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KUSM

University of Kansas School of Medicine

Kansas City, KS

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

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15 prompts in the archive

Please tell us about your identity. How has your identity impacted the development of your values and attitudes toward others, particularly those with values different from your own? Please include how your values and attitudes will foster a positive learning environment during your training, and benefit your future patients through the practice of medicine.

1000 characters2022-2023Historical

If you are not a Kansas resident, what is your specific interest in applying to the University of Kansas School of Medicine?

1000 characters2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

Please use this space to elaborate on any positive or negative impact from the COVID-19 pandemic you want us to be aware of when reviewing your application.

1000 characters2022-2023Historical

Describe examples of leadership experience in which you have significantly influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.

1000 characters2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

Beyond academics (grades and MCATs), describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to address this challenge.

1000 characters2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

Describe your health care experiences that involved direct exposure to physicians’ clinical duties and how they have shaped your desire to apply to medical school.

1000 characters2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

Give an example of what you have done to make your community a better place to live.

1000 characters2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

Patients come from various backgrounds. Please describe how you will engage with patients whose backgrounds may differ from yours.

1,000 character maximum2023-2024Historical

For Repeat Applicants Only: Since your last application, note any relevant academic, employment, and personal experiences that enhance your ability to be a better physician.

1000 characters2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

If you are no longer a full-time student, briefly describe your current employment, community, and/or educational activities.

1000 characters2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

If you are currently enrolled, or plan to be enrolled during the next academic year in a graduate or professional degree program, please describe your status within the program and your intention to complete the program. You must also request a letter from your graduate program advisor or from the dean of your professional school. This letter must include acknowledgement of your application to medical school and a description of your status in the program. **Students in the MD program are considered and expected to participate full-time in MD program requirements and accompanying activities (e.g., service, research, etc.). Our experience over multiple decades has informed the SOM that participation in outside activities (e.g., employment, other degree programs, etc.) is not conducive to successfully navigating our curriculum and overall school requirements. Failing to meet program expectations can place the student at risk for administrative action, including dismissal.**

1000 characters2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

Why do you prefer to attend the campus you ranked as your first choice (980 character limit) ? If your circumstances meet one of the eligible exemptions noted on the Campus Instructions page, specifically describe them here. Persons requesting an eligible exemption will be asked to provide supporting documentation.

980 characters2024-2025Historical

Please describe how your actions and experiences align with the vision statement of the University of Kansas School of Medicine: “To improve lives and communities in Kansas through innovation in education, research, and health care.

1000 characters2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

For Combined MD/PhD Program Applicants: Do you also want to be considered as an "MD-only" applicant?

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

If there are academic discrepancies in your application that have not been explained in your application, use this space to clarify. Examples may include unexplained gaps in time, multiple undergraduate institutions attended, multiple course withdrawals, inconsistent academic performance, inconsistency between academic performance and MCAT scores.

1000 characters2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple