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UMASS

University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan School of Medicine

Worcester, MA

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

We would like to learn how you developed and demonstrated core professionalism competencies that are required of entering medical students. Please respond to the first prompt (#1; Diversity ). Then select three of the other six prompts (#2-#7). Each response should be 150-200 words. Use the text box below for your answer. Separate each of your four responses by writing the competency above/before your response (example: Teamwork - All teams have their struggles, but they can be overcome...).

150-200 words2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2025-2026School Staple

UMass Chan Medical School strives to be a diverse academic community mindful of the fact that diversity makes our community stronger and benefits the patients we serve. Share your definition of diversity. Describe an example where you contributed to the diversity of a group, team or class. Connect this to how you will contribute to the diversity of the UMass Chan Medical School community. (Diversity)

150-200 words2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2025-2026School Staple

Describe a time when you have made a decision that was not popular and how you handled this. (Leadership competency)

150-200 words2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2025-2026School Staple

Have you ever been in the middle of a situation where there was poor communication? What did you do to improve it? (Communication)

150-200 words2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2025-2026School Staple

Describe a time when you have "thought outside the box" to solve a problem. (Inquiry)

150-200 words2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2025-2026School Staple

Why did you apply to T.H. Chan SOM? (200 word limit)

200 word limit2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

Please describe how a focus on population health and healthcare disparities will benefit you in your training and/or career? Please limit your response to less than or equal to 500 words.

500 words2023-2024Historical

Based on your interests and life experiences, please describe how you might be a good fit for the LEAD@Lahey Pathway at UMass Chan Medical School? What unique experiences and perspectives might you bring to the class? Please limit your response to 250 words or less

250 words2023-2024Historical

Please discuss any part of your application that you feel requires further explanation. For example, discuss grades or MCAT scores that do not reflect your true ability, and/or a gap in time that is not explained elsewhere in your application. Discuss any impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on your academic, service, extracurricular or employment experiences.If you are reapplying to T.H. Chan SOM, highlight how you have strengthened your application. (250 word limit)

250 word limit2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2025-2026School Staple

If you have participated in T.H. Chan SOM or UMass Memorial Health Care, or UMass Chan Medical-Baystate sponsored programs (SEP, Summer Research Program, Worcester Pathway Collaborative, AHEC, BaccMD, HSPP, Academic Internships, BSEP, Summer Scholars) please describe how these programs helped you decide to apply to T.H. Chan SOM. (200 word limit)

200 word limit2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2025-2026School Staple

If you are currently taking a gap year, in what activities are you engaged? (200 word limit)

200 word limit2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2025-2026School Staple

Please describe an example of your personal and/or professional experience with and understanding of systemic inequity, exclusion, or lack of representation in health care in the United States. How did you arrive at this understanding? (200 word limit)

200 word limit2023-2024, 2025-2026School Staple

Describe a time when you were on a team that was dysfunctional in some regard. How did you address the situation? (Teamwork)

150-200 words2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2025-2026School Staple

Describe a meaningful interaction you have had with a person whom you have helped at work, school or another activity. (Empathy/Compassion)

150-200 words2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2025-2026School Staple

Describe a time when you suffered a setback. How did you respond to this challenge? (Persistence/Grit)

150-200 words2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2025-2026School Staple