University of California, San Diego 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)
Prompts:
- This should be a true autobiographical statement. Topics to be included are family, childhood, primary and secondary school years, undergraduate years, and, if applicable, what you’ve done since completing your bachelor’s degree. You should also discuss the motivational factors which led you to a career in medicine, including any disadvantages or obstacles which might put your accomplishments into context. A repeat of your AMCAS statement will not be acceptable. Please note: if you are applying to the MD/PhD program, please include why you are specifically interested in seeking MD/PhD training at UCSD.
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- If you are an out-of-state applicant, please let us know if there are specific reasons for your interest in the UCSD School of Medicine
- Do you consider yourself to be a member of a group that is marginalized in a way that systemically affects access to quality education or healthcare?(Y/N) if Yes, Please describe how educational disparity, health disparity and/or marginalization has impacted you and your community?
Prime-HEq (Optional):
Global Health Academic Concentration (Optional):
PRIME-TIDE:
Primary Deadline: Usually around Oct 15th
Secondary Deadline:Usually October
Secondary Fee: $105
FAP Waiver: Full Fee Waived
CASPer Required: No
VITA Required: No
Screens Applications: Yes
Accepts Application Updates: Yes Post Interview Waitlist
University of California, San Diego School of Medicine Mission:
Our mission at the School of Medicine is to provide cutting edge resources and education to our students so they may grow into innovative and compassionate physicians, focused on providing superior medical care to the global community.
As educators, we are driven to build on our exceptional biomedical, behavioral and health services and research experience. We are at the forefront of new technology and strive to push the boundaries of the art of medicine through education and the preparation of future physicians.
Former Prompts (before 23-24 cycle)
Autobiographical Sketch:
- This should be a true autobiographical statement. Topics to be included are family, childhood, primary and secondary school years, undergraduate years, and, if applicable, what you’ve done since completing your bachelor’s degree. You should also discuss the motivational factors which led you to a career in medicine including any disadvantages or obstacles which might put your accomplishments into context. A repeat of your AMCAS statement will not be acceptable. (6000 char)
Prime-HEq (Optional):
- Please describe your interest in the PRIME-HEq program. Topics to include are longitudinal experiences that you’ve had with underserved communities, including the type of community that you’ve worked with and your level of involvement. Additionally, you should discuss the length of time that you’ve spent working in these communities. (4800 char)
Global Health Academic Concentration (Optional):
- Please describe your interest in Global Health. The term Global Health can have many meanings; for our purposes, we find the definition provided by Koplan et. al. in their 2009 Lancet publication useful: “the area of study, research and practice that places a priority on improving health and achieving equity in health for all people worldwide”. In your essay, be sure to describe any personal or professional experiences that have shaped your interests, and how Global Health issues have influenced your decision to pursue a career in medicine. (4800 char)
MAS in Clinical Research (Optional):
- Please describe your interest in the MAS-Clinical Research program. Topics to include are your previous experience with clinical and/or translational research, your role within the research group, and what you envision for a career that includes clinical and/or translational research. A letter of recommendation from the individual supervising your previous experience is helpful but not required. (4800 char)
Possible Career Pathway:
- Please select from one of career pathways listed below. In addition to this selection, please provide a brief description of your future career goals. (400 char)
