Hanna Renaldi's Blog: Drexel University Medical School 2016- 17 Secondary Application Tips

Drexel University’s main campus is located in Philadelphia, PA and, overall, the school has about 1,000 medical students. The school emphasizes the intersection between research and clinical care and has research centers for nanomedicine and neuroengineering. Drexel’s clinical care practice “patient-focused practice emphasizing quality, innovation and community service.”

Drexel’s mission statement emphasizes diversity alongside a spirit of collaboration within research and clinical sciences. They are known for their dedicated faculty and commitment to students who are experiencing hardship.

Drexel University’s 2016-17 Secondary Application Essay Questions:

1. We at Drexel University College of Medicine have a rich history and a valued mission. Each individual contributes to, supports and enriches our community. Please share with us how you plan on contributing to our College. (200 words)

This is an important secondary that is about fit. In other words, why would you be a good student for Drexel’s class? You should do two things. First, review the website and familiarize yourself with special programs and other aspects of Drexel that interest you. Then, review your experiences and illustrate why you are a good fit using specific anecdotes from your past work history and activities. Because this is a short essay, you won’t be able to list everything. Rather than attempt to list all of the activities from the website, write about a few specifics with more clarity. If you did any campus visits or met with students or staff, this is the place to mention that.

2. Optional: What else do you feel is important for us to know about you? Please use this space to highlight something not addressed in your application. (200 words)

This is a difficult prompt for everyone, but I encourage applicants not to see this as optional. It is your opportunity to tell the admissions committee anything about you that you wish. I recommend using this space to highlight anything from your past that doesn’t fit neatly into other categories. This can include family history, personal loss or achievement, or a particularly meaningful experience. Do not repeat an activity that you discussed fully in another section or in your primary. Whatever you decide to write about here, be sure to link it to your desire to study medicine at Drexel. I recommend writing about one or two (at the most) things more thoroughly than attempting to provide a bucket list.

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***

Drexel 2016-17 Application Timeline:

If you would like professional guidance with your Drexel Medical School application materials, check out Accepted’s Medical School Admissions Consulting and Editing Services, which include advising, editing, and interview coaching for Drexel Medical School application materials.

Jessica Pishko graduated with a J.D. from Harvard Law School and received an M.F.A. from Columbia University. She spent two years guiding students through the medical school application process at Columbia’s Postbac Program and teaches writing at all levels.