George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences has a number of secondary questions. However, I personally believe the ‘why George Washington’ question is the hardest. This question forces applicants to research the school online, which takes a good amount of time.
I figured I would share my old essay from a couple of years ago when I applied to GW. Here you go:
What is your specific interest in the MD Program at GW? What opportunities would you take advantage of as a student here? Why? (2000 characters not including spaces)
Although GW offers opportunities, programs, and world-class training for its medical students in many areas, two main features of the MD program especially impress me. In particular, the school’s focus on clinical training and encouragement of the pursuit of academic areas outside of the traditional medical school curriculum allow the school to stand out.
Through the four-year-long Practice of Medicine Course, students at GW receive world-class clinical training and are provided with early clinical exposure. Beginning their first month of medical school, students at GW participate in a clinical apprenticeship, a program which allows students to observe the practice of medicine and practice their clinical skills. Furthermore, students continue their clinical training in a small group setting–through clinical integration sessions–and in various simulated settings. The innovative Clinical Learning and Simulation Skills Center (CLASS center) particularly allows students to hone their clinical skills, as they practice critical care training, procedures, and crucial skills on human patient simulators. I believe that through this extensive and early exposure to a clinical setting, medical students at GW develop much clinical expertise, technical skills, and knowledge about medicine.
Through its unique “Track Programs,” GW also allows its students to obtain a broader healthcare perspective. In particular, the health policy scholarly concentration track at GW appeals to me. During my senior year in college, I enjoyed delivering a presentation on how our former and current health policy affects underrepresented communities. As a medical student at GW, I would be able to continue to pursue my passion for learning about health policy through this track program. Furthermore, the opportunity to work with lawmakers to enact changes in our health care system would be very rewarding.
By attending GW, I would be able to take advantage of its renowned clinical training and track programs. In my opinion, these two aspects of GW would provide me with a solid, clinical foundation as well as the opportunity to explore areas like health policy that are outside of the traditional medical school curriculum. I believe that these unique experiences at GW would help me to develop into a very well-rounded, competent physician.
More notes about the secondary
Remember that you only have so much time to research the school and write this essay, as you probably have 20 other secondaries for different schools to complete as well. My advice is to browse through GW’s website, pick a few things you like about the school, and just start writing.