University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts by Year
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The University of Minnesota Medical School secondary application with several medium-length essays. The UMN medical school 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 Minnesota secondary application tips below so you can learn how to stand out question by question! Read more about the University of Minnesota culture and curriculum in our blog post University of Minnesota Medical School: Tips to Get Accepted.
The University of Minnesota medical school changes its secondary essay prompts dramatically each year for the past couple of years. We would definitely not pre-write these secondaries and wait for the official University of Minnesota secondary application.
Our Cracking Med School Admissions team has a track record of helping our mentees receive acceptances to University of Minnesota medical school. Submitting a strong secondary application is essentially in getting accepted. Stand out on your University of Minnesota Medical School secondary application with our secondary essay editing packages!
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University of Minnesota Secondary Application Questions: 2025 – 2026
University of Minnesota Secondary Application Essay Prompts – All MD Applicants
- Which mission are you interested in being considered for? (Choose only one)
– General Admission
– Rural Health
– Indigenous Health - Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of the University of Minnesota Medical School. Explain how a learning environment that embodies these values is crucial to the education of tomorrow’s physicians. Reflect on how you might contribute to this learning environment. (1,500 characters max)
- Describe a time when you used critical thinking to solve a problem that you encountered in any realm where you asked questions, gathered information, thought through possible solutions and their alternatives, and evaluated what you did critically. Please include in your discussion what you learned from this experience. (1,500 characters max)
- Describe a time when you experienced an obstacle, challenge or failure. How did it affect you? What did you learn? (1,500 characters max)
- Why do you want to go to medical school in the state of MN? (Consider the state of Minnesota and its population.) (1,500 characters max)
- (Optional) How have your individual experiences and identity shaped who you are and who you will be as a physician? (1,500 characters max)
- (Optional) What other pertinent information would you like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee? This is an opportunity for you to discuss an aspect of your journey to medicine that you have not already presented in your application. You may also update us with any current experiences that were not included in your AMCAS application. (1,500 characters max)
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – General Health Pathway Essay Prompts
The University of Minnesota Medical School is dedicated to educating future physicians who have demonstrated an interest in serving General communities.
- Reflect on and describe how your experiences to date support your dedication to this mission. (1,500 characters max)
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – Indigenous Health Pathway Essay Prompts
The University of Minnesota Medical School is dedicated to educating future physicians who have demonstrated an interest in serving Indigenous communities.
- Please highlight up to 3 experiences that support your application to the Indigenous Health and Community Mission. (1,500 characters max)
- Describe how you plan to contribute to the health needs of Indigenous communities. (1,500 characters max)
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – Rural Health Pathway Essay Prompts
The University of Minnesota Medical School is dedicated to educating future physicians who have demonstrated an interest in serving patients and families in rural Minnesota.
- Please highlight up to 3 experiences that support your application to the Rural Health Mission. (1,500 characters max)
- Describe how you plan to contribute to the health needs of rural and Greater Minnesota communities. (1,500 characters max)
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – Urban Communities Pathway Essay Prompts
The University of Minnesota Medical School trains a culturally aware workforce qualified to meet the needs of the diverse populations we serve.
- Tell us why you are interested in engaging and/or working with urban underserved communities, and describe any experiences you have had serving underserved communities.
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – 2SLGBTQIA+ Pathway Essay Prompts
The University of Minnesota Medical School is committed to dismantling the health disparities affecting Minnesota’s 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
- Describe your experiences engaging and/or working with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and explain why 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive health care is important.
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – Immigrant / Refugee / Global Health Pathway
The University of Minnesota Medical School strives to have our community better reflect the broad identities of our state.
- Describe your interest and/or experience engaging or working with refugee, immigrant, and global health communities. How do their experiences differ from the traditionally underserved and how will your experience prepare you to serve our refugee, immigrant, and global populations?
Tips to Answer University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Essays
University of Minnesota Secondaries Pre-Writing Guidance: The University of Minnesota medical school changes its secondary essay prompts dramatically each year for the past couple of years. We would definitely not pre-write these secondaries and wait for the official University of Minnesota secondary application. However, you should work on this secondary as soon as you receive it, especially if you are a Minnesota resident because you’ll have an in-state advantage.
- Download all our HIGH-YIELD tips for secondary essays: Cracking Med School Admissions Secondary Essay Guide
- Read our school profile with University of Minnesota medical school admissions statistics: University of Minnesota Medical School: Tips to Get Accepted
University of Minnesota Secondary Application Tip #1: Make sure to discuss specifics about why you want to go to the University of Minnesota Medical School. The essays don’t necessarily directly ask “Why University of Minnesota medical school” all the time, but you could write “Why University of Minnesota” in the optional essays and link why University of Minnesota is the perfect medical school for you, related to your individual experiences.
- Use our blog post University of Minnesota Medical School: Tips to Get Accepted to learn more about the medical school’s culture and curriculum. We looked up a lot of the information for you!
University of Minnesota Secondary Application Tip #2: Tell stories and give examples. For instance, if you tell a story of a time when you saw bias rather than wrote an essay with general observations, your essay will be stronger.
Here are the essay prompts we would strongly recommend writing stories for:
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of the University of Minnesota Medical School. Explain how a learning environment that embodies these values is crucial to the education of tomorrow’s physicians. Reflect on how you might contribute to this learning environment.
- How have your individual experiences and identity shaped who you are and who you will be as a physician?
- Describe a time when you used critical thinking to solve a problem that you encountered in any realm where you asked questions, gathered information, thought through possible solutions and their alternatives, and evaluated what you did critically. Please include in your discussion what you learned from this experience.
University of Minnesota Secondary Application Tip #3: For the University of Minnesota secondaries question, “Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of the University of Minnesota Medical School. Explain how a learning environment that embodies these values is crucial to the education of tomorrow’s physicians. Reflect on how you might contribute to this learning environment” make sure to first get an understanding of the University of Minnesota curriculum. There are specific tracks in which you can specialize in electives that help specific populations, including indigenous populations and rural Minnesota populations. You can link your learning environment (like a class) to the specific track you want to pursue.
University of Minnesota Secondary Application Tip #4: University of Minnesota Medical School favors students who have lived or had experiences in the state of Minnesota and more generally, the Midwestern United States. If you have done any work in Minnesota state, mention it in your University of Minnesota Medical School secondary application essays! Write about any affiliations you have had with Minnesota. For example, some applicants lived in Minnesota during their childhood. Others have visited friends and family throughout college. Establishing a commitment to Minnesota is important.
University of Minnesota Secondary Application Tip #5: For the University of Minnesota secondaries question, “How have your individual experiences and identity shaped who you are and who you will be as a physician” we would recommend writing a story that shows your identity. Relate your upbringing and values to what you want to do as a physician.
University of Minnesota Secondary Application Tip #6: Get our help to edit your University of Minnesota secondary application essays. Ask us for help with tailoring and personalizing your University of Minnesota secondary application essays. We have a track records of our students receiving acceptances at University of Minnesota in the past several years! Contact us below if you have questions or want our editing help through our secondary essay packages.
[Read Other Secondary Essay Tips: University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Washington University St. Louis, Case Western]
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University of Minnesota Secondary Application Questions: 2024 – 2025
University of Minnesota Secondary Application Essay Prompts – All MD Applicants
- Which mission are you interested in being considered for? (Choose only one)
– General Admission
– Rural Health
– Indigenous Health - Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of the University of Minnesota Medical School. Explain how a learning environment that embodies these values is crucial to the education of tomorrow’s physicians. Reflect on how you might contribute to this learning environment. (1,500 characters max)
- Describe a time when you used critical thinking to solve a problem that you encountered in any realm where you asked questions, gathered information, thought through possible solutions and their alternatives, and evaluated what you did critically. Please include in your discussion what you learned from this experience. (1,500 characters max)
- Describe a time when you experienced an obstacle, challenge or failure. How did it affect you? What did you learn? (1,500 characters max)
- Why do you want to go to medical school in the state of MN? (Consider the state of Minnesota and its population.) (1,500 characters max)
- (Optional) How have your individual experiences and identity shaped who you are and who you will be as a physician? (1,500 characters max)
- (Optional) What other pertinent information would you like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee? This is an opportunity for you to discuss an aspect of your journey to medicine that you have not already presented in your application. You may also update us with any current experiences that were not included in your AMCAS application. (1,500 characters max)
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – Indigenous Health Pathway Essay Prompts
The University of Minnesota Medical School is dedicated to educating future physicians who have demonstrated an interest in serving Indigenous communities.
- Describe your experience in and ties to Indigenous communities, including your familiarity with life in an Indigenous community or your Indigenous community.
- What do you view as the greatest healthcare needs in Indigenous communities? Describe your future practice and how you will help fill these needs as a future physician.
- List each city or town you’ve lived in, starting with your place of birth and indicating which is your hometown. We define hometown as the place you lived the longest between birth and age 18. You are limited to listing 15 residences. If you need to include more, please contact the Office of Admissions for assistance. Please use only numbers in the population field.
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – Rural Health Pathway Essay Prompts
The University of Minnesota Medical School is dedicated to educating future physicians who have demonstrated an interest in serving patients and families in rural Minnesota.
- Tell us how you define the term “rural community” as it applies to Minnesota.
- Describe your experience in and ties to rural Minnesota areas, including your familiarity with life in a rural Minnesota setting.
- What do you view as the greatest healthcare practice needs in rural Minnesota communities? Describe your future practice and how you will help fill these needs as a future physician.
- List each city or town you’ve lived in, starting with your place of birth and indicating which is your hometown. We define hometown as the place you lived the longest between birth and age 18. You are limited to listing 15 residences. If you need to include more, please contact the Office ofAdmissions for assistance. Please use only numbers in the population field.
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – Urban Communities Pathway Essay Prompts
The University of Minnesota Medical School trains a culturally aware workforce qualified to meet the needs of the diverse populations we serve.
- Tell us why you are interested in engaging and/or working with urban underserved communities, and describe any experiences you have had serving underserved communities.
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – 2SLGBTQIA+ Pathway Essay Prompts
The University of Minnesota Medical School is committed to dismantling the health disparities affecting Minnesota’s 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
- Describe your experiences engaging and/or working with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and explain why 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive health care is important.
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – Immigrant / Refugee / Global Health Pathway
The University of Minnesota Medical School strives to have our community better reflect the broad identities of our state.
- Describe your interest and/or experience engaging or working with refugee, immigrant, and global health communities. How do their experiences differ from the traditionally underserved and how will your experience prepare you to serve our refugee, immigrant, and global populations?
University of Minnesota Secondary Application Questions: 2023 – 2024
University of Minnesota Secondary Application Essay Prompts – All MD Applicants
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of the University of Minnesota Medical School. Explain how a learning environment that embodies these values is crucial to the education of tomorrow’s physicians. Reflect on how you might contribute to this learning environment. (1,500 characters max)
- How have your individual experiences and identity shaped who you are and who you will be as a physician? (1,500 characters max)
- Describe a time when you used critical thinking to solve a problem that you encountered in any realm where you asked questions, gathered information, thought through possible solutions and their alternatives, and evaluated what you did critically. Please include in your discussion what you learned from this experience. (1,500 characters max)
- (Optional) What other pertinent information would you like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee? This is an opportunity for you to discuss an aspect of your journey to medicine that you have not already presented in your application. You may also update us with any current experiences that were not included in your AMCAS application. (900 characters max)
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – Indigenous Health Pathway Essay Prompts
The University of Minnesota Medical School is dedicated to educating future physicians who have demonstrated an interest in serving Indigenous communities.
- Describe your experience in and ties to Indigenous communities, including your familiarity with life in an Indigenous community or your Indigenous community.
- What do you view as the greatest healthcare needs in Indigenous communities? Describe your future practice and how you will help fill these needs as a future physician.
- List each city or town you’ve lived in, starting with your place of birth and indicating which is your hometown. We define hometown as the place you lived the longest between birth and age 18. You are limited to listing 15 residences. If you need to include more, please contact the Office of Admissions for assistance. Please use only numbers in the population field.
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – Rural Health Pathway Essay Prompts
The University of Minnesota Medical School is dedicated to educating future physicians who have demonstrated an interest in serving patients and families in rural Minnesota.
- Tell us how you define the term “rural community” as it applies to Minnesota.
- Describe your experience in and ties to rural Minnesota areas, including your familiarity with life in a rural Minnesota setting.
- What do you view as the greatest healthcare practice needs in rural Minnesota communities? Describe your future practice and how you will help fill these needs as a future physician.
- List each city or town you’ve lived in, starting with your place of birth and indicating which is your hometown. We define hometown as the place you lived the longest between birth and age 18. You are limited to listing 15 residences. If you need to include more, please contact the Office ofAdmissions for assistance. Please use only numbers in the population field.
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – Urban Communities Pathway Essay Prompts
The University of Minnesota Medical School trains a culturally aware workforce qualified to meet the needs of the diverse populations we serve.
- Tell us why you are interested in engaging and/or working with urban underserved communities, and describe any experiences you have had serving underserved communities.
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – 2SLGBTQIA+ Pathway Essay Prompts
The University of Minnesota Medical School is committed to dismantling the health disparities affecting Minnesota’s 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
- Describe your experiences engaging and/or working with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and explain why 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive health care is important.
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – Immigrant / Refugee / Global Health Pathway
The University of Minnesota Medical School strives to have our community better reflect the broad identities of our state.
- Describe your interest and/or experience engaging or working with refugee, immigrant, and global health communities. How do their experiences differ from the traditionally underserved and how will your experience prepare you to serve our refugee, immigrant, and global populations?
University of Minnesota Secondary Application Questions: 2022 – 2023
University of Minnesota Secondary Application Essay Prompts – All MD Applicants
- Our physicians pride themselves on giving outstanding care to patients, while looking for better and more equitable ways to do so. As you think about being a future physician and advocate for patients, describe a time when you advocated for someone or something. What did you learn from this situation? (1,500 characters max)
- Describe a time when you experienced an obstacle, challenge or failure. How did it affect you? What did you learn? (1,500 characters max)
- Describe a time when you personally experienced, observed, or acted with explicit bias. What did you learn about yourself and the experience? (1,500 characters max)
- Our families and communities tend to shape our individual worlds and perceptions. Think about the communities that you are an active part of, whether it be a cultural group, family, religious group, neighborhood, etc. Describe the world that you are most comfortable in and how it has shaped who you are. How will this impact your future as a physician and the patients you will serve? (1,500 characters max)
- Why do you want to go to medical school in the state of MN? (Consider the state of Minnesota and its population.) (1,500 characters max)
- The COVID-19 pandemic has created innumerable challenges, loss, and uncharted territory in public health. Describe your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with navigating COVID-19. Please tell us what impact, if any, this has had on your path to medical school. (1,500 characters max)
- The University of Minnesota Medical School is committed to building an anti-racist community. Please share your reflections on, experiences with, and greatest lessons learned about systemic racism. (Consider this country’s history, racism, racial injustice, anti-black racism, and the impact of the murder of Mr. George Floyd on the Minnesota/Twin Cities community). (1,500 characters max)
- How will your unique attributes (religion, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ideology, intellectual heritage, and/or experiences) add to the overall diversity of the University of Minnesota Medical School community? (1,500 characters max)
- (optional) What other pertinent information would you like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee? This is an opportunity for you to discuss an aspect of your journey to medicine that you have not already presented in your application. You may also update us with any current experiences that were not included in your AMCAS application. (900 characters maximum)
Minnesota Health Pathways Description
The University of Minnesota Medical School is a world class leader in medical education, research and patient care. Our mission is to provide innovative education and training, research that advances medicine and clinical care that improves the lives of our patients. We are one school with two campuses. Beginning in Fall 2023, a new curriculum designed in three phases: a systems-based Foundations Phase; Clinical Immersion Phase; and Specialty-specific Transition Phase, will launch. The new curriculum will include a component called Minnesota Health Pathways. These pathways are longitudinal courses completed during the Foundations phase focusing on one of five different underserved and/or under-resourced communities in MN. The Minnesota Health Pathways have been designed to allow students to individualize their experience while still achieving a set of shared learning goals. All pathways will be available at both campuses and all students will have to enroll in one pathway.
Select your pathway interest(s) below (you may select more than one). Once you make your selection there will be additional questions that you will be required to answer
- Indigenous Health Pathway
- Rural Health Pathway
- Urban Communities Pathway
- 2SLGBTQIA+ Pathway
- Immigrant | Refugee | Global Health Pathway
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – Indigenous Health Pathway Essay Prompts
The University of Minnesota Medical School is dedicated to educating future physicians who have demonstrated an interest in serving Indigenous communities.
- Describe your experience in and ties to Indigenous communities, including your familiarity with life in an Indigenous community or your Indigenous community.
- What do you view as the greatest healthcare needs in Indigenous communities? Describe your future practice and how you will help fill these needs as a future physician.
- List each city or town you’ve lived in, starting with your place of birth and indicating which is your hometown. We define hometown as the place you lived the longest between birth and age 18. You are limited to listing 15 residences. If you need to include more, please contact the Office of Admissions for assistance. Please use only numbers in the population field.
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – Rural Health Pathway Essay Prompts
The University of Minnesota Medical School is dedicated to educating future physicians who have demonstrated an interest in serving patients and families in rural Minnesota.
- Tell us how you define the term “rural community” as it applies to Minnesota.
- Describe your experience in and ties to rural Minnesota areas, including your familiarity with life in a rural Minnesota setting.
- What do you view as the greatest healthcare practice needs in rural Minnesota communities? Describe your future practice and how you will help fill these needs as a future physician.
- List each city or town you’ve lived in, starting with your place of birth and indicating which is your hometown. We define hometown as the place you lived the longest between birth and age 18. You are limited to listing 15 residences. If you need to include more, please contact the Office ofAdmissions for assistance. Please use only numbers in the population field.
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – Urban Communities Pathway Essay Prompts
The University of Minnesota Medical School trains a culturally aware workforce qualified to meet the needs of the diverse populations we serve.
- Tell us why you are interested in engaging and/or working with urban underserved communities, and describe any experiences you have had serving underserved communities.
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – 2SLGBTQIA+ Pathway Essay Prompts
The University of Minnesota Medical School is committed to dismantling the health disparities affecting Minnesota’s 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
- Describe your experiences engaging and/or working with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and explain why 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive health care is important.
University of Minnesota Medical School Secondary Application – Immigrant / Refugee / Global Health Pathway
The University of Minnesota Medical School strives to have our community better reflect the broad identities of our state.
- Describe your interest and/or experience engaging or working with refugee, immigrant, and global health communities. How do their experiences differ from the traditionally underserved and how will your experience prepare you to serve our refugee, immigrant, and global populations?
University of Minnesota Secondary Application Questions: 2021 – 2022
- Tell us about a time when you recovered from a non-academic setback. How did you recognize the setback and what steps did you take to recover? (1,500 characters max)
- Tell us about a time when you advocated for someone or something? What did you learn from this situation? (1,500 characters max)
- Tell us about a time when you observed, personally experienced, or acted with implicit or explicit bias. Through either situation we are interested in what you learned. (1,500 characters max)
- Please tell us about your identity. How has your identity impacted the development of your values and your attitude toward others, particularly those with values different from your own? How will this impact your future patients through the practice of medicine? (1,500 characters max)
- Why do you want to go to medical school in the state of MN? (Consider the state of Minnesota and your interest in the University of Minnesota.) (1,500 characters max)
- The COVID-19 pandemic has created innumerable challenges and loss and uncharted territory in public health. Please share with us your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with navigating COVID-19. Please tell us what impact, if any, this has had on your path to medical school. (1,500 characters max)
- Our country is reckoning with its history, racism, racial injustice, and especially anti-black racism. Please share your reflections on, experiences with, and greatest lessons learned about systemic racism. (1,500 characters max)
- (Optional) What other pertinent information would you like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee? This is an opportunity for you to discuss an aspect of your journey to medicine that you have not already presented in your application. You may also update us with any current experiences that were not included in your AMCAS application. (900 characters max)
- Tell us about a time when you recovered from a non-academic setback. How did you recognize the setback and what steps did you take to recover? (1,500 characters max)
- Tell us about a time when you advocated for someone or something? What did you learn from this situation? (1,500 characters max)
- Tell us about a time when you observed, personally experienced, or acted with implicit or explicit bias. Through either situation we are interested in what you learned. (1,500 characters max)
- Please tell us about your identity. How has your identity impacted the development of your values and your attitude toward others, particularly those with values different from your own? How will this impact your future patients through the practice of medicine? (1,500 characters max)
- Why do you want to go to medical school in the state of MN? (Consider the state of Minnesota and your interest in the University of Minnesota.) (1,500 characters max)
- The COVID-19 pandemic has created innumerable challenges and loss and uncharted territory in public health. Please share with us your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with navigating COVID-19. Please tell us what impact, if any, this has had on your path to medical school. (1,500 characters max)
- Our country is reckoning with its history, racism, racial injustice, and especially anti-black racism. Please share your reflections on, experiences with, and greatest lessons learned about systemic racism. (1,500 characters max)
- (Optional) What other pertinent information would you like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee? This is an opportunity for you to discuss an aspect of your journey to medicine that you have not already presented in your application. You may also update us with any current experiences that were not included in your AMCAS application. (900 characters max)
University of Minnesota Secondary Application Questions: 2020 - 2021
- Tell us about a time when you recovered from a non-academic setback. How did you identify the setback and what steps did you take to recover? (1,500 characters max)
- Tell us about a time when you played a role in improving a process. How did you identify the areas for improvement and what steps did you take to change the process? (1,500 characters max)
- Tell us about a time when you observed, personally experienced, or acted with implicit or explicit bias. If you observed or personally experienced implicit or explicit bias what did you do to address this situation or what would you do in the future? If you were implicitly or explicitly biased how did you become aware of this and what did you do to address the situation or what will you do in the future? Through either situation we are interested in what you learned. (1,500 characters max)
- Please tell us about your identity. How has your identity impacted the development of your values and attitudes toward others, particularly those with values different from your own? Please include how your values and attitudes will foster a positive learning environment during your training and benefit your future patients through the practice of medicine. (1,500 characters max)
- Why do you want to go to medical school in the state of MN? (This question seeks to understand why you are interested in the state of MN not the University of Minnesota.) (1,500 characters max)
- (Optional) What other pertinent information would you like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee? This is an opportunity for you to discuss an aspect of your journey to medicine that you have not already presented in your application. You may also update us with any current experiences that were not included in your AMCAS application. (900 characters max)
- (Optional) If you are not submitting an MCAT score with your application briefly explain why. This question is required of any applicant who will ultimately not include an MCAT score in their application. (1,500 characters max)
- 2020 has proven to be unprecedented times and uncharted territory in global health. Please feel free to share with us your thoughts and experiences with navigating Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This could include the barriers you have faced in applying to medical school this cycle, feelings of complicated grief and loss, thoughts on the role of health care professionals, challenges associated with racial health inequities as more Black and Brown people are disproportionately impacted, or other reflections on living through a global pandemic crisis. (1,500 characters max)
- (Optional) Right now is a watershed moment in American history and this country’s reckoning with race, racism, racial injustice, and especially anti-Black hatred. If you feel comfortable, we welcome you to please share with us your reflections on, experiences with, and greatest lessons learned about systemic racism that is receiving international attention with the murders of numerous Black, Indigenous, and People of Color including but not limited to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Vanessa Guillen, Rayshard Brooks, and Elijah McClain. (1,500 characters max)
University of Minnesota Secondary Application Questions: 2019 – 2020
- Please describe your experiences with intentionally expanding your cultural awareness in an effort to promote acceptance, respect, and inclusivity. (1,500 characters max)
- Reflect on your background and the impact it has had on developing your own values and attitudes toward others, particularly those with values different than your own. Please include how your values and attitudes will foster a positive learning environment during your training, and benefit your future patients through the practice of medicine. (1,500 characters max)
- (Optional) Beyond what you have shared in question two, please share information about important aspects of your personal background or identity as it relates to your desire to pursue medicine. Examples might include, but are not limited to, cultural context, disabilities, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, lived experiences, race/ethnicity, religion or spirituality, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status. (1,500 characters max)
- (Optional) If you have a specific interest in the study or practice of medicine please share it here. Please include specific experiences that have informed your interest. (1,500 characters max)
- Please describe a challenging life experience and how you dealt with it. (1,500 characters max)
- Briefly describe why you are interested in attending the University of Minnesota Medical School Twin Cities campus. (1,500 characters max)
- Are you a resident of the state of Minnesota?
- If you selected OTHER, please provide a brief explanation as to why.
- (Optional) If you are a non-resident applicant, do you have any special or significant ties to the state of MN? (Non-resident applicants are not required to have ties to MN)
- Please explain any gaps in your education and/or work experiences since high school graduation that are not previously described in your application. (300 characters max)
- Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor and/or felony? If YES, you must include a full explanation below.
- (Optional) What other pertinent information would you like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee? This is an opportunity for you to discuss or highlight any aspect of your journey to medicine that you may or may not have already presented in your application. You may also update us with any current experiences that were not included in your AMCAS application. (1,500 characters max)
- Re-Applicants Only: If you are a re-applicant, how has your current application changed or what additional information would you like to highlight for the Admissions Committee? Re-applicant refers to having applied to any medical school in the past. (1,500 characters max)
University of Minnesota Secondary Application Questions: 2018 – 2019
- Please describe your experiences with intentionally expanding your cultural awareness in an effort to promote acceptance, respect, and inclusivity. (1,500 characters max)
- Reflect on your background and the impact it has had on developing your own values and attitudes toward others, particularly those with values different than your own. Please include how your values and attitudes will foster a positive learning environment during your training, and benefit your future patients through the practice of medicine. (1,500 characters max)
- (Optional) Beyond what you have shared in question two, please share information about important aspects of your personal background or identity as it relates to your desire to pursue medicine. Examples might include, but are not limited to, cultural context, disabilities, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, lived experiences, race/ethnicity, religion or spirituality, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status. (1,500 characters max)
- (Optional) If you have a specific interest in the study or practice of medicine please share it here. Please include specific experiences that have informed your interest. (1,500 characters max)
- Please describe a challenging life experience and how you dealt with it. (1,500 characters max)
- Briefly describe why you are interested in attending the University of Minnesota Medical School Twin Cities campus. (1,500 characters max)
- Are you a resident of the state of Minnesota?
- If you selected OTHER, please provide a brief explanation as to why.
- (Optional) If you are a non-resident applicant, do you have any special or significant ties to the state of MN? (Non-resident applicants are not required to have ties to MN)
- Please explain any gaps in your education and/or work experiences since high school graduation that are not previously described in your application. (300 characters max)
- Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor and/or felony? If YES, you must include a full explanation below.
- (Optional) What other pertinent information would you like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee? This is an opportunity for you to discuss or highlight any aspect of your journey to medicine that you may or may not have already presented in your application. You may also update us with any current experiences that were not included in your AMCAS application. (1,500 characters max)
- Re-Applicants Only: If you are a re-applicant, how has your current application changed or what additional information would you like to highlight for the Admissions Committee? Re-applicant refers to having applied to any medical school in the past. (1,500 characters max)
University of Minnesota Secondary Application Questions: 2017 – 2018
- The University of Minnesota strives to ensure diverse educational experiences that promote acceptance, respect and inclusivity. Please describe your experiences with diversity and diverse groups of people. Reflect on your background and the impact it has had on developing your own values and attitudes toward others. Please include how your values and attitudes will foster a positive learning environment during your training, and benefit your future patients through the practice of medicine. (1,500 characters max)
- (Optional) Please share information about important aspects of your personal background or identity as it relates to your desire to pursue medicine. Examples might include, but are not limited to, cultural context, disabilities, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, lived experiences, race/ethnicity, religion or spirituality, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status. (1,500 characters max)
- Tell us about your most significant accomplishment to date. (1,500 characters max)
- Please describe a challenging life experience and how you dealt with it. (1,500 characters max)
- Briefly describe why you are interested in attending the University of Minnesota Medical School Twin Cities campus. (1,500 characters max)
- Are you a resident of the state of Minnesota? Yes, No, Other
- If you selected OTHER, please provide a brief explanation as to why. (1,500 characters max)
- (Optional) If you are a non-resident applicant, do you have any special or significant ties to the state of MN? (Non-resident applicants are not required to have ties to MN). (1,500 characters max)
- Please explain any gaps in your education and/or work experiences since high school graduation that are not previously described in your application. (300 characters max)
- Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor and/or felony? If YES, you must include a full explanation below.
- (Optional) What other pertinent information would you like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee? This is an opportunity for you to discuss or highlight any aspect of your journey to medicine that you may or may not have already presented in your application. You may also update us with any current experiences that were not included in your AMCAS application. (900 characters max)
- Re-Applicants Only: If you are a re-applicant, how has your current application changed or what additional information would you like to highlight for the Admissions Committee? Re-applicant refers to having applied to any medical school in the past. (900 characters max)
University of Minnesota Secondary Application Questions: 2016 – 2017
- Beyond what you have written in your AMCAS Personal Comments and the Experience section, please describe your medically related experience(s) and how they have contributed to your understanding of medicine and your motivation to pursue this career? (900 characters max)
- Please describe a challenging life experience and how you dealt with it. (900 characters max)
- The University of Minnesota strives to ensure diverse educational experiences appreciating individual differences by creating learning environments that promote acceptance, respect and inclusivity. Please describe your experiences with diversity and diverse groups of people by reflecting on your background and the impact it has had on developing your own values and attitudes toward others. Please include how your values and attitudes will foster a positive learning environment during your training, and benefit your future patients through the practice of medicine. (900 characters max)
- We invite you to share information about important aspects of your personal background and identity as they relate to your desire to pursue medicine. Examples might include, but are not limited to, information about your culture, disabilities, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, lived experiences, race, religion or spirituality, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status. (900 characters max)
- Are you a resident of the state of Minnesota? (900 characters max)
- Briefly describe why you are interested in attending the University of Minnesota Medical School. (900 characters max)
- Briefly describe what you are currently doing. If you have already graduated, please indicate what you have been doing since graduation, and what your plans are for the coming year? (900 characters max)
- Please explain any gaps in your education and/or work experiences since high school graduation that are not previously described in your application. (900 characters max)
- Please talk about what you might do if you are ultimately not accepted to medical school. (900 characters max)
- What other pertinent information would you like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee? This is an opportunity for you to discuss or highlight any aspect of your journey to medicine that you may or may not have already presented in your application. (900 characters max)
- If you are a re-applicant to the University of Minnesota Medical School, how has your current application changed or what additional information would you like to highlight for the Admissions Committee?
University of Minnesota Secondary Application Questions: 2015 – 2016
- Beyond what you have written in your AMCAS Personal Comments and the Experience section, please describe your medically related experience(s) and how they have contributed to your understanding of medicine and your motivation to pursue this career? (1,500 characters max)
- Please describe a challenging life experience and how you dealt with it. (1,500 characters max)
- The University of Minnesota strives to ensure diverse educational experiences appreciating individual differences by creating learning environments that promote acceptance, respect and inclusivity. Please describe your experiences with diversity and diverse groups of people by reflecting on your background and the impact it has had on developing your own values and attitudes toward others. Please include how your values and attitudes will foster a positive learning environment during your training, and benefit your future patients through the practice of medicine. (1,500 characters max)
- We invite you to share information about important aspects of your personal background and identity as they relate to your desire to pursue medicine. Examples might include, but are not limited to, information about your culture, disabilities, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, lived experiences, race, religion or spirituality, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status. (900 characters max)
- Are you a resident of the state of Minnesota? (300 characters max)
- Briefly describe why you are interested in attending the University of Minnesota Medical School. (1,200 characters max)
- Briefly describe what you are currently doing. If you have already graduated, please indicate what you have been doing since graduation, and what your plans are for the coming year? (1,200 characters max)
- Please explain any gaps in your education and/or work experiences since high school graduation that are not previously described in your application. (300 characters max)
- Have you considered alternate career options to fulfill your commitment to providing healthcare other than medicine? (900 characters max)
- Please talk about what you might do if you are ultimately not accepted to medical school. (900 characters max)
- What other pertinent information would you like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee? (900 characters max)