Health Admissions IQ
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UTSW

University of Texas Southwestern Medical School

Dallas, TX

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

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12 prompts in the archive

Describe the type of research you are currently most interested in pursuing for your PhD training. You can be general or specific (e.g., genetics, biochemistry, Alzheimer’s disease, rational drug design, etc.) (500 characters)

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

(OPTIONAL) Have you engaged in any public service activities for a duration of one year or greater in length (examples: Military, Peace Corps, Teach for America, etc.). Yes or No? If so, please describe the experience and impact on your personal and professional development. (2500 characters)

2500 charactersOptional2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

Describe a group project or activity that you are most proud of. Consider the following in your response: What aspect makes you most proud? How was it accomplished? How did you deal with disagreement or conflict in the group? How did you get fellow group members to embrace a position or view your perspective? (2500 Characters)

2500 Characters2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

[Optional] Please describe major hardships or adversity you have overcome to reach this point in your life.

500 charactersOptional2021-2022, 2022-2023Historical

If accepted, would you be able to start with a laboratory rotation by June 28, 2025?

No character/word limit2022-2023, 2024-2025Historical

Describe a time that you have witnessed someone acting unethically or dishonestly, or experienced a behavior of harassment or discrimination. What did you do? Describe your reaction. Is there anything you might do differently now in retrospect. (2500 Characters)

2500 Characters2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

As a healthcare provider, it is expected that you are able to deliver excellent care to all patients. Describe an experience that has led you to understand the needs of people who differ from you? (2500 characters)

2500 characters2025-2026New

(OPTIONAL) Please explain any academic discrepancies or extenuating circumstances that you feel the Admissions Committee should know. (2500 characters)

2500 charactersOptional2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

If accepted, would you be able to start with a laboratory rotation by ---------?

No character/word limit2025-2026New

List names of up to five UT Southwestern faculty whose research is of particular interest to you (faculty must have a laboratory website at Labs ).

No character/word limit2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2024-2025, 2025-2026School Staple

Why are you interested in MD/PhD training at UT Southwestern in particular? (500 characters)

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

Describe an interaction or experience that has made you more sensitive or appreciative of cultural differences, and/or how you have committed yourself to understanding and aiding in the pursuit of equity and inclusion in your academic, professional or personal life.

2500 characters2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025Historical