“A Chance To Show Yourself” – how do applicants approach medical school admission essays?

Figures & data

Table

Practice points

Applicants to medical school approach the selection process from a personal, subjective perspective, which is in contrast to the school's desire for objective selection based upon defined traits. Those responsible for medical school selection processes should be aware of the applicant's point of view when designing selection tools.

Table 1.  Essay questions

A: Online essay on volunteerism

(intended to test for altruism)

Setting: Question posted online for 3 months before deadline, submitted with application.

Question: Why is volunteerism important, and how has your volunteer activity influenced you and developed your ability to become a medical doctor? The final paragraph should include some explanation of why you have decided on a career in medicine.

B: Essay on professionalism

(intended to test for understanding of elements of professionalism)

Setting: Written at a computer after interview, 60 minutes allowed to complete both essays B&C, one page per essay (font size 12, single spaced)

Question: Applicants were presented with a short definition of professionalism and three statements describing specific professional behaviors from authorities such as the medical school or a medical college:

(Example of a statement)

Statement from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada:

Physicians should have a unique societal role as professionals with a distinct body of knowledge, skills and attitudes dedicated to improving the health and well-being of others.

Physicians should be committed to the highest standards of excellence in clinical care and ethical conduct, and to be continually perfecting mastery of their discipline.

and then asked:

What does this information tell you as an applicant to medical school?

C: Essay on Reflection

(intended to test for reflection and self-assessment)

Setting: Written at a computer after interview, 60 minutes allowed to complete both essays B&C, one page per essay (font size 12, single spaced).

Question: You just completed an interview process where you had a chance to deal with the following stations. What did you learn about yourself during these 3 MMI scenarios that might be important if admitted to our medical school? (followed by information from three stations)

(Example of a station)

You live in a multiethnic, multicultural inner city community where crime is on the increase. The leaders of your community have asked you to be part of a Citizens Group looking into this problem. Discuss what you would do to prepare for this meeting.

Figure 1. Conceptual framework: taking stock.

Table 2.  Representative quotations from the essays

Taking stock: past	Being the focused person that I am, I have always known the career path I wanted to take, and my volunteer activities have only better prepared me for this path and reinforced in me the belief that this is in fact what I am meant to do
	The hardships I had to endure as a teenager have led me to pursue a career in medicine
	I was drawn to medicine because of my grandfather's experience in the field … I admired his efforts and hope one day to do similar work
	I was finally able to bring together the various values I believed in, the many skills I have developed, and the experience I have gained in my work, volunteer, and research into a coherent perspective that helped me to learn many details about my own personality and my will to become a doctor
	My life experience so far (has) provided me with tools I need to handle any situation I am faced with
Taking stock: present	As an applicant to medical school, you are in a transitioning phase of your life. You are moving from the role of student to the role of a professional in training
	I have learned a lot about myself and have changed how I view myself
	It is important for an applicant to be truthful to themselves, to know if they are at a place in their life where they are able to adhere to the requirements and the expectations of the profession
	These scenarios affirmed my belief that I am well prepared to study and practice medicine
	When I pause and revaluate, I realize that I have the skills necessary to handle the scenario
Taking stock: future	I have come to expect the rest of my life to be a continuous process of learning and self-improvement
	The information presented is a confirmation of what I should expect and what will be expected of me as a medical student and eventually, a practicing physician
	Starting early, in medical school, I can build this ethical behavior so when the hard decisions come as a physician I will be ready
	[It] seems so insignificant compared to future situations, but it is the first of many events that will test my honesty
	I believe that this commitment and dedication will help me through the many years of school that still lie before me, and the many hours of studying and preparation that accompany them
	I remain open-minded about opportunities in medicine, considering how much I have yet to learn about myself and the profession
	Being able to work through these challenges has reassured me that I will be able to face the many challenges ahead as a pursuer of a life in medicine