Over the years, our Cracking Med School Admissions team has only heard positive qualities about the UMass Chan Medical School’s culture! Our premed advisees have said how collaborative the medical school class is, and these aspects are reflected in the UMass Medical secondary application essay prompts, which you can read below.
You may also notice that through the years, University of Massachusetts medical school has not changed its secondary prompts over the years. This is a great secondary to start pre-writing after you submit your AMCAS! Read our Cracking Med School Admissions University of Massachusetts secondary application essay tips below to craft a strong medical school application.
It is extremely important to convey your ties to Massachusetts and the northeastern United States. Get our help through our secondary essay editing packages.
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UMass Medical Secondary Application Prompts: 2025 – 2026
Instructions: “MD applicants must answer questions 1, 2, 4 and 6 while MD/PhD applicants must also answer question 7 in addition to 1,2, 4 and 6. Questions 3 and 5 are options but should be answered if you participated in a UMass Chan Medical/Baystate sponsored program and if you are taking/took gap time respectively.”
- 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…).- UMass 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 Medical School community. (Diversity)
- Describe a time when you have made a decision that was not popular and how you handled this. (Leadership competency)
- Describe a time when you were on a team that was dysfunctional in some regard. How did you address the situation? (Teamwork)
- Describe a meaningful interaction you have had with a person whom you have helped at work, school or another activity. (Empathy/Compassion)
- Have you ever been in the middle of a situation where there was poor communication? What did you do to improve it? (Communication)
- Describe a time when you have “thought outside the box” to solve a problem. (Inquiry)
- Describe a time when you suffered a setback. How did you respond to this challenge? (Persistence/Grit)
- 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 words max)
- If you have participated in T.H. Chan SOM or UMass Memorial Health Care, or UMass Medical-Baystate sponsored programs (SEP, Summer Research Program, Worcester Pipeline 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 words max)
- Why did you apply to T.H. Chan SOM? (200 words max)
- If you are currently taking a gap year, in what activities are you engaged? (200 words max)
- 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 words max)
UMass Chan Secondary Application Essay Prompts – Purch Program
- Please describe how a focus on population health and healthcare disparities will benefit you in your training and/or career? (500 words max)
UMass Chan Secondary Application Essay Prompts – LEAD Lahey Program
- 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? (250 words max)
Tips to Answer UMass Secondary Application Essays
UMass Chan Secondaries Pre-Writing Guidance: The essays for UMass Chan Medical School don’t change too frequently. Because this is a longer secondary, we would definitely recommend all Massachusetts residents to pre-write their UMass secondaries!
>> Get all our secondary essay tips by downloading our FREE Cracking Med School Admissions Secondary Essay Guide
UMass Medical School Secondary Application Tip #1: For the first UMass secondaries question where you have an option of which essays to choose, be strategic in choosing which essays you will answer. Each essay should show a different perspective about who you are. For example, you can highlight patient care in one essay and working on a research team in another essay. This will not only give the UMass medical school admissions committee insights about your various personality attributes, but also highlight different extra-curricular activities.
UMass Medical School Secondary Application Tip #2: For the essay, “Please discuss any part of your application that you feel requires further explanation,” you need to strategically utilize this space to write another strong essay. Topics include: personal circumstances, your childhood and how that influenced your career aspirations, pivotal experiences in college, leadership in extra-curricular activities, volunteer work in Massachusetts, COVID-19 reflections and impact.
UMass Medical School Secondary Application Tip #3: If you are a re-applicant, it is important to discuss how your application has changed from the first time you applied to this current time you are applying.
It is very important to discuss the following in the re-applicant essay:
- Reflections about why your application was not as strong last cycle. In your opinion, what were the weaknesses?
- How have you addressed the weaknesses?
- Clinical experience you’ve had since you applied in the last application cycle. Reflect on what you learned about patient care.
- For UMass, any activities related to research, clinical experiences in Massachusetts (including Boston), patient care, and community service in Massachusetts will be a big plus.
UMass Medical School Secondary Application Tip #3: Tell stories to convey your impact and leadership. For example, if you conducted research over a gap year, tell a story about a challenge you faced or a patient you met while conducting a clinical trial.
UMass Medical School Secondary Application Tip #4: You must have a strong “Why UMass.” Talk about projects and research you want to do at University of Massachusetts. Additionally, you should convey how you want to improve the health of fellow Massachusetts residents. Tying your essays to improving Massachusetts residents’ health is a must! Get our help on your UMass secondaries through our secondary essay editing packages.
Helpful Resources:
- Read our Tips to Get Accepted to University of Massachusetts Medical School profile to learn more about UMass’ curriculum and student culture.
- Read our blog post why this medical school to gain insights on how to incorporate a strong “Why University of Massachusetts Medical School.” There is an example secondary essay.
UMass Medical School Secondary Application Tip #5: If you have done any work in Massachusetts state, mention it in your UMass secondary application. Furthermore, if you have any affiliations or lived in Massachusetts, mention them.
UMass Medical School Secondary Application Tip #6: Ask us for help with tailoring and personalizing your UMass Medical secondary application essays. We have a track records of our students receiving acceptances at University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School! Contact us below if you have questions or want our editing help through our secondary essay packages.
[Read More: Medical Schools in Massachusetts, Tips for Boston University Secondary Essays, Tips for UConn Secondary Essays, Tips for Tufts Secondary Essays]
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UMass Medical Secondary Application Prompts: 2024 – 2025
Instructions: “MD applicants must answer questions 1, 2, 4 and 6 while MD/PhD applicants must also answer question 7 in addition to 1,2, 4 and 6. Questions 3 and 5 are options but should be answered if you participated in a UMass Chan Medical/Baystate sponsored program and if you are taking/took gap time respectively.”
- 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…).- UMass 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 Medical School community. (Diversity)
- Describe a time when you have made a decision that was not popular and how you handled this. (Leadership competency)
- Describe a time when you were on a team that was dysfunctional in some regard. How did you address the situation? (Teamwork)
- Describe a meaningful interaction you have had with a person whom you have helped at work, school or another activity. (Empathy/Compassion)
- Have you ever been in the middle of a situation where there was poor communication? What did you do to improve it? (Communication)
- Describe a time when you have “thought outside the box” to solve a problem. (Inquiry)
- Describe a time when you suffered a setback. How did you respond to this challenge? (Persistence/Grit)
- 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 words max)
- If you have participated in T.H. Chan SOM or UMass Memorial Health Care, or UMass Medical-Baystate sponsored programs (SEP, Summer Research Program, Worcester Pipeline 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 words max)
- Why did you apply to T.H. Chan SOM? (200 words max)
- If you are currently taking a gap year, in what activities are you engaged? (200 words max)
- 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 words max)
UMass Chan Secondary Application Essay Prompts – Purch Program
- Please describe how a focus on population health and healthcare disparities will benefit you in your training and/or career? (500 words max)
UMass Chan Secondary Application Essay Prompts – LEAD Lahey Program
- 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? (250 words max)
UMass Medical Secondary Application Prompts: 2023 – 2024
Instructions: “MD applicants must answer questions 1, 2, 4 and 6 while MD/PhD applicants must also answer question 7 in addition to 1,2, 4 and 6. Questions 3 and 5 are options but should be answered if you participated in a UMass Chan Medical/Baystate sponsored program and if you are taking/took gap time respectively.”
- 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…).- UMass 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 Medical School community. (Diversity)
- Describe a time when you have made a decision that was not popular and how you handled this. (Leadership competency)
- Describe a time when you were on a team that was dysfunctional in some regard. How did you address the situation? (Teamwork)
- Describe a meaningful interaction you have had with a person whom you have helped at work, school or another activity. (Empathy/Compassion)
- Have you ever been in the middle of a situation where there was poor communication? What did you do to improve it? (Communication)
- Describe a time when you have “thought outside the box” to solve a problem. (Inquiry)
- Describe a time when you suffered a setback. How did you respond to this challenge? (Persistence/Grit)
- 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 words max)
- If you have participated in T.H. Chan SOM or UMass Memorial Health Care, or UMass Medical-Baystate sponsored programs (SEP, Summer Research Program, Worcester Pipeline 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 words max)
- Why did you apply to T.H. Chan SOM? (200 words max)
- If you are currently taking a gap year, in what activities are you engaged? (200 words max)
- 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 words max)
UMass Chan Secondary Application Essay Prompts – Purch Program
- Please describe how a focus on population health and healthcare disparities will benefit you in your training and/or career? (500 words max)
UMass Chan Secondary Application Essay Prompts – LEAD Lahey Program
- 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? (250 words max)
UMass Medical Secondary Application Prompts: 2021 – 2022
- 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…).- UMass 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 Medical School community. (Diversity)
- Describe a time when you have made a decision that was not popular and how you handled this. (Leadership competency)
- Describe a time when you were on a team that was dysfunctional in some regard. How did you address the situation? (Teamwork)
- Describe a meaningful interaction you have had with a person whom you have helped at work, school or another activity. (Empathy/Compassion)
- Have you ever been in the middle of a situation where there was poor communication? What did you do to improve it? (Communication)
- Describe a time when you have “thought outside the box” to solve a problem. (Inquiry)
- Describe a time when you suffered a setback. How did you respond to this challenge? (Persistence/Grit)
- 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 words max)
- If you have participated in T.H. Chan SOM or UMass Memorial Health Care, or UMass Medical-Baystate sponsored programs (SEP, Summer Research Program, Worcester Pipeline 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 words max)
- Why did you apply to T.H. Chan SOM? (200 words max)
- If you are currently taking a gap year, in what activities are you engaged? (200 words max)
UMass Medical Secondary Application Prompts: 2021 – 2022
- 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…).- UMass 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 Medical School community. (Diversity)
- Describe a time when you have made a decision that was not popular and how you handled this. (Leadership competency)
- Describe a time when you were on a team that was dysfunctional in some regard. How did you address the situation? (Teamwork)
- Describe a meaningful interaction you have had with a person whom you have helped at work, school or another activity. (Empathy/Compassion)
- Have you ever been in the middle of a situation where there was poor communication? What did you do to improve it? (Communication)
- Describe a time when you have “thought outside the box” to solve a problem. (Inquiry)
- Describe a time when you suffered a setback. How did you respond to this challenge? (Persistence/Grit)
- 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 UMass SOM, highlight how you have strengthened your application. (250 words max)
- If you have participated in UMass SOM or UMass Memorial Health Care, or UMass Medical-Baystate sponsored programs (SEP, Summer Research Program, Worcester Pipeline Collaborative, AHEC, BaccMD, HSPP, Academic Internships, BSEP, Summer Scholars) please describe how these programs helped you decide to apply to UMass SOM. (200 words max)
- Why did you apply to UMass SOM? (200 words max)
- If you are currently taking a gap year, in what activities are you engaged? (200 words max)
UMass Medical Secondary Application Prompts: 2020 - 2021
- You are asked to highlight specific examples of how you developed and demonstrated core professional competencies that are required for entering medical students. Please respond to the first prompt (Diversity).
Then select three of the other six prompts.
Each response should be 150-200 words.- UMass Medical School strives to be a diverse community mindful that diversity makes our community stronger and benefits the patients we serve. Each person in our community brings a unique set of strengths, experiences and perspectives. 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 UMMS community. (Diversity)
- Describe a time when you have made a decision that was not popular and how you handled this. (Leadership competency)
- Describe a time when you were on a team that was dysfunctional in some regard. How did you address the situation? (Teamwork)
- Describe a meaningful interaction you have had with a person whom you have helped at work, school or another activity. (Empathy/Compassion)
- Describe a situation where poor communication had a negative impact. What did you do to improve it? (Communication)
- Describe a time when you have used your ingenuity to solve a problem. (Inquiry)
- Describe a time when you suffered a setback. How did you respond to this challenge? (Persistence/Grit)
- 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 UMass SOM, highlight how you have strengthened your application. (250 words max)
- If you have participated in UMass SOM or UMass Memorial Health Care, or UMMS Baystate sponsored programs (SEP, Summer Research Program, Worcester Pipeline Collaborative, AHEC, BaccMD, HSPP, Academic Internships, BSEP, Summer Scholars) please describe how these programs helped you decide to apply to UMass SOM. (200 words max)
What is your greatest strength? What are you going to contribute to the UMMS community?
If you are currently taking a gap year, in what activities are you engaged? (200 words max)
UMass Medical Secondary Application Prompts: 2019 – 2020
- You are asked to highlight specific examples of how you developed and demonstrated core professional competencies that are required for entering medical students. Please respond to the first prompt (Diversity).
Then select three of the other six prompts to answer.
Each response should be 150-200 words.- UMass Medical School strives to be a diverse community mindful that diversity makes our community stronger and benefits the patients we serve. Each person in our community brings a unique set of strengths, experiences and perspectives. 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 UMMS community. (Diversity)
- Describe a time when you have made a decision that was not popular and how you handled this. (Leadership competency)
- Describe a time when you were on a team that was dysfunctional in some regard. How did you address the situation? (Teamwork)
- Describe a meaningful interaction you have had with a person whom you have helped at work, school or another activity. (Empathy/Compassion)
- Describe a situation where poor communication had a negative impact. What did you do to improve it? (Communication)
- Describe a time when you have used your ingenuity to solve a problem. (Inquiry)
- Describe a time when you suffered a setback. How did you respond to this challenge? (Persistence/Grit)
- 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 UMass SOM, highlight how you have strengthened your application. (250 words max)
- If you have participated in UMass SOM or UMass Memorial Health Care, or UMMS Baystate sponsored programs (SEP, Summer Research Program, Worcester Pipeline Collaborative, AHEC, BaccMD, HSPP, Academic Internships, BSEP, Summer Scholars) please describe how these programs helped you decide to apply to UMass SOM. (200 words max)
- Why are you interested in UMass SOM? What will you bring to your class and the SOM community? (200 words max)
- If you are currently taking a gap year, in what activities are you engaged? (200 words max)
UMass Medical Secondary Application Prompts: 2018 – 2019
- You are asked to highlight specific examples of how you developed and demonstrated core professional competencies that are required for entering medical students. Please respond to the first prompt (Diversity).
Then select three of the other six prompts to answer.
Each response should be 150-200 words.- UMass Medical School strives to be a diverse community mindful that diversity makes our community stronger and benefits the patients we serve. Each person in our community brings a unique set of strengths, experiences and perspectives. 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 UMMS community. (Diversity)
- Describe a time when you have made a decision that was not popular and how you handled this. (Leadership competency)
- Describe a time when you were on a team that was dysfunctional in some regard. How did you address the situation? (Teamwork)
- Describe a meaningful interaction you have had with a person whom you have helped at work, school or another activity. (Empathy/Compassion)
- Describe a situation where poor communication had a negative impact. What did you do to improve it? (Communication)
- Describe a time when you have used your ingenuity to solve a problem. (Inquiry)
- Describe a time when you suffered a setback. How did you respond to this challenge? (Persistence/Grit)
- 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 UMass SOM, highlight how you have strengthened your application. (250 words max)
- If you have participated in UMass SOM or UMass Memorial Health Care, or UMMS Baystate sponsored programs (SEP, Summer Research Program, Worcester Pipeline Collaborative, AHEC, BaccMD, HSPP, Academic Internships, BSEP, Summer Scholars) please describe how these programs helped you decide to apply to UMass SOM. (200 words max)
- Why are you interested in UMass SOM? What will you bring to your class and the SOM community? (200 words max)
- If you are currently taking a gap year, in what activities are you engaged? (200 words max)
UMass Medical Secondary Application Prompts: 2017 – 2018
- Please respond to four of the following seven prompts related to competencies that are important for a physician to possess. (150 words per prompt, 600 words max).
Please 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…)- Describe a time when you have made a decision that was not popular and how you handled this. (Leadership competency)
- Describe a time when you were on a team that was dysfunctional in some regard. How did you address the situation? (Teamwork)
- Describe a meaningful interaction you have had with a person whom you have helped at work, school or another activity. (Empathy/Compassion)
- Have you ever been in the middle of a situation where there was poor communication? What did you do to improve it? (Communication)
- Describe a time when you have “thought outside the box” to solve a problem. (Inquiry)
- Describe a time when you suffered a setback. How did you respond to this challenge? (Persistence/Grit)
- Describe a challenging time when you advocated for someone. (Advocacy/Cultural Competence)
- Please discuss any part of your application that you feel requires further explanation – for example, grades or MCAT scores that do not reflect your true ability, a gap in time that is not explained elsewhere in your application. If you are reapplying to UMass SOM, highlight how you have strengthened your application. (250 words max)
- If you have participated in UMass SOM or UMass Memorial Health Care, or UMMS Baystate sponsored programs (SEP, Summer Research Program, Worcester Pipeline Collaborative, AHEC, BaccMD, HSPP, Academic Internships, BSEP, Summer Scholars) please describe how these programs helped you decide to apply to UMass SOM. (200 words max)
- Why are you interested in UMass SOM? What will you bring to your class and the SOM community? (200 words max)
PURCH Track Only
- Please describe how a focus on population health, healthcare disparities and the community as a patient will benefit you in your training and/or career? (500 words max)
UMass Medical Secondary Application Prompts: 2016 – 2017
- If you are reapplying to UMMS, please describe how you have strengthened your credentials since your last application. (200 words max)
- Have you ever worked/volunteered or otherwise participated in any UMASS Medical School or UMASS Memorial Health Care sponsored activities/programs (Example: Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Pipeline Program, Summer Enrichment Program (SEP), Research) If Yes, please describe. A letter of recommendation from your program supervisor is strongly encouraged. (200 words max)
- What are your future medical career plans? Please describe your hopes for your chosen medical specialty, type of practice, and size/type of practice community. (200 words max)
- Please explain any grades (200 words max):
- Lower than a ‘B’ in any prerequisite or science course
- Any semester where you feel your academic performance was not representative of your true abilities
- How did you study for the MCAT exam? (200 words max)
- Please provide a description of a personal dilemma relating to ONE of the nine following personal compentencies that are important to success in medical education and physician practice. (500 words max) Any additional information beyond one page will not be evaluated.
- Please check the competency of your choice:
- Integrity & Ethics Competency: Behaves in an honest and ethical manner; adheres to ethical principles and follows rules and procedures; resists peer pressure to engage in unethical behavior and encourages others to behave in honest and ethical ways.
- Reliability & Dependability: Consistently fulfills obligations in a timely and satisfactory manner; takes responsibility for personal actions and performance.
- Service Orientation: Demonstrates a desire to help others and sensitivity to others’ needs and feelings; demonstrates a desire to alleviate others’ distress.
- Social & Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates an awareness of others’ needs, goals, feelings, and the ways that social and behavioral cues affect peoples’ interactions and behaviors; adjusts behaviors appropriately in response to these cues; and treats others with respect.
- Capacity for Improvement: Sets goals for continuous improvement and for learning new concepts and skills; engages in reflective practice for improvement; solicits and responds appropriately to feedback
- Resilience and Adaptability: Demonstrates tolerance of stressful or changing environments or situations and adapts effectively to them; is persistent, even under difficult situations; recovers from setbacks.
- Cultural Competence: Demonstrates knowledge of social and cultural factors that affect interactions and behaviors; shows an appreciation and respect for multiple dimensions of diversity; recognizes and appropriately addresses bias in themselves and others; interacts effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Oral Communication: Effectively conveys information to others using spoken words and sentences listens effectively; recognizes potential communication barriers and adjust approach or clarifies information as needed.
- Teamwork: Works collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals; shares information and knowledge with others and provides feedback; puts team goals ahead of individual goals.
The information below provides instructions on how you should write your description.Step 1: Review each competency Carefully read each competency definition to be sure you understand what is important. Carefully reflect on each competency and think about a dilemma you encountered in your activities, experiences, or accomplishments and relate that to it.
Step 2: Choose what you will write about for ONE competency Choose one dilemma that best describes your demonstration of your chosen competency. The dilemma may be specific, such as a challenging person, situation or assignment. Alternately, it may be an example of a dilemma you witnessed, in which case your relay what your response would have been.
Step 3: Provide a narrative description of the dilemma Carefully describe the dilemma you have selected. Your response should clearly reflect your individual experience or understanding of this dilemma related to that competency. Your description must reflect the quality of your understanding of the dilemma including how it relates to the specific competency and its scope and impact. Specifically, you should describe:
the situation in which the activity, experience or accomplishment occured;
actions you took and the resulting consequences of those actions;
what you learned from the experience
UMass Medical Secondary Application Prompts: 2015 – 2016
- If you are reapplying to UMMS, please describe how you have strengthened your credentials since your last application. (200 words max)
- Have you ever worked/volunteered or otherwise participated in any UMASS Medical School or UMASS Memorial Health Care sponsored activities/programs (Example: Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Pipeline Program, Summer Enrichment Program (SEP), Research) If Yes, please describe. A letter of recommendation from your program supervisor is strongly encouraged. (200 words max)
- What are your future medical career plans? Please describe your hopes for your chosen medical specialty, type of practice, and size/type of practice community. (200 words max)
- Please explain any grades (200 words max):
- Lower than a ‘B’ in any prerequisite or science course
- Any semester where you feel your academic performance was not representative of your true abilities
- How did you study for the MCAT exam? (200 words max)
- Please provide a description of a personal dilemma relating to ONE of the nine following personal compentencies that are important to success in medical education and physician practice. (500 words max) Any additional information beyond one page will not be evaluated.
Please check the competency of your choice:- Integrity & Ethics Competency: Behaves in an honest and ethical manner; adheres to ethical principles and follows rules and procedures; resists peer pressure to engage in unethical behavior and encourages others to behave in honest and ethical ways.
- Reliability & Dependability: Consistently fulfills obligations in a timely and satisfactory manner; takes responsibility for personal actions and performance.
- Service Orientation: Demonstrates a desire to help others and sensitivity to others’ needs and feelings; demonstrates a desire to alleviate others’ distress.
- Social & Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates an awareness of others’ needs, goals, feelings, and the ways that social and behavioral cues affect peoples’ interactions and behaviors; adjusts behaviors appropriately in response to these cues; and treats others with respect.
- Capacity for Improvement: Sets goals for continuous improvement and for learning new concepts and skills; engages in reflective practice for improvement; solicits and responds appropriately to feedback
- Resilience and Adaptability: Demonstrates tolerance of stressful or changing environments or situations and adapts effectively to them; is persistent, even under difficult situations; recovers from setbacks.
- Cultural Competence: Demonstrates knowledge of social and cultural factors that affect interactions and behaviors; shows an appreciation and respect for multiple dimensions of diversity; recognizes and appropriately addresses bias in themselves and others; interacts effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Oral Communication: Effectively conveys information to others using spoken words and sentences listens effectively; recognizes potential communication barriers and adjust approach or clarifies information as needed.
- Teamwork: Works collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals; shares information and knowledge with others and provides feedback; puts team goals ahead of individual goals.
The information below provides instructions on how you should write your description.
Step 1: Review each competency Carefully read each competency definition to be sure you understand what is important. Carefully reflect on each competency and think about a dilemma you encountered in your activities, experiences, or accomplishments and relate that to it.
Step 2: Choose what you will write about for ONE competency Choose one dilemma that best describes your demonstration of your chosen competency. The dilemma may be specific, such as a challenging person, situation or assignment. Alternately, it may be an example of a dilemma you witnessed, in which case your relay what your response would have been.
Step 3: Provide a narrative description of the dilemma Carefully describe the dilemma you have selected. Your response should clearly reflect your individual experience or understanding of this dilemma related to that competency. Your description must reflect the quality of your understanding of the dilemma including how it relates to the specific competency and its scope and impact. Specifically, you should describe:
the situation in which the activity, experience or accomplishment occured;
actions you took and the resulting consequences of those actions;
what you learned from the experience
UMass Medical Secondary Application Prompts: 2014 – 2015
- If you are reapplying to UMMS, please describe how you have strengthened your credentials since your last application. (200 words max)
- Have you ever worked/volunteered or otherwise participated in any UMASS Medical School or UMASS Memorial Health Care sponsored activities/programs (Example: Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Pipeline Program, Summer Enrichment Program (SEP), Research) If Yes, please describe. A letter of recommendation from your program supervisor is strongly encouraged. (200 words max)
- What are your future medical career plans? Please describe your hopes for your chosen medical specialty, type of practice, and size/type of practice community. (200 words max)
- Please explain any grades (200 words max):
- Lower than a ‘B’ in any prerequisite or science course
- Any semester where you feel your academic performance was not representative of your true abilities
- How did you study for the MCAT exam? (200 words max)
- Please provide a description of a personal dilemma relating to ONE of the nine following personal compentencies that are important to success in medical education and physician practice. (500 words max) Any additional information beyond one page will not be evaluated.
Please check the competency of your choice:- Integrity & Ethics Competency: Behaves in an honest and ethical manner; adheres to ethical principles and follows rules and procedures; resists peer pressure to engage in unethical behavior and encourages others to behave in honest and ethical ways.
- Reliability & Dependability: Consistently fulfills obligations in a timely and satisfactory manner; takes responsibility for personal actions and performance.
- Service Orientation: Demonstrates a desire to help others and sensitivity to others’ needs and feelings; demonstrates a desire to alleviate others’ distress.
- Social & Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates an awareness of others’ needs, goals, feelings, and the ways that social and behavioral cues affect peoples’ interactions and behaviors; adjusts behaviors appropriately in response to these cues; and treats others with respect.
- Capacity for Improvement: Sets goals for continuous improvement and for learning new concepts and skills; engages in reflective practice for improvement; solicits and responds appropriately to feedback
- Resilience and Adaptability: Demonstrates tolerance of stressful or changing environments or situations and adapts effectively to them; is persistent, even under difficult situations; recovers from setbacks.
- Cultural Competence: Demonstrates knowledge of social and cultural factors that affect interactions and behaviors; shows an appreciation and respect for multiple dimensions of diversity; recognizes and appropriately addresses bias in themselves and others; interacts effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Oral Communication: Effectively conveys information to others using spoken words and sentences listens effectively; recognizes potential communication barriers and adjust approach or clarifies information as needed.
- Teamwork: Works collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals; shares information and knowledge with others and provides feedback; puts team goals ahead of individual goals.
The information below provides instructions on how you should write your description.
Step 1: Review each competency Carefully read each competency definition to be sure you understand what is important. Carefully reflect on each competency and think about a dilemma you encountered in your activities, experiences, or accomplishments and relate that to it.
Step 2: Choose what you will write about for ONE competency Choose one dilemma that best describes your demonstration of your chosen competency. The dilemma may be specific, such as a challenging person, situation or assignment. Alternately, it may be an example of a dilemma you witnessed, in which case your relay what your response would have been.
Step 3: Provide a narrative description of the dilemma Carefully describe the dilemma you have selected. Your response should clearly reflect your individual experience or understanding of this dilemma related to that competency. Your description must reflect the quality of your understanding of the dilemma including how it relates to the specific competency and its scope and impact. Specifically, you should describe:
the situation in which the activity, experience or accomplishment occured;
actions you took and the resulting consequences of those actions;
what you learned from the experience