Over the years, our Cracking Med School Admissions team has only heard positive qualities about the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine’s culture! Our premed advisees have said how collaborative and diverse the medical school class is, and these aspects are reflected in the University of Wisconsin medical school secondary application essay prompts, which you can read below.
You can pre-write the University of Wisconsin secondaries, but the earliest in-state applicants typically can submit their applications are the end of August. So, there’s no rush to work on these. We would prioritize other secondaries.
It is extremely important to convey your ties to Wisconsin and the midwest. Read our Cracking Med School Admissions University of Wisconsin secondary essay tips below and get our help through our secondary essay editing packages.
University of Wisconsin Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2024 – 2025
University of Wisconsin Medical School Secondaries: MD Essay Prompts
- The Admissions Committee is committed to holistic, mission-aligned evaluation of all applicants. Review our institution’s mission. Using specific examples, discuss how and why you believe you are a good fit for the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. (500 words max)
- UW SMPH uses the AAMC’s Premed Competencies for Entering Medical Students as an applicant evaluation framework. Choose one of the professional competencies from the drop-down list that has been a point of pride or emphasis on your path to medical school. Using specific examples, describe how you have demonstrated it in your experiences to date. (250 words max)
- Choose a different professional competency that has been another point of pride or emphasis. Using specific examples, describe how you have demonstrated this one in your experiences to date. (250 words max)
- Many inequities exist at the intersection between health outcomes and historical, societal, economic, or other systemic factors. Choose a broader issue or policy that impacts health outcomes where you believe change is needed to advance health equity. Discuss the role you hope to play as a physician in addressing this issue. (250 words max)
- (Optional) In a paragraph (200-300 words), please share how COVID-19 impacted your application in the following domains:
- Academic
- Volunteer
- Research
- Work
- Personal Life
- Topics to address might include the public health lessons and health care insights learned from the pandemic, creative ways in which you were able to serve your community during the crisis, or any hardships (economic, health, or other) you faced due to the virus or its mitigation efforts (e.g. social distancing, quarantine). (250 words max)
- (If applicable – Re-applicants) Individuals who are reapplying are required to submit a statement indicating what has changed since the previous application to the UW School of Medicine and Public Health MD or MD/PhD program (e.g., additional academic work, new letters of recommendation, work and volunteer experience, life changes, etc.). (500 words max)
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health MSTP Essay Prompts
- Please describe the research that you would like to do as an MSTP student at the University of Wisconsin to prepare you for a career as a researcher and leader in medicine. This may include specific scientists, laboratories, facilities or programs. (500 words max)
Tips to Answer University of Wisconsin Medical School Secondaries
University of Wisconsin Medical School Secondaries Pre-Writing Guidance: You can pre-write the University of Wisconsin secondaries, but the earliest in-state applicants typically can submit their applications are the end of August. So, there’s no rush to work on these. We would prioritize other secondaries.
- Download all our HIGH-YIELD tips for secondary essays: Cracking Med School Admissions Secondary Essay Guide
University of Wisconsin Medical School Secondary Application Tip #1: Before you answer the University of Wisconsin medical school secondary application essays, you should know its mission.
Mission
Together, we are advancing health and health equity through remarkable service to patients and communities, outstanding education, and innovative research.
Vision
Healthy people. Healthy communities.
Values
Integrity and Accountability – Every person, every action, every time.
Compassion – Treat all with kindness, understanding, and empathy.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity – Advance health and health equity by respecting the rights, dignity, and differences of all.
Excellence – Strive for the very best in all we do.
Therefore, in your UW Madison secondary application essays, you should emphasize:
- Your commitment towards improving the health of the Wisconsin community
- Your commitment towards decrease health inequality in Wisconsin
- Community engagement
- Your personal values of integrity, accountability, compassion, diversity, equity, inclusivity, and excellence
University of Wisconsin Medical School Secondary Application Tip #2: Do not treat the optional questions on the University of Wisconsin secondary application as optional. We encourage all our students to answer as many of the essays as possible. It is extremely important to talk about your background and how it contributes to why you want to be an excellent physician.
- To answer the COVID question, read our blog post: COVID Essay Medical School Example & Tips To Stand Out
University of Wisconsin Medical School Secondary Application Tip #3: Remember, diversity does not necessarily mean your ethnic diversity. We recommend students write about their strengths, including exceptional extracurricular activity endeavors. For example, applicants in the past have discussed how they promoted health equity in their communities through their extracurricular activities. Other applicants how they have been involved with advocacy.
University of Wisconsin Medical School Secondary Application Tip #4: If you have done meaningful and impactful work in Wisconsin, talk about this work in your University of Wisconsin School of Medicine secondary application. Apply any insights you have about healthcare issues in Wisconsin. If you have not done any work in Wisconsin, mention any affiliations and healthcare experiences you’ve had in the Midwestern United States.
University of Wisconsin Medical School Secondary Application Tip #5: Don’t forget to incorporate a little bit about “Why University of Wisconsin School of Medicine” throughout the essay(s) you respond to. Talk about projects, organizations, and clinical electives you hope to pursue at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine. You can incorporate “Why University of Wisconsin medical school” in all these essays, particularly the diversity essay. A great place to get to know the status of local issues is the Public Health Department of Madison & Dane County.
- We have an entire healthcare current events blog post here, where you can read more about healthcare disparities and other important health issues. Link these health issues to University of Wisconsin – Madison.
University of Wisconsin Medical School Secondary Application Tip #6: Have questions about how you can stand out? Contact us below. Need editing help on your secondary essays? We can help you through our secondary essay packages.
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University of Wisconsin Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2023 – 2024
University of Wisconsin Medical School Secondaries: MD Essay Prompts
- The Admissions Committee is committed to holistic, mission-aligned evaluation of all applicants. Review our institution’s mission. Using specific examples, discuss how and why you believe you are a good fit for the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. (250 words max)
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of UWSMPH. 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 mission. (250 words max)
- Integrity, accountability, and compassion are UWSMPH core values. Pick one of these and reflect on your lived experience with it. (250 words max)
- Many inequities exist at the intersection between health outcomes and historical, societal, economic, or other systemic factors. Choose a broader issue or policy that impacts health outcomes where you believe change is needed to advance health equity. Discuss the role you hope to play as a physician in addressing this issue. (250 words max)
- Optional: In a paragraph (200-300 words), please share how COVID-19 impacted your application in the following domains:
- Academic
- Volunteer
- Research
- Work
- Personal Life
- Topics to address might include the public health lessons and health care insights learned from the pandemic, creative ways in which you were able to serve your community during the crisis, or any hardships (economic, health, or other) you faced due to the virus or its mitigation efforts (e.g. social distancing, quarantine). (250 words max)
- (If applicable – Re-applicants) Individuals who are reapplying are required to submit a statement indicating what has changed since the previous application to the UW School of Medicine and Public Health MD or MD/PhD program (e.g., additional academic work, new letters of recommendation, work and volunteer experience, life changes, etc.). (500 words max)
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health MSTP Essay Prompts
- Please describe the research that you would like to do as an MSTP student at the University of Wisconsin to prepare you for a career as a researcher and leader in medicine. This may include specific scientists, laboratories, facilities or programs. (500 words max)
University of Wisconsin Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2022 – 2023
- Optional: The Admissions Committee takes many factors into consideration when reviewing your application. A successful applicant is frequently one who communicates what makes them exceptional and why they will become an outstanding physician. You are invited but not required to provide additional information in this essay. Some applicants tell us about hardships and challenges that they have faced in their lives and how these experiences have helped them become caring and compassionate individuals. Other applicants use this space to emphasize a particular passion they have related to their future career in medicine. If you are not a resident of Wisconsin, you may want to tell us why you are interested in the University of Wisconsin or about a special connection that you may have to our state or people who live here. Our goal is to gain insight into you as a unique applicant. You may include anything in this essay that you feel is relevant. (500 words max)
- Optional: Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of UWSMPH. 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 mission. (250 words max)
- Optional: Recently, the United States has seen several incidents that have brought more focus to the intersection of patient care, public health and systemic racism. Choose one area/issue where you believe change is needed. Discuss what role you will play in addressing this as a health professional.
- Optional: In a paragraph (200-300 words), please share how COVID-19 impacted your application in the following domains:
- Academic
- Volunteer
- Research
- Work
- Personal Life
- Topics to address might include the public health lessons and health care insights learned from the pandemic, creative ways in which you were able to serve your community during the crisis, or any hardships (economic, health, or other) you faced due to the virus or its mitigation efforts (e.g. social distancing, quarantine). (250 words max)
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health MSTP Essay Prompts
- Please describe the research that you would like to do as an MSTP student at the University of Wisconsin to prepare you for a career as a researcher and leader in medicine. This may include specific scientists, laboratories, facilities or programs. (500 words max)
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Re-applicant Essay Prompt
- Individuals who are reapplying are required to submit a statement indicating what has changed since the previous application to the UW School of Medicine and Public Health MD or MD/PhD program (e.g., additional academic work, new letters of recommendation, work and volunteer experience, life changes, etc.). (500 words max)
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University of Wisconsin Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2021 – 2022
University of Wisconsin Medical School Secondaries: MD Essay Prompts
- Optional: The Admissions Committee takes many factors into consideration when reviewing your application. A successful applicant is frequently one who communicates what makes them exceptional and why they will become an outstanding physician. You are invited but not required to provide additional information in this essay. Some applicants tell us about hardships and challenges that they have faced in their lives and how these experiences have helped them become caring and compassionate individuals. Other applicants use this space to emphasize a particular passion they have related to their future career in medicine. If you are not a resident of Wisconsin, you may want to tell us why you are interested in the University of Wisconsin or about a special connection that you may have to our state or people who live here. Our goal is to gain insight into you as a unique applicant. You may include anything in this essay that you feel is relevant. (500 words max)
- Optional: Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of UWSMPH. 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 mission. (250 words max)
- Optional: Recently, the United States has seen several incidents that have brought more focus to the intersection of patient care, public health and systemic racism. Choose one area/issue where you believe change is needed. Discuss what role you will play in addressing this as a health professional.
- Optional: In a paragraph (200-300 words), please share how COVID-19 impacted your application in the following domains:
- Academic
- Volunteer
- Research
- Work
- Personal Life
- Topics to address might include the public health lessons and health care insights learned from the pandemic, creative ways in which you were able to serve your community during the crisis, or any hardships (economic, health, or other) you faced due to the virus or its mitigation efforts (e.g. social distancing, quarantine). (250 words max)
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health MSTP Essay Prompts
- Please describe the research that you would like to do as an MSTP student at the University of Wisconsin to prepare you for a career as a researcher and leader in medicine. This may include specific scientists, laboratories, facilities or programs. (500 words max)
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Re-applicant Essay Prompt
- Individuals who are reapplying are required to submit a statement indicating what has changed since the previous application to the UW School of Medicine and Public Health MD or MD/PhD program (e.g., additional academic work, new letters of recommendation, work and volunteer experience, life changes, etc.). (500 words max)
University of Wisconsin Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2020 – 2021
- Optional: In a paragraph (200-300 words), please share how COVID-19 impacted your application in the following domains:
- Academic
- Volunteer
- Research
- Work
- Personal Life
- Topics to address might include the public health lessons and health care insights learned from the pandemic, creative ways in which you were able to serve your community during the crisis, or any hardships (economic, health, or other) you faced due to the virus or its mitigation efforts (e.g. social distancing, quarantine). (250 words max)
- Optional: The Admissions Committee takes many factors into consideration when reviewing your application. A successful applicant is frequently one who communicates what makes them exceptional and why they will become an outstanding physician. You are invited but not required to provide additional information in this essay. Some applicants tell us about hardships and challenges that they have faced in their lives and how these experiences have helped them become caring and compassionate individuals. Other applicants use this space to emphasize a particular passion they have related to their future career in medicine. If you are not a resident of Wisconsin, you may want to tell us why you are interested in the University of Wisconsin or about a special connection that you may have to our state or people who live here. Our goal is to gain insight into you as a unique applicant. You may include anything in this essay that you feel is relevant. (500 words max)
University of Wisconsin Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2019 – 2020
- Optional: The Admissions Committee takes many factors into consideration when reviewing your application. A successful applicant is frequently one who communicates what makes them exceptional and why they will become an outstanding physician. You are invited but not required to provide additional information in this essay. Some applicants tell us about hardships and challenges that they have faced in their lives and how these experiences have helped them become caring and compassionate individuals. Other applicants use this space to emphasize a particular passion they have related to their future career in medicine. If you are not a resident of Wisconsin, you may want to tell us why you are interested in the University of Wisconsin or about a special connection that you may have to our state or people who live here. Our goal is to gain insight into you as a unique applicant. You may include anything in this essay that you feel is relevant. (500 words max)
University of Wisconsin Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2018 – 2019
- Optional: The Admissions Committee takes many factors into consideration when reviewing your application. A successful applicant is frequently one who communicates what makes them exceptional and why they will become an outstanding physician. You are invited but not required to provide additional information in this essay. Some applicants tell us about hardships and challenges that they have faced in their lives and how these experiences have helped them become caring and compassionate individuals. Other applicants use this space to emphasize a particular passion they have related to their future career in medicine. If you are not a resident of Wisconsin, you may want to tell us why you are interested in the University of Wisconsin or about a special connection that you may have to our state or people who live here. Our goal is to gain insight into you as a unique applicant. You may include anything in this essay that you feel is relevant. (500 words max)
University of Wisconsin Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2017 – 2018
- Optional: The Admissions Committee takes many factors into consideration when reviewing your application. A successful applicant is frequently one who communicates what makes them exceptional and why they will become an outstanding physician. You are invited but not required to provide additional information in this essay. Some applicants tell us about hardships and challenges that they have faced in their lives and how these experiences have helped them become caring and compassionate individuals. Other applicants use this space to emphasize a particular passion they have related to their future career in medicine. If you are not a resident of Wisconsin, you may want to tell us why you are interested in the University of Wisconsin or about a special connection that you may have to our state or people who live here. Our goal is to gain insight into you as a unique applicant. You may include anything in this essay that you feel is relevant. (500 words max)