We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Write a Medical School Essay?

By Laura A.
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,398
Share

Part of the medical school admissions process involves writing an essay about why you want to become a doctor. You should write a medical school essay that shows the admissions board your skills and interests without resorting to a long boring list of characteristics. Most people describe past experiences that spurred their interest in the medical profession. A well-written and unique essay is the best way to make a good impression on the admissions board.

A medical school essay is part of the larger process of applying to medical school. Good grades and excellent MCAT scores are only a part of the formula. To get accepted into medical school, it is essential that you write a medical school essay that captures the attention of the admissions board and highlights your interests and abilities. Most medical school essays focus on your reasons for wanting to become a doctor.

The best way to approach this task is by relating an experience in your life that changed you. Perhaps you or a family member suffered an injury or illness and spent a lot of time in the hospital. Maybe you visited a third world country and were deeply moved by the suffering there. Think about your most profound past experiences and choose something that you feel will give you enough material to write about.

When you write a medical school essay, it is important to show the admissions board why you should be accepted rather than telling them. Avoid a long list of characteristics such as “I am hard-working, responsible and reliable.” Instead, describe a past experience that illustrates your hard work, responsibility, and reliability. If you show and don't tell, your medical school essay will stand out from the rest. Work in your characteristics without being too self-promoting. Try to include a few weaknesses as well and explain how you are trying to overcome them.

Be sure to write an essay that is unique. Do not copy a sample essay and change the words slightly. Admissions boards read thousands of essays so it’s important to capture their interest from the very beginning. Start with a strong opening when you write a medical school essay and write in an active voice.

Avoid sounding trite. Many people want to become doctors because of a desire to help people. Instead of stating this explicitly like so many other candidates, relay a story from your life that illustrates this concept instead. When you write a medical school essay, your goal should be to show the board what kind of person you are and how you became that way.

Always check your grammar and spelling very carefully when you write a medical school essay. Try to find a few people with strong English skills who can proofread your essay and offer input. Also check that your transitions between concepts and paragraphs are smooth. Don’t jump around from one subject to another or you may lose your audience. Write an essay that flows well and is ordered logically. Finish with a strong conclusion that makes a lasting impression on the admissions board.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Heavanet — On May 07, 2014

@talentryto- A good way to avoid the need for help writing a medical school essay is to study several examples of this type of work. This will give the student ideas about style and content.

However, it is then just as important to put those sample essays away and write original content.

By Talentryto — On May 07, 2014

Sometimes a student who isn't very good at writing may ask a friend who is to help with this type of task by writing the essay. This is a big mistake because not only is it unethical, but it could also result in the student not being accepted into medical school.

During the medical school admission interview, members of the admissions board often ask questions relating back to the medical school essay written by the student. This could be a disaster because the student may stumble when it comes to answering such questions. This could be a giveaway that someone else wrote the essay.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-write-a-medical-school-essay.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.