejudice and injustice? What does an individual’s response to prejudice and injustice reveal about their character? What is the role of a bystander who witnesses prejudice or injustice?

No character/word limit2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

Please describe the circumstances of why you did not complete the program of study.

No character/word limit2023-2024Historical

Have you applied for admission to medical school previously? Yes/No If you are reapplying this year please describe what you have done during the past year.

No character/word limit2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

What characteristics, qualities, or attributes do you possess that have helped you navigate conflict, change, or unfamiliar situations? In your response, reflect on how you demonstrate resiliency and a growth mindset in your approach to personal and professional development.

No character/word limit2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

Injustice can take many forms and impact individuals and communities in profound ways. Reflect on some of the causes and consequences of injustice you have observed or learned about. What does an individual’s response to injustice reveal about their values and character? How do you see your role—as a future physician and member of society—in recognizing and addressing injustice when you encounter it? (this is the one that was changed)

No character/word limit2025-2026New

Please describe any abrupt changes that you experienced in your preparation for application for medical school due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

no word limits2021-2022, 2022-2023Historical

UI COM thrives when students bring a variety of perspectives, values, and ways of thinking to the learning environment. Describe an aspect of your perspective, value system, or experience that is especially meaningful to you. How would this shape your contribution to a collaborative and enriching learning environment at our medical school?

No character/word limit2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

Describe a stressful situation that you have experienced. Please detail your reaction, how you managed the situation, and what you learned that will help you handle a similar circumstance in the future.

no word limits2021-2022, 2022-2023Historical

Have you ever matriculated into and not completed a professional/graduate program? Yes/No Please describe the circumstances of why you did not complete the program of study.

No character/word limit2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple