A.T. Still University Secondary Essay Prompts
(If you have updated prompts, please submit them at updatesecondaries.com)
Prompts have been updated May 2023. (Older essays, if available are below)
All prompts have a 500-word limit.
Prompts:
- ATSU-SOMA’s osteopathic medical education model includes training at one of our partner Community Health Center (CHC) sites. 1) Describe any previous CHC or free clinic experience that you have had. 2) Describe how learning at a CHC will enhance your osteopathic medical school experience.
- Describe any gaps that lasted longer than three months that may have occurred during or following undergraduate/posttgraduate educational programs.
- ATSU-SOMA emphasizes self-directed learning in small group sessions. What experiences have you had that will help you be successful in this educational model?
- Describe any hrs/week of employment that may have coincided/impacted your academic work during each semester.
- Which field of osteopathic medicine are you interested in pursuing? Explain why you chose this field.
- Describe what you have learned from your experiences with osteopathic physicians. If you do not have any of the above, please explain why you are applying to an osteopathic medical school.
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Primary Deadline: Usually Around March 1st
Secondary Deadline: Usually around April 1st
Secondary Fee: $70
FAP Waiver: Full Fee Waived
CASPer Required: No
VITA Required: No
Screens Applications: Yes
Accepts Application Updates:
A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona Mission:
Prepare individuals through high-quality, innovative, learning-centered undergraduate and graduate medical education programs to become compassionate osteopathic physicians and healthcare leaders who serve medically underserved populations with a focus on research and community-oriented primary care.
A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona Vision:
To improve delivery of distinctly osteopathic healthcare to underserved populations through innovative selection, training, and placement of graduates, leading to improved well-being for the individual and community.
A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona Values:
- Respect
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Honesty
Former Prompts (before 23-24 cycle)
- Describe your experience with Community Health Centers or free clinics.
- Describe your activities in any gap longer than three months in your college or postgraduate record.
How to Write About Your Gap Years in Secondary Essays - Describe your experiences with osteopathic physicians. Have you ever shadowed a DO, if not explain why? Do you have a letter of recommendation from a DO, if not explain why?
How to Answer “Why Should We Accept You?” in Your Secondaries - Describe your understanding of SOMA by answering one of the following questions: What unique feature of SOMA appeals to you? What specific feature of SOMA concerns you? What would be your strongest attribute as a SOMA student? What would be your weakest? How do you plan to be involved with medically underserved populations in your medical career? How have your past volunteer experiences influenced your plans?
How to Answer Secondary Prompts about “Why Us”
- Please list any changes or updates to your AACOMAS application. This section may be left blank if your AACOMAS application is complete and accurate. (No character limit)
