It is important to convey you interests in clinical medicine and in broader healthcare in the University of Illinois Medical School secondary application. Additionally, the University of Illinois College of Medicine Admissions Committee wants to understand how you cope with difficulties; show your grit and resilience through the University of Illinois secondaries. Read all our University of Illinois College of Medicine tips below.
University of Illinois changed its medical school secondary essay prompts last year (2023-2024 application cycle). Given this, our Cracking Med School Admissions team strongly suggests not pre-writing your University of Illinois College of Medicine secondary application essays.
Our Cracking Med School Admissions team has a track record of helping several of our mentees receive acceptances to University of Illinois. Get started and read our University of Illinois Medical School secondary application tips below. We can help you stand out on your essays through our Cracking Med School Admission secondary essay editing packages.
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- We study your application strengths to see what unique attributes we’ll bring to the medical school
University of Illinois Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2025 – 2026
- (Required) What characteristics, qualities, or attributes do you possess that have helped you navigate conflict, change, or unfamiliar situations? In your response, reflect on how you demonstrate resiliency and a growth mindset in your approach to personal and professional development. (No word limit)
- (Required) Which characteristics, qualities, or attributes of UI COM attracted you to apply for medical school here? (No word limit)
- (Required) An important part of UI COM’s identity is the concept of “one college, three campuses.” The curriculum is identical on each campus; however, each campus has unique characteristics. Please describe what you have learned about at least two of our three campuses. (No word limit)
- (Required) Injustice can take many forms and impact individuals and communities in profound ways. Reflect on some of the causes and consequences of injustice you have observed or learned about. What does an individual’s response to injustice reveal about their values and character? How do you see your role—as a future physician and member of society—in recognizing and addressing injustice when you encounter it? (this is the one that was changed) (No word limit)
- (Required) UI COM thrives when students bring a variety of perspectives, values, and ways of thinking to the learning environment. Describe an aspect of your perspective, value system, or experience that is especially meaningful to you. How would this shape your contribution to a collaborative and enriching learning environment at our medical school. (No word limit)
- (If Applicable) Have you applied for admission to medical school previously? (Yes/No) If you are reapplying this year please describe what you have done during the past year. (No word limit)
- (If Applicable) Have you ever matriculated into and not completed a professional/graduate program? (Yes/No)
Please describe the circumstances of why you did not complete the program of study. (No word limit)
University of Illinois Medical School – Early Decision Secondary Application Questions:
- (Required) What characteristics, qualities, or attributes do you possess that have helped you to deal with conflict and change?
- (Required) Which characteristics, qualities, or attributes of UICOM attracted you to apply for medical school here?
- (Required) An important part of UICOM’s identity is the concept of “one college, three campuses.” The curriculum is identical on each campus; however, each campus has unique characteristics. Please describe what you have learned about at least two of our three campuses.
- (Required) What are some of the causes and consequences of prejudice and injustice? What does an individual’s response to prejudice and injustice reveal about their character? What is the role of a bystander who witnesses prejudice or injustice?
- (Required) Injustice can take many forms and impact individuals and communities in profound ways. Reflect on some of the causes and consequences of injustice you have observed or learned about. What does an individual’s response to injustice reveal about their values and character? How do you see your role—as a future physician and member of society—in recognizing and addressing injustice when you encounter it?
- (If Applicable) Have you applied for admission to medical school previously? (Yes/No)
If you are reapplying this year please describe what you have done during the past year. - (If Applicable) Have you ever matriculated into and not completed a professional/graduate program? (Yes/No)
Please describe the circumstances of why you did not complete the program of study.
Tips to Answer University of Illinois Secondaries
University of Illinois Pre-Writing Guidance: University of Illinois changed its medical school secondary essay prompts last year (2023-2024 application cycle). Given this, our Cracking Med School Admissions team strongly suggests not pre-writing your University of Illinois College of Medicine secondary application essays.
- Download all our Cracking Med School Admissions secondary essay tips so your essay STAND OUT.
University of Illinois Medical School Secondary Application Tip #1: Take advantage of the space, especially in the no word limit questions. Use the space to give your thoughts fully, to include your reflections/ insights for each question, and to add stories. Remember that your UI secondary application essays have to complement your AMCAS primary application personal statement. So make sure you have different stories, but your overall narrative, passions, and interests should be the same!
University of Illinois Medical School Secondary Application Tip #2: For the University of Illinois secondaries question, “What characteristics, qualities, or attributes do you possess that have helped you to deal with conflict and change” our suggestion is to write this by providing an example of a time when you had to deal with conflict or change.
- Describe the conflict
- Discuss how you resolved the conflict
- What lessons did you learn from this conflict or change?
- How will you apply this lesson to medicine or your career in medicine?
University of Illinois Medical School Secondary Application Tip #3: For the University of Illinois secondaries question, “Which characteristics, qualities, or attributes of UICOM attracted you to apply for medical school here” relate “Why University of Illinois College of Medicine” with your past experiences. For example, if you say that you want to do basic science research at the University of Illinois, then you should talk about the research you have done as a premed student. Similarly, if you aspire to be a healthcare innovator, discuss how you’ve been involved with digital health or other innovative areas in medicine.
Because you have the space, don’t forget to incorporate a little bit about “Why University of Illinois Medical School” throughout the essays.
- Read our High Yield Blog Post: Why this Medical School? Secondary Essay Example
For the UI secondaries question, “An important part of UICOM’s identity is the concept of “one college, three campuses.” The curriculum is identical on each campus; however, each campus has unique characteristics. Please describe what you have learned about at least two of our three campuses” study the campuses here.
Here are some aspects our students have highlighted in their secondary essays:
- Chicago Campus: Interest in urban health; Prior experiences and future desire to practice medicine in Chicago
- Peioria Campus: Focuses on innovation through it’s JUMP Simulation program. Medical students can take electives in medical simulation, healthcare innovation, research, and telehealth.
- Rockford Campus: Focus on rural health.
University of Illinois Medical School Secondary Application Tip #4: 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.
University of Illinois Medical School Secondary Application Tip #5: Get our help to edit your University of Illinois College of Medicine secondary application essays. Dr. Rachel Rizal and Dr. Rishi Mediratta will be reading all your secondary essay drafts, and we have had several students receive interview invites and acceptances at the University of Illinois! We can help you through our secondary essay packages. Have questions about how you can stand out? Contact us below.
University of Illinois Medical School Secondary Application Tip #6: For the re-applicant essay, it’s very important to discuss the following:
- Reflections about why your application was not as strong last cycle.
- How you addressed the weaknesses.
- Clinical opportunities you’ve improved. Reflect on what you learned about patient care.
- For the University of Illinois, emphasize clinical experiences, patient care experiences, and community service experiences in Illinois that you’ve been involved with since the last time you applied.
[Read More Secondary Essay Tips: University of Chicago (Pritzker), Rush, Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Northwestern (Feinberg) ]
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University of Illinois Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2024 – 2025
- What characteristics, qualities, or attributes do you possess that have helped you to deal with conflict and change? (No word limit)
- Which characteristics, qualities, or attributes of UICOM attracted you to apply for medical school here? (No word limit)
- An important part of UICOM’s identity is the concept of “one college, three campuses.” The curriculum is identical on each campus; however, each campus has unique characteristics. Please describe what you have learned about at least two of our three campuses. (No word limit)
- What are some of the causes and consequences of prejudice and injustice? What does an individual’s response to prejudice and injustice reveal about their character? What is the role of a bystander who witnesses prejudice or injustice? (No word limit)
- UICOM values a wide range of perspectives. Describe an aspect of your own perspective, value system, or lived experience that is important to you and how it would contribute to the diverse and collaborative community at UICOM. (No word limit)
- (If applicable) Have you applied for admission to medical school previously?
Yes/No
If you are reapplying this year please describe what you have done during the past year. (No word limit) - (If applicable) Have you ever matriculated into and not completed a professional/graduate program?
Yes/No
Please describe the circumstances of why you did not complete the program of study. (No word limit)
University of Illinois Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2023 – 2024
- What characteristics, qualities, or attributes do you possess that have helped you to deal with conflict and change? (No word limit)
- Which characteristics, qualities, or attributes of UICOM attracted you to apply for medical school here? (No word limit)
- An important part of UICOM’s identity is the concept of “one college, three campuses.” The curriculum is identical on each campus; however, each campus has unique characteristics. Please describe what you have learned about at least two of our three campuses. (No word limit)
- What are some of the causes and consequences of prejudice and injustice? What does an individual’s response to prejudice and injustice reveal about their character? What is the role of a bystander who witnesses prejudice or injustice? (No word limit)
- UICOM values a wide range of perspectives. Describe an aspect of your own perspective, value system, or lived experience that is important to you and how it would contribute to the diverse and collaborative community at UICOM. (No word limit)
- Have you applied for admission to medical school previously?
Yes/No
If you are reapplying this year please describe what you have done during the past year. (No word limit) - Have you ever matriculated into and not completed a professional/graduate program?
Yes/No
Please describe the circumstances of why you did not complete the program of study. (No word limit)
University of Illinois Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2022 – 2023
- Describe a stressful situation that you have experienced. Please detail your reaction, how you managed the situation, and what you learned that will help you handle a similar circumstance in the future. (No word limit)
- In addition to training as a competent physician please select up to two additional areas of interest from the items below that you may want to pursue during your medical studies. Your responses will have no bearing on applications to joint degrees or special programs to which you might also apply.
- Simulation
- Clinical Research
- Basic Science Research
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Healthcare disparities
- Academic medicine
- Global Health
- Community Health Urban
- Community Health Rural
- Innovation Medicine
- Select any of the above results in a new box where you describe your interest in that area of interest. (No word limit)
- Please describe any abrupt changes that you experienced in your preparation for application for medical school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (No word limit)
- Have you applied for admission to medical school previously?
Yes/No
If you are reapplying this year please describe what you have done during the past year. (No word limit) - Have you ever matriculated into and not completed a professional/graduate program?
Yes/No
Please describe the circumstances of why you did not complete the program of study. (No word limit)
University of Illinois Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2021 – 2022
- Describe a stressful situation that you have experienced. Please detail your reaction, how you managed the situation, and what you learned that will help you handle a similar circumstance in the future. (No word limit)
- In addition to training as a competent physician please select up to two additional areas of interest from the items below that you may want to pursue during your medical studies. Your responses will have no bearing on applications to joint degrees or special programs to which you might also apply.
- Simulation
- Clinical Research
- Basic Science Research
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Healthcare disparities
- Academic medicine
- Global Health
- Community Health Urban
- Community Health Rural
- Innovation Medicine
- Select any of the above results in a new box where you describe your interest in that area of interest. (No word limit)
- Please describe any abrupt changes that you experienced in your preparation for application for medical school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (No word limit)
University of Illinois Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2020 - 2021
- Describe a stressful situation that you have experienced. Please detail your reaction, how you managed the situation, and what you learned that will help you handle a similar circumstance in the future. (No word limit)
- In addition to training as a competent physician please select up to two additional areas of interest from the items below that you may want to pursue during your medical studies. Your responses will have no bearing on applications to joint degrees or special programs to which you might also apply. Provide a short statement on your interest and how you see it influencing your learning. (300-500 words max)
- Please describe any abrupt changes that you experienced in your preparation for application for medical school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (No word limit)
University of Illinois Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2019 – 2020
- Describe a stressful situation that you have experienced. Please detail your reaction, how you managed the situation, and what you learned that will help you handle a similar circumstance in the future. (No word limit)
- In addition to training as a competent physician please select up to two additional areas of interest from the items below that you may want to pursue during your medical studies. Your responses will have no bearing on applications to joint degrees or special programs to which you might also apply.
- Simulation
- Clinical Research
- Basic Science Research
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Healthcare disparities
- Academic medicine
- Global Health
- Community Health Urban
- Community Health Rural
- Innovation Medicine
- Select any of the above results in a new box where you describe your interest in that area of interest. (300-500 words max)
University of Illinois Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2018 – 2019
- Describe a stressful situation that you have experienced. Please detail your reaction, how you managed the situation, and what you learned that will help you handle a similar circumstance in the future. (No word limit)
- In addition to training as a competent physician please select up to two additional areas of interest from the items below that you may want to pursue during your medical studies. Your responses will have no bearing on applications to joint degrees or special programs to which you might also apply.
- Simulation
- Clinical Research
- Basic Science Research
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Healthcare disparities
- Academic medicine
- Global Health
- Community Health Urban
- Community Health Rural
- Innovation Medicine
- Select any of the above results in a new box where you describe your interest in that area of interest. (300-500 words max)
Describe any advantages and/or complications you encountered during your progression in education. Please include any noteworthy achievements and/or obstacles. (Examples: Acute or chronic illnesses, employment, financial difficulty, managerial role in household, etc.) (150 words max). If you did not experience an advantage and/or complication during your education please indicate ‘Not Applicable’.
University of Illinois Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2017 – 2018
- (If not enrolled in school) Please state your current activities and/or employment status. (3,500 character limit)
- Describe a stressful situation that you have experienced. Please detail your reaction, how you managed the situation, and what you learned that will help you handle a similar circumstance in the future. (No word limit)
- In addition to training as a competent physician please select up to two additional areas of interest from the items below that you may want to pursue during your medical studies. Your responses will have no bearing on applications to joint degrees or special programs to which you might also apply.
- Simulation
- Clinical Research
- Basic Science Research
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Healthcare disparities
- Academic medicine
- Global Health
- Community Health Urban
- Community Health Rural
- Innovation Medicine
- Select any of the above results in a new box where you describe your interest in that area of interest. (300-500 words max)
Describe any advantages and/or complications you encountered during your progression in education. Please include any noteworthy achievements and/or obstacles. (Examples: Acute or chronic illnesses, employment, financial difficulty, managerial role in household, etc.) (150 words max). If you did not experience an advantage and/or complication during your education please indicate ‘Not Applicable’.
University of Illinois Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2016 – 2017
- (If not enrolled in school): Please state your current activities and/or employment status. (3,500 character limit)
- Describe a situation in which you were really stressed. Tell us how you dealt with it. Please detail your reaction(s), and how it affected you. If this situation, or a similar one, were to happen again, how would you handle it? (250 words max)
- Describe a hobby or activity other than something in medicine, in which you have a keen interest. Why? (250 words max)
University of Illinois Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2015 – 2016
- Describe a situation in which you were really stressed. Tell us how you dealt with it. Please detail your reaction(s), and how it affected you. If this situation, or a similar one, were to happen again, how would you handle it? (250 words max)
- Describe a hobby or activity other than something in medicine, in which you have a keen interest. Why? (250 words max)
- (Optional) Describe any advantages and/or complications you encountered during your progression in education. Please include any noteworthy achievements and/or obstacles. (Examples: Acute or chronic illnesses, employment, financial difficulty, managerial role in household, etc.) (150 words max). If you did not experience an advantage and/or complication during your education please indicate ‘Not Applicable’.
University of Illinois Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2014 – 2015
- Describe a situation in which you were really stressed. Tell us how you dealt with it. Please detail your reaction(s), and how it affected you. If this situation, or a similar one, were to happen again, how would you handle it? (250 words max)
- Describe a hobby or activity other than something in medicine, in which you have a keen interest. Why? (250 words max)
- (Optional) Describe any advantages and/or complications you encountered during your progression in education. Please include any noteworthy achievements and/or obstacles. (Examples: Acute or chronic illnesses, employment, financial difficulty, managerial role in household, etc.) (150 words max). If you did not experience an advantage and/or complication during your education please indicate ‘Not Applicable’.