Hanna Renaldi's Blog: Stony Brook University School of Medicine Secondary Application Essay Tips

Stony Brook SOM is located in New York. It has a three-part mission that includes research, education and service.

For students interested in applying to SBU SOM, you will need to do thorough research and use secondary sources to learn more about the school. If it is one of your top choices or you are a resident of New York, I recommend visiting its medical school campus since there is relatively little information available on its website. Stony Brook uses a traditional interview format.

Stony Brook University School of Medicine 2017-18 Secondary Application Essay Questions:

Essay 1: Please explain what you have done or plan to do during the gap period and why. (500 words or less)

For this essay, only include the activities that you have actually completed, are participating in, or have committed to doing this year. If you promise more than you deliver, you may find yourself having to explain what happened in your interview. Be honest. Include everything—from hobbies, events, promotions to new commitments. Since it is a large essay, I would recommend breaking your response down into paragraphs, using each paragraph to cover a different category. For example, one paragraph for work, another for community service and a third for hobbies. Since reviewers are reading so many of these essays as quickly as possible, make yours easy to ready and easy to follow.

Essay 2: Describe an obstacle that you have overcome and how it has defined you. (500 words or less)

The topic you choose to cover for this essay will reveal a lot about you and your character. Work backwards on this one. Start by making a list of your defining characteristics. For example, do you make friends quickly and easily and adapt well to new situations? What challenges led to you developing these qualities—moving every three years with your military family? Select the challenge that has had the best possible outcome and the most impact on your personality. In the intro, define the obstacle. In subsequent paragraphs, explain the details and layers to it, how you approached it and what you did to overcome it and cover the outcome—the effect it had on you. This essay has the potential to lead you on a journey of self discovery.

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

SBU SOM Application Timeline:

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

Alicia McNease Nimonkar is an Accepted advisor and editor specializing in healthcare admissions. Prior to joining Accepted, Alicia worked for five years as Student Advisor at UC Davis’ postbac program where she both evaluated applications and advised students applying successfully to med school and related programs. Want Alicia to help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related Resources:

• The Ultimate Guide to Secondary Essay Questions from Top Med Schools
• How to Create Sizzling Secondary Applications
• Secondary Application Tips: The Experts Speak