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University of Minnesota Medical School

Minneapolis, MN

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

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14 prompts in the archive

As part of the secondary app process, you will be asked which campus you prefer, Twin Cities or Duluth.

No character/word limit2022-2023Historical

Why do you want to go to medical school in the state of MN? (Consider the state of Minnesota and its population.) (1500 char.)

1500 char.2024-2025Historical

What other pertinent information would you like to bring to the attention of the MSTP? This is an opportunity for you to discuss an aspect of your physician scientist journey that you have not already presented in your application. You may also update us with any current experiences that were not included in your AMCAS application.

700 charactersOptional2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

Which mission are you interested in being considered for? You may only choose one. General Admission Rural Health Indigenous Health *These are in the form of radio buttons in the application with branching logic for Rural Health and Indigenous Health

No character/word limit2024-2025Historical

Describe a time when you experienced an obstacle, challenge or failure. How did it affect you? What did you learn? (1500 char.)

1500 char.2024-2025Historical

Describe a time when you used critical thinking to solve a problem that you encountered in any realm where you asked questions, gathered information, thought through possible solutions and their alternatives, and evaluated what you did critically. Please include in your discussion what you learned from this experience. (1500 char.)

1500 char.2023-2024, 2024-2025Historical

Only able to answer this question if you selected rural health for the mission question. The University of Minnesota Medical School is dedicated to educating future physicians who have demonstrated an interest in serving patients and families in rural Minnesota. Reflect on what “rural Minnesota community” means to you. Describe your experience in and ties to rural Minnesota areas. What do you view as the greatest healthcare practice needs in rural Minnesota, and how will your future practice help fill these needs?

1500 char.2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025Historical

Only able to answer this question if you selected indigenous health for the mission question The University of Minnesota Medical School is dedicated to educating future physicians who have demonstrated an interest in serving Indigenous communities. Describe your experience in and ties to Indigenous communities. What do you view as the greatest healthcare needs in Indigenous communities, and how will your future practice help fill these needs? (1500 char.)

1500 char.2023-2024, 2024-2025Historical

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of the University of Minnesota Medical School. Explain how a learning environment that embodies these values is crucial to the education of tomorrow’s physicians. Reflect on how you might contribute to this learning environment. Share specific examples from professional or personal experiences to support your explanation and reflection. (1500 char.)

1500 char.2023-2024, 2024-2025Historical

How does your background (identity, past work, leadership, socioeconomic status, first generation status, disability, etc.) inform your understanding of and support for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion?

700 charactersOptional2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

How have your individual experiences and identity shaped who you are and who you will be as a physician?

1500 characters2023-2024Historical

List University of Minnesota faculty members you would be interested in potentially working with for your PhD studies in our program. A list of names is sufficient, and they do not need to be in any rank order. You may provide up to 12 names.

300 characters2025-2026New

Describe the area(s) of research you are interested in pursuing during your PhD training and how your interest(s) align with the research opportunities available at the University of Minnesota.

700 characters2025-2026New

What factors, either personal or professional, influenced your decision to apply to the University of Minnesota MSTP?

700 characters2025-2026New