Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis) Secondary Application Essay Tips [2021 – 2022]

By Mary Mahoney on August 26, 2021

Washington University (St. Louis) Medical School Secondary Application Essay Tips

In the top ten ranking for research, WashU provides exciting opportunities for medical students to participate in research at the basic science or clinical levels. They are looking for students with strong ties to their communities—with excellent communication skills, a dedication to service, and well-rounded interests.

Washington University (St. Louis) 2021-22 secondary application essay questions

WashU essay #1

Have you already completed your undergraduate education, have you had your college or graduate education interrupted, or do you plan not to be a full-time student during your application year? If yes, Describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (2000 characters)

Update your resume or CV, be comprehensive in your response. Capture the diversity of your activities and interests. Include all work experiences or volunteer activities. Cover all significant gaps in your education. If there were increases or decreases in your GPA before or after these breaks, explain.

WashU essay #2

Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. (3000 characters)

The best responses to this type of question will demonstrate resilience. Select an event or commitment that you clearly did not perform well on but one in which you did not give up. Choose something you had to repeat or improve and demonstrate how, through hard work, you were able to succeed. For example, you could use your first teaching experience. For most people, the first time you teach a class or group, it may not go well, but you learn from that first experience and improve. Focus on how you improved and on outcomes. Be mindful. End on a high note.

WashU essay #3

Is there anything else you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions? (optional)

Some applicants use this space to describe unique experiences and obstacles such as significant challenges in access to education, unusual socioeconomic factors, and/or identification with a particular culture, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity and/or possibly challenges related to COVID or other issues in preparation for medical school. (3000 characters)

This is an open question, yet a diversity question. WashU wants to know your own experience, socio-economic challenges, ethnicity issues, sexual orientation challenges, or other identity (you and your family) challenges. Also, if you or your family had an unusual life experience, this is the place to relate it.

Note: Medical students, as rising physicians, must be able to embrace diversity as a core value. In order to do this, applicants may draw from personal experience, observed experience, or retell a story that was integral to their “character” education about the necessary and essential value for diversity, a lesson learned.

Watch: Dr. Valerie Ratts, Associate Dean for Admissions at Washington University School of Medicine, talks about how the WashU adcom selects students:

Applying to Washington University Medical School? Here are some stats:

Washington University School of Medicine average MCAT score: 521

Washington University School of Medicine average GPA: 3.93

Washington University School of Medicine acceptance rate: 8.0%

U.S. News ranks WashU #11 for research and #59 for primary care.

Has this blog post helped you feel more confident about approaching your Washington University Medical School secondary application? We hope so. It’s our mission to help smart, talented applicants like you gain acceptance to your top choice medical school. With so much at stake, why not hire a consultant whose expertise and personalized guidance can help you make your dream come true? We have several flexible consulting options—click here to get started today!

Washington University Medical School application timeline [2021-22]

Final day for applicants to the MSTP (MD-PhD) Program to submit AMCAS applications	October 15, 2021
Final day for applicants to the MSTP (MD-PhD) Program to submit supplemental applications	October 31, 2021
Final day for MD applicants to submit AMCAS applications	November 30, 2021
Final day (for MD-only applicants) for Washington University School of Medicine to receive your: (1) supplemental application, (2) recommendation letters and (3) MCAT scores	December 7, 2021
Final day for WUSM to provide decision notification	April 15, 2022

Source: WashU website

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

Dr. Mary Mahoney, Ph.D. has over 20 years of experience as an advisor and essay reviewer for med school applicants. She is a tenured English Professor with an MFA in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College and a PhD in Literature and Writing from the University of Houston. For the last twenty years, Mary has served as a grad school advisor and essay reviewer for med school applicants. Want Mary to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Alicia McNease Nimonkar worked for 5 years as the Student Advisor & Director at the UC Davis School of Medicine’s postbac program where she both evaluated applications and advised students applying successfully to med school and other health professional programs. She has served Accepted’s clients since 2012 with roughly a 90% success rate. She has a Master of Arts in Composition and Rhetoric as well as Literature. Want Alicia to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!

<!–[if lte IE 8]>

<![endif]–>

hbspt.cta.load(58291, ’41d15270-c778-463b-bafa-53e7f714848e’);