University of Kentucky Secondary Application Essay Prompts by Year
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The University of Kentucky Medical School secondary application with several medium-length essays. The University of Kentucky School of Medicine admissions committee wants to understand you as a holistic person. It wants to recruit a diverse, culturally competent, and socially aware class. Read our University of Kentucky secondary application tips below so you can learn how to stand out question by question!
Submitting a strong secondary application is essentially in getting accepted. The University of Kentucky College of Medicine secondary prompts change frequently, so we do not suggest pre-writing these essays. Stand out on your University of Kentucky Medical School secondary application with our secondary essay editing packages!
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University of Kentucky Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2025 – 2026
- Why have you chosen to apply to the University of Kentucky College of Medicine? (1,500 characters max)
- The University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s (UKCOM) mission statement promotes a diverse and inclusive environment that provides excellence in education, equitable health care, and transformative research to improve the health and wellness of Kentuckians and beyond. Please describe how your past experiences or future plans contribute to enriching and enhancing the learning environment at UKCOM. (1,500 characters)
- If you are a non Kentucky resident, you are required to elaborate on your Kentucky ties if applicable (personal, familial e.g.) (700 characters max)
- Your combination of life experiences make you uniquely you. Talk about one such experience and how it has helped you prepare to be a physician.
- Describe an experience or situation which made you feel grateful? (1,500 characters max)
- Please share unique, personally important, and/or challenging facts in your life and/or work experiences. Please discuss how such factors have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine. (2,500 characters max)
- Describe a situation where you were not in the majority. (1,500 characters max)
- Please indicate your campus choice. Please elaborate on why this is your preferred campus.
Tips to Answer University of Kentucky Secondary Essays
University of Kentucky Secondary Application Pre-Writing Guidance: The University of Kentucky College of Medicine secondary prompts do change frequently, so we do not suggest pre-writing these essays.
- Download all our HIGH-YIELD tips for secondary essays: Cracking Med School Admissions Secondary Essay Guide
University of Kentucky Secondary Application Tip #1: For the University of Kentucky secondary application question, “Why have you chosen to apply to the University of Kentucky College of Medicine” make sure you read all our tips on how to answer this questions: Why this Medical School? Secondary Essay Example
University of Kentucky Secondary Application Tip #2: Make sure to look up the various University of Kentucky College of Medicine campuses.
Guidance to answer the University of Kentucky secondaries question about campus preference:
- Since there are only 700 characters for this question, some students write a list of characteristics rather than full sentences.
- Do your research on each campus. Where do you see yourself? Why do you want to be there? Are there any specific programs or clinical electives that interest you?
- Reach out to faculty and students to learn more about the campuses.
- Qualities that we advise students to highlight include: specific populations you want to serve (rural vs. suburban vs. urban); opportunities such as combined programs and the Certificate in Health Systems Leadership; curriculum; and clinical opportunities.
University of Kentucky Secondary Application Tip #3: Tell stories that show your impact and interactions one-on-one with patients and individuals. For example, you should tell a story about a time you were grateful and a time when you saw a physician (or yourself) empathize with a patient.
We strongly suggest that you include stories for the following University of Kentucky secondary application questions:
- The University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s (UKCOM) mission statement promotes a diverse and inclusive environment that provides excellence in education, equitable health care, and transformative research to improve the health and wellness of Kentuckians and beyond. Please describe how your past experiences or future plans contribute to enriching and enhancing the learning environment at UKCOM. Write a story about a patient you met, an individual you helped through a community service project, or figuring out how to advance your research through critical thinking & problem solving.
- What competencies and qualities do you feel a physician should possess? You can add a story that highlights a physician you shadowed or worked with and why that doctor showcases qualities of a great physician
- Describe a personal activity involving advocacy and/or community service that has impacted your personal values about delivering equitable patient care. Add a story about an individual you impacted through a community service activity.
- Describe an experience or situation which made you feel grateful?
- It is impossible to have predicted the drastic impact caused by the novel coronavirus identified as COVID-19. Describe how this has impacted your social interactions, connections with peers, and perception of teamwork. Add 1-2 stories from COVID that highlight your reflections learned through the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Please share unique, personally important, and/or challenging facts in your life and/or work experiences. Please discuss how such factors have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine Add stories from your personal background and ideally, you should add at least 1 patient story.
- Describe a situation where you were not in the majority.
Dr. Rachel Rizal and Dr. Rishi Mediratta are excellent in helping medical school applicants stand out on secondaries. Contact us down below or email us at info@crackingmedadmissions.com if you have questions or need help!
University of Kentucky Secondary Application Tip #4: For the University of Kentucky secondary application question, “Describe an experience or situation which made you feel grateful” make sure you add a specific story and not pinpoint to a general cause of gratefulness. Additionally, make sure you add a reflection about the specific situation.
University of Kentucky Secondary Application Tip #5: For the COVID-19 question, incorporate your personal experiences as well as healthcare current issues you noticed throughout the COVID pandemic. We have an entire healthcare current events blog post here, where you can read more about healthcare disparities and COVID-19. **Make sure to add your reflections about COVID-19 and how your insights influence your career in medicine.
University of Kentucky Secondary Application Tip #6: For the University of Kentucky secondary application question, “Please share unique, personally important, and/or challenging facts in your life and/or work experiences. Please discuss how such factors have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine” this is basically like an autobiography.
- Read our HIGH-YIELD blog post on how to craft an excellent autobiography: How To Write An Autobiography For Medical School
University of Kentucky Secondary Application Tip #7: For the University of Kentucky secondary question, “Describe a situation where you were not in the majority” read sample essays in our Cracking Med School Admissions book! Some strong applicants talk about instances when their ideas or opinions went against the status quo.
University of Kentucky Secondary Application Tip #8: Get our help to edit your University of Kentucky Medical School secondary application essays. We can help you through our secondary essay packages. Have questions about how you can stand out? Contact us below.
[Read More Secondary Essay Tips: Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine , Michigan State University ]
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University of Kentucky Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2024 – 2025
University of Kentucky College of Medicine had new essays this year
- Why have you chosen to apply to the University of Kentucky College of Medicine? (1,500 characters max)
- The University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s (UKCOM) mission statement promotes a diverse and inclusive environment that provides excellence in education, equitable health care, and transformative research to improve the health and wellness of Kentuckians and beyond. Please describe how your past experiences or future plans contribute to enriching and enhancing the learning environment at UKCOM. (1,500 characters)
- If you are a non Kentucky resident, you are required to elaborate on your Kentucky ties if applicable (personal, familial e.g.) (700 characters max)
- Your combination of life experiences make you uniquely you. Talk about one such experience and how it has helped you prepare to be a physician.
- Describe an experience or situation which made you feel grateful? (1,500 characters max)
- Please share unique, personally important, and/or challenging facts in your life and/or work experiences. Please discuss how such factors have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine. (2,500 characters max)
- Describe a situation where you were not in the majority. (1,500 characters max)
- Please indicate your campus choice. Please elaborate on why this is your preferred campus.
University of Kentucky Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2023 – 2024
University of Kentucky College of Medicine had new essays this year
- Why have you chosen to apply to the University of Kentucky College of Medicine? (1,500 characters max)
- The University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s (UKCOM) mission statement promotes a diverse and inclusive environment that provides excellence in education, equitable health care, and transformative research to improve the health and wellness of Kentuckians and beyond. Please describe how your past experiences or future plans contribute to enriching and enhancing the learning environment at UKCOM. (1,500 characters)
- If you are a non Kentucky resident, you are required to elaborate on your Kentucky ties if applicable (personal, familial e.g.) (700 characters max)
- UKCOM provides MD programs at four campuses including the Lexington Campus, the Morehead Campus (Rural Physician Leadership Program), the Bowling Green Campus, and the Northern Kentucky Campus. You will apply to one of the four UK College of Medicine campuses. Please indicate your campus choice. Please elaborate on why this is your preferred campus. (700 characters max)
- What competencies and qualities do you feel a physician should possess? (1,500 characters max)
- Describe a personal activity involving advocacy and/or community service that has impacted your personal values about delivering equitable patient care. (2,000 characters max)
- Describe an experience or situation which made you feel grateful? (1,500 characters max)
- It is impossible to have predicted the drastic impact caused by the novel coronavirus identified as COVID-19. Describe how this has impacted your social interactions, connections with peers, and perception of teamwork. (1,500 characters max)
- Please share unique, personally important, and/or challenging facts in your life and/or work experiences. Please discuss how such factors have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine. (2,500 characters)
- Describe a situation where you were not in the majority. (1,500 characters max)
University of Kentucky Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2021 – 2022
- Please elaborate on why this is your preferred campus. (1,000 characters max)
- What competencies and qualities do you feel a physician should possess? (1,000 characters max)
- Describe a personal activity involving advocacy, social justice, and/or civic engagement that has impacted your personal values about delivering equitable patient care. (1,500 characters max)
- Describe an experience or situation which made you feel grateful? (1,000 characters max)
- In providing patient care, should physicians maintain emotional distance or empathize with patients’ emotional state? (1,000 characters max)
- It is impossible to have predicted the drastic impact caused by the novel coronavirus identified as COVID-19. Describe the impact you have witnessed of this pandemic on those around you. (1,500 characters max)
- Please share unique, personally important, and/or challenging facts in your background, such as the quality of your early educational environment, socioeconomic status, culture, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or life/work experiences. Please discuss how such factors have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine. (1,750 characters max)
University of Kentucky Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2021 – 2022
- Please elaborate on why this is your preferred campus. (1,000 characters max)
- What competencies and qualities do you feel a physician should possess? (1,000 characters max)
- Describe a personal activity involving advocacy, social justice, and/or civic engagement that has impacted your personal values about delivering equitable patient care. (1,500 characters max)
- Describe an experience or situation which made you feel grateful? (1,000 characters max)
- In providing patient care, should physicians maintain emotional distance or empathize with patients’ emotional state? (1,000 characters max)
- It is impossible to have predicted the drastic impact caused by the novel coronavirus identified as COVID-19. Describe the impact you have witnessed of this pandemic on those around you. (1,500 characters max)
- Please share unique, personally important, and/or challenging facts in your background, such as the quality of your early educational environment, socioeconomic status, culture, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or life/work experiences. Please discuss how such factors have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine. (1,750 characters max)
University of Kentucky Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2020 - 2021
- Please elaborate on why this is your preferred campus. (750 characters max)
- What competencies and qualities do you feel a physician should possess? (1,500 characters max)
- Describe the most significant community service activity in which you have participated. What did you learn from that experience? (2,000 characters max)
- Describe an experience or situation which made you feel grateful? (1,500 characters max)
- In providing patient care, should physicians maintain emotional distance or empathize with patients’ emotional state? (1,500 characters max)
- It is impossible to have predicted the drastic impact caused by the novel coronavirus identified as COVID-19. Describe the impact you have witnessed of this pandemic on those around you. (1,500 characters max)
- Please share unique, personally important, and/or challenging facts in your background, such as the quality of your early educational environment, socioeconomic status, culture, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or life/work experiences. Please discuss how such factors have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine. (2,000 characters max)
University of Kentucky Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2019 – 2020
- (Optional) Why have you chosen to apply to the University of Kentucky College of Medicine? (1,000 characters max)
- (Optional) Please elaborate on personal characteristics and any accomplishments and experiences that you feel help to demonstrate your potential to contribute to the college and to the profession of medicine. (1,000 characters max)
- (Optional) Please elaborate on any Kentucky ties: personal, familial, etc. (1,000 characters max)
- What competencies and qualities do you feel a physician should possess? (1,500 characters max)
- Describe the most significant community service activity in which you have participated. What did you learn from that experience? (2,000 characters max)
- Describe an experience or situation which made you feel grateful? (1,500 characters max)
- In providing patient care, should physicians maintain emotional distance or empathize with patients’ emotional state? (1,500 characters max)
- Describe a situation in your undergraduate education when you felt alive and engaged in learning. (1,500 characters max)
- Please share unique, personally important, and/or challenging facts in your background, such as the quality of your early educational environment, socioeconomic status, culture, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or life/work experiences. Please discuss how such factors have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine. (2,500 characters max)
University of Kentucky Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2018 – 2019
University of Kentucky College of Medicine All MD Applicants
- How would you describe your ability to use unscheduled time during the day for learning?
- What competencies and qualities should a physician possess for practice in the 21st century? (1,500 characters max)
- Describe the most significant community service activity in which you have participated. What did you learn from that experience? (2,000 characters max)
- Describe an experience or situation which made you feel grateful? (1,500 characters max)
- In providing patient care, should physicians maintain emotional distance or empathize with patients’ emotional state? (1,500 characters max)
- Describe a situation in your undergraduate education when you felt alive and engaged in learning. (1,500 characters max)
University of Kentucky College of Medicine Out-of-State Applicants Only
- This is an opportunity to describe more about yourself to the Admissions Committee. The Personal Comments section of the AMCAS application is not an acceptable substitute. In the essay, please address the following points:
- Reasons for selecting a medical career;
- Things you have done to prepare yourself for a medical education and career;
- Personal characteristics and other accomplishments and experiences that you feel help qualify you for the practice of medicine; and,
- Why you chose to apply to the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.
- Please elaborate on any Kentucky ties: personal, familial, etc.
University of Kentucky Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2017 – 2018
University of Kentucky College of Medicine All MD Applicants
- How would you describe your ability to use unscheduled time during the day for learning?
- What competencies and qualities should a physician possess for practice in the 21st century? (1,500 characters max)
- Describe the most significant community service activity in which you have participated. What did you learn from that experience? (2,000 characters max)
- Describe an experience or situation which made you feel grateful? (1,500 characters max)
- In providing patient care, should physicians maintain emotional distance or empathize with patients’ emotional state? (1,500 characters max)
- Describe a situation in your undergraduate education when you felt alive and engaged in learning. (1,500 characters max)
University of Kentucky College of Medicine Out-of-State Applicants Only
- This is an opportunity to describe more about yourself to the Admissions Committee. The Personal Comments section of the AMCAS application is not an acceptable substitute. In the essay, please address the following points:
- Reasons for selecting a medical career;
- Things you have done to prepare yourself for a medical education and career;
- Personal characteristics and other accomplishments and experiences that you feel help qualify you for the practice of medicine; and,
- Why you chose to apply to the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.
- Please elaborate on any Kentucky ties: personal, familial, etc.
University of Kentucky Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2016 – 2017
University of Kentucky College of Medicine All MD Applicants
- How would you describe your ability to use unscheduled time during the day for learning?
- What competencies and qualities should a physician possess for practice in the 21st century? (1,500 characters max)
- Describe the most significant community service activity in which you have participated. What did you learn from that experience? (2,000 characters max)
- Describe an experience or situation which made you feel grateful? (1,500 characters max)
- In providing patient care, should physicians maintain emotional distance or empathize with patients’ emotional state? (1,500 characters max)
- Describe a situation in your undergraduate education when you felt alive and engaged in learning. (1,500 characters max)
- Please share unique, personally important, and/or challenging facts in your background, such as the quality of your early educational environment, socioeconomic status, culture, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or life or work experiences. Please discuss how such factors have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine.
University of Kentucky College of Medicine Out-of-State Applicants Only
- This is an opportunity to describe more about yourself to the Admissions Committee. The Personal Comments section of the AMCAS application is not an acceptable substitute. In the essay, please address the following points:
- Reasons for selecting a medical career;
- Things you have done to prepare yourself for a medical education and career;
- Personal characteristics and other accomplishments and experiences that you feel help qualify you for the practice of medicine; and,
- Why you chose to apply to the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.
- Please elaborate on any Kentucky ties: personal, familial, etc.