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georgetown secondary essay examples

June 29, 2022

Georgetown University School of Medicine: Secondary Application Essay Tips [2022 – 2023] & Podcast Interview

georgetown secondary essay examples

Are you interested in Georgetown University’s School of Medicine? In this blog post, we give our advice on tackling the school’s secondary essays and interview Dr. Ellen Dugan, MD, Senior Associate Dean for Admissions.

georgetown secondary essay examples

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Georgetown University School of Medicine 2022 – 2023 secondary application essay questions

Given the Jesuit influence at Georgetown and its adoption of the Cura Personalis philosophy, I recommend covering your clinical, research and community service experience for Georgetown’s secondary application essay. The school places special emphasis on training physicians to treat medically underserved communities. Highlight your personal connections, volunteer work and leadership roles in medically underserved communities.

Georgetown Medical School short essay question #1

The Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM) strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians, with cultural humility, who embrace all dimensions of caring for the whole person. With our Jesuit values of Cura Personalis, People for Others, and Community in Diversity, we are steadfast in our commitment to racial justice and to addressing the health inequities exacerbated by the recent pandemic. Please describe how your values, life experiences, and your identity will contribute to these GUSOM priorities. (1,000 characters)

This prompt for Georgetown replaces one that broadly asked to hear that you are compassionate and holistic. How do you embrace the Jesuit values as specified in the prompt (research them) and at the same time advocate for equity and justice for all? (You do not need to profess being Jesuit if that is not your truth, but all applicants would wisely explain their identification with these values and how they came to be instilled in your character.) How does doing so correspond with being humble?  How does being humble and righteous for equity define a physician’s character? How did the pandemic reveal stark inequity and racial bias? Explain this. What can others expect from you regarding how you uphold these values as ideals and actions?

Georgetown Medical School short essay question #2

Is there any further information that you would like the Committee on Admissions to be aware of when reviewing your file that you were not able to notate in another section of this or the AMCAS Application? ( 1,000 characters )

This would be the best place to cover any academic difficulties that you have overcome , whether you’ve retaken courses, created an increasing trend in your GPA or retaken the MCAT for a higher score. Focusing on those areas of the application that you have successfully improved can provide compelling evidence of your academic potential and how you will perform in medical school. If this approach is not relevant to your application, you can use this section to update the committee on new publications, activities or awards that may not be on the AMCAS application. Discuss what you have been doing since you started the application process.

Georgetown Medical School long essay question

Why have you chosen to apply to the Georgetown University School of Medicine and how do you think your education at Georgetown will prepare you to become a physician for the future?  (3,000 characters)

Since this is such a long essay, it will be helpful to draw upon your previous experiences to demonstrate why your values align with those of Georgetown . Use 1-3 concrete, specific examples to explain how and why you will integrate easily into their study body. The second part of this essay prompt requires that you focus on the future. After researching their curriculum and special programs , you can explain how each of these will enhance your medical education. Make a list and use this as an outline to guide your response. Focus on the most important points last; they may be forgotten if you include them at the beginning of such a long essay. For that reason, it will be important to provide a concise summary of what you’ve covered in the conclusion.

Watch: Cura Personalis Explained

Dr. Ellen Dugan, Georgetown Medical School’s Senior Associate Dean for Admissions, talks about the school’s driving value of Cura Personalis:

View the full interview here .

Applying to Georgetown? Here are some stats:

Georgetown Medical School median MCAT score: 512

Georgetown Medical School median undergrad GPA: 3.69

Georgetown Medical School acceptance rate: 2.4%

U.S. News  ranks Georgetown #56 for research and #90 for primary care.

Check out the Med School Selectivity Index for more stats.

Has this blog post helped you feel more confident about approaching your Georgetown application? We hope so. It’s our mission to help smart, talented applicants like you gain acceptance to your target schools. 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 !

Georgetown Medical School application timeline 2022-23

MD Deadlines

AMCAS application dueNovember 1, 2022
Transcripts received by AMCAS (not postmarked)November 15, 2022
Secondary Application, $130 application fee, and recommendation letters received by AMCASDecember 15, 2022

MD/PhD Deadlines

AMCAS application dueNovember 1, 2022
Transcripts received by AMCAS (not postmarked)November 15, 2022
Secondary Application, $130 application fee, and recommendation letters received by AMCASNovember 25, 2022

Source: Georgetown University School of Medicine website

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

Mary Mahoney Admissions Expert

All You Want to Know About Georgetown Medical School’s Admissions [ Admissions Straight Talk Podcast Episode 459]

Ellen Dugan Feb 2022

Interested in a spot in Georgetown University SOM? [Show Summary]

Dr. Ellen Dugan, Georgetown Medical School’s Senior Associate Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid, describes how cura personalis , or care of the whole person, drives the Georgetown experience and curriculum. 

Interview with Dr. Ellen Dugan, Georgetown Medical School’s senior associate dean for admissions [Show Notes]

Welcome to the 459th episode of Admissions Straight Talk . Thanks for joining me. Are you ready to apply to your dream medical schools? Are you competitive at your target programs? Accepted’s Med School Admissions Quiz can give you a quick reality check. Just go to accepted.com/medquiz , complete the quiz, and you’ll not only get an assessment but also tips on how to improve your qualifications and your chances of acceptance. Plus, it’s all free. 

Our guest today is Dr. Ellen Dugan , Senior Associate Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid at Georgetown University School of Medicine. She is a Hoya through and through. She earned her MD at Georgetown University School of Medicine and then completed her residency training in Emergency Medicine, also at Georgetown. Following four years of service in the National Health Service in rural West Virginia, Dr. Dugan returned to Georgetown and has been on the faculty there since 1990. She served on the Admissions Committee for 10 years prior to becoming the Associate Dean. In addition to her admissions duties, she is an Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine and formerly served as the Vice-Chair and Interim Academic Chair in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Georgetown. 

Can you give us an overview of Georgetown University School of Medicine’s curriculum program for those listeners who aren’t that familiar with it? [2:10]

I’m happy to. That’s our new curriculum, which they basically started revising in 2015-16. Our graduating class of 2021 was the first class to go all the way through, so it’s fairly new. It’s divided up into three phases. The first 18 months of the first and second year, or the foundational phase, are made up of six blocks of core content. They’re organ-system-based modules that integrate basic science disciplines with doctoring training if you will. The doctoring courses are called “cura personalis,” referring to and uniting the development of professional skills that are unique to doctoring, like physical diagnosis, communications, ethics. This runs through all the blocks. There are also intercessions that are one week long that are emphasizing topics critical to physicians in healthcare. An example would be the opioid epidemic. Then they have medical student brand rounds all through the first three years.

The core clinical phase is the third year, which is blocked out into 4-8-week core clerkships. Those would be medicine, surgery, OB-GYN, pediatrics, family medicine, psychiatry, neurology, and three two-week selectives, or electives. Then there’s the advanced clinical phase, which is the fourth year, and that’s made up of 37 weeks. Three of those four-week blocks are required. One is four weeks in emergency medicine, and then the other two are four-week blocks in doing acting internships where they function as interns so that they get the confidence and the skills to hit the ground running for residency. Then the best part of it, they have 24 weeks of electives, so they can basically design their entire fourth-year course other than those first three blocks that they have to do. It really gives them great freedom.

Is the elective block always at the end of the fourth year, or does that vary depending upon the student? [3:59]

It varies. They can do the emergency medicine later on. What they want to do in those first few blocks is when they’re getting ready for residency, they hone those blocks into the specialty they want to go into so that they have letters and clinical experience in that particular field.

What would you like listeners to know about Georgetown that many applicants don’t realize? Or what myths would you like to dispel? [4:22]

The biggest one is that you don’t have to be Catholic to be at Georgetown. We are one of four Jesuit medical schools in the United States and that gives us that distinction. Another thing people don’t realize is that we accept both international and DACA students. We’re not looking for who would fit our school, but we’re looking for applicants that have different backgrounds , different lived experiences that add to the class in their own unique ways. The most important thing for us because we are a Jesuit institution, is that they embody our Jesuit mission of cura personalis , or care for the whole person. We’re not just caring for patients physically, but we are also caring for their emotional, spiritual, social wellbeing. The other big dedication to service is our students work with the underserved and the marginalized populations. It’s a really big part of their education. An interesting fact is that of this first-year class, 70% did not come to us straight out of college. They come from all different experiences. Where the gap year used to be frowned upon, it now seems to be the norm more than the exception. I think there’s a preconceived notion that this school is extremely competitive. Although it’s really difficult, the student body isn’t, it’s more a collaborative environment and culture. The preclinical curriculum is pass/fail and we don’t submit rank lists to residency programs so they’re not ever really being pitted against each other. The hope with the pass/fail is that the students are learning to learn, not to learn to take step one, and with that stressor removed that they will actually retain the information and assimilate it into their knowledge base.

You’ve mentioned cura personalis and the Jesuit mission several times. In a really practical way, how does it show up in the teaching? Is it possible to give an example? [6:09]

There are a few things that we do, but it’s based on the curriculum. Students are required as part of their graduation requirement to do 20 hours of service to the underserved. Most of our students end up doing more than that. We have a Hoya Clinic, which is a student-run clinic that the fourth-years run with attendings who supervise. First, second, third, and fourth-years can all volunteer. It’s a clinic that is for homeless families that are in transitional housing in the Southeast Area of D.C. We also now collaborate with the law students in caring and advocating for patients’ health issues, not just their health issues, but the law students help us with their legal issues, their social issues, all in the spirit of cura personalis and social justice and alleviating healthcare disparities.

Then we have the Jesuit mission and reflection dinners, which are small groups where you do Jesuit readings and reflections, and then the students talk about ways to enhance the Jesuit curriculum and mission in the curriculum. We also have the Racial Justice Committee for Change, which is a dedicated group of student staff and faculty that pursues sustainable change in diversity, equity, and inclusion at the School of Medicine and throughout the Georgetown community, the University Medical Center.

What are you trying to glean from the secondary application that you don’t get from the primary? [7:53]

Well, it’s more specific to us. The primary essay is the “Why Georgetown?” essay. That’s where we’re trying to figure out what interests you about Georgetown, what resonates with you about Georgetown, what is it that you are seeking from Georgetown, and what would you bring to us .

The first short question is asking the applicant how their values, life experiences, and identity contribute to our priorities, which are racial justice, adjusting healthcare inequities, and in this particular question, exacerbated by the recent pandemic, so it’s specific more to the pandemic health inequities.

Then the second short question is a space for somebody to add additional information. People will put in why their MCAT was bad, they were ill that day, or let’s say they got into graduate school after they applied, and they want to tell us what they’re doing now, so there’s a space for that as well. Or issues even that came up during the pandemic that have affected their grades, or their health, whatever it is. 

What are some of the more common mistakes that you see applicants make in approaching Georgetown’s secondary? [9:03]

I wouldn’t say “mistakes,” but I think it’s more of a lack of an understanding of who we are and what we stand for. Have they actually read our mission statement? Do they actually know anything about us? 

Could you walk the listener through the process that the application goes through once they submit the secondary? [9:34]

It’s a fairly long process, but once it’s complete, it goes to the committee for evaluation for interview. That’s based on a holistic approach, looking at the whole package, meaning not just grades and MCATs, but lived experiences, clinical experience, research, and very importantly is their service, dedication, and their letters of reference, leadership. We also weigh the depth of their application, how they assimilated themselves into the community of their school. What have they done to give back to their community?

We also take into consideration difficulties people have had with COVID, meaning family issues, loved ones being ill, wifi, people that went home and didn’t have a designated quiet space, and so that’s all part of it, too. A lot of the schools went pass/fail across the board and you didn’t have an option to do grades to get grades for your science courses, so we also take that into consideration as well because that was a big thing that students faced, and are still facing, actually.

How should an applicant approach reapplication to medical school, and specifically to Georgetown, if they haven’t gotten an interview invitation, or they’ve already heard that they’re rejected? [11:53]

What we tell applicants or reapplicants, especially, is to go back to our website and take a real good look at it critically in terms of their application in reference to what we’re looking for. They should look at their experiences and see where they might have gaps as to what we’re looking for because not all schools are looking for what we are and we’re not looking for what all other schools are looking for. What we’re also really interested in is what they’re doing with their time in this gap year. We understand many won’t have a job immediately when they apply, but they should give us an update of what they’re doing because the gaps are not helpful to us. There’s a lot of time between now and the fall, or the summer when they start to apply that they can actually find those opportunities to embellish their application.

Are you open to updates in the course of the application cycle? [12:47]

Yes. We actually have a portal in our system that’s called Post-Submission Update. It’s actually listed under the banner of the secondary. There’s a portal there for a post-submission update, so they can update anything, send it all in there as well.

When travel restrictions ease, do you plan to go back to in-person interviews, or keep a mix of in-person and virtual, as we’re doing now? [13:12]

Well, as my colleagues said, “That horse is out of the barn now.” If anything good came out of this pandemic, it’s that this virtual interview provided an opportunity for people that might not have applied to us or have been able to come and interview because it’s so expensive getting hotel rooms and traveling and food and all of those things that I think this is one of the reasons why everybody’s applications were off the charts this past year, or the last cycle.

I think the hybrid version is the way we’re going to need to go. It gave an opportunity, especially for disadvantaged, underrepresented students to be able to interview with us and not feel like they were at a disadvantage because they couldn’t come to the school, so I think in-person is always better, but if that’s the opportunity for them to interview with us and that’s their only option, then I think that’s a great idea. I think we’re probably going to go with a hybrid going forward.

We were actually thinking of doing something in the spring but I don’t think we’re going to be able to do it because visitors are still not really back on campus. We thought we would have small groups come, sort of like a second look day. They’re already accepted applicants, so there’s no advantage to coming or not coming and we’d have a tour of the school and of the student panel, they could talk to students, and do a few more things that is like a second look day, but not virtual. We’re hoping that maybe we might be able to do this later in the spring.

How do you look at candidates who faced mental health issues in the past? [15:20]

As you know, no one is required to disclose any health or mental health issues. If they choose to share that with us, it depends on how they present it and what it is they’re trying to tell us by giving us this information. We have to look at this on a case-by-case basis because it’s very personal and it’s something we take very seriously, but again, it’s on a case-by-case basis.

What about somebody who has an academic infraction, or perhaps a misdemeanor on their record? [16:04]

The misdemeanor is interesting because some states will say a speeding ticket is a misdemeanor so it sounds really terrible if you have a misdemeanor listed on there. It’s in the explanation of what that academic infraction is, what the misdemeanor is, what the felony is. Again, it’s more on a case-by-case basis, how it’s presented , are they remorseful, what did they learn from this, those sorts of things.

How was application volume this cycle compared to the big one in 2021 as well as the 2019-2020 cycle? [17:02]

In 2021, we had 17,881 applications. We were up 24% and applications were up nationally 18%. In this current cycle, we have 15,993 applicants, so we’re down 11%, nationally they’re down 12%. Comparing that to the pre-pandemic to 2019 to 2020, we had 14,464 applications. We’re actually, this current cycle, if you leave at the 2021 cycle, we’re up about 10.5%. Usually, that up or down is about 2-3%, so it’s very interesting to see.

Do you have any idea what’s coming in the next cycle? [18:07]

No, we don’t. I think a lot of it is going to depend on the students and the whole grading thing and the courses that they’re able to take. Their experiences have been discontinued because of it all. It’s still up and down that way, like right now, with Omicron going down. It looks like they may have the opportunity to have those experiences again in person, so it’s going to be different.

We also were warned by the AAMC that we might see people with criminal records because they were in demonstrations or protesting, and they gave us a heads up that we may see this. It’s more of them advocating than anything, but I thought that was an interesting point that they brought up.

What advice would you give to med school applicants wanting to apply to Georgetown this upcoming cycle for 2023 matriculation, or even looking further ahead to 2024 matriculation? [19:08]

You look at these students that went through their first year of medical school, and it was all virtual last year. They brought the first-year students in for anatomy in January. If they wanted to be in there, they had the option of doing it. I’m not sure how you do anatomy and dissections virtually, but they gave them the option, and most of them all came in for it, but that was the first opportunity they had to be together. I think looking forward, hopefully, we will be rid of this plague that we are all going through and that they will be able to all be together from day one. 

A lot of people were looking at this happening and saying, “Hmm, I think I might put off applying to medical school for another year, just to make sure that I won’t be sitting in my bathroom all day long and listening to Zoom sessions,” so I think we have to see what’s on the horizon in terms of the pandemic and make choices that way. But I think for the ones that are hellbent on applying this summer, when we open up again in June, you look at these next few months that you have, and look at our criteria, or look at the school’s criteria that you’re going to be looking at and see if there are ways that you could tweak your application, get those experiences in-person, especially clinically. 

It’s really important that you actually have some sense of an idea of what you’re getting yourself into. I think shadowing is a huge part . A scribing job in the summer is also wonderful, it’s well thought of as solid clinical experience. It’s great if you could fit something in now that gets those experiences in, not just to check a box, but because this is what you’re interested in. You’re into medicine and this is what you want to learn and inform yourself of. Do you want to be an advocate, a scientist, and a healer, or do you want to just be a scientist? I think there are lots of things that they need to think about before they make that big jump because it’s a long road, it’s a wonderful road, but it’s really difficult.

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Is research a nice-to-have when applying to Georgetown, or is it pretty much a must-have? [21:29]

As I said, when we do the holistic review, if somebody has a great application or they have no research or they just have a little bit of research, we take that into consideration. It’s really nice if they have some kind of research. It doesn’t have to be clinically-based or translational. A lot of the science majors do, they work in their biology department, let’s say, and they do even bench work. They know what assays are, how to come up with a project, they work with a PI, so they have experience with it. We like to see that. It’s not a deal-breaker, but we really do like to see that.

How do you feel about virtual shadowing? [22:28]

I think with virtual shadowing, a lot of students are basically in a Zoom session with a physician, and the physician will tell them about their background and what they’ve done, or they’ll walk them through a case. It’s not the same as seeing a physician interact with a patient and seeing those nuances of what kind of questions to ask to find out from the patient what they really want. That’s such a skill that you learn when you see a physician with patients. Virtual shadowing is the next best thing, and for some people, it’s the only thing they have, but you really need to see that dynamic up close and personal.

It’s like in the emergency room, this is the worst day of their life. They’re coming in there, they’re vulnerable, they’re scared, they are out of control, and you have such a little window to make that connection with them to make them know they’re going to be taken care of and well taken care of, so those are the things that you want to see and have an idea of, not that everyone has to shadow in the emergency department, but just that patient-physician interaction is so key.

Are there any questions you would’ve liked me to ask you that I haven’t? [24:02]

I think one that I think I would’ve liked you to ask is what are our support services are like for our students.

I like to say, “Once you are one of ours, you are ours for life, and we’re going to do everything we can to help you thrive to become an excellent physician and to be supported.” This is really difficult, but as I said before, wonderful. It’s so much information coming at you at once and you have to learn how to apply it. It’s a different way of studying. It’s a different way of applying your knowledge. Everybody’s smart when they come in, but then people are just astounded when they start to struggle, or they have a little hiccup and they don’t understand.

It’s really important that they have these support services, not just academically. We have an Office of Student Learning, and they do great things with our students in terms of tutoring sessions together or tutoring sessions alone. They do all kinds of things with their academics. As they say, “If you’re struggling, we will find you. If you don’t find us, we will find you. It’s our job.”

We also have the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which basically works for the institution to have a culture and an environment of equity and diversity and inclusion and to be there for those students that need that help, too. We have bias training, we have premed pipeline programs, commitment to racial justice, and RJCC.

We also have the CAPS Program, which is the Counseling and Psychiatric Services. We have two psychologists that are designated just to the medical school. Then there are CAPS in other counseling areas that are open for our students.

Then we have advisors. As I say, “They’re advised to death.” We have preclinical advisors. That could be a staff member or physician for the first and second-year students and that person’s there to help them figure out things as they come up and how to navigate things that come up. Then they also are there to help them start figuring out what it is they might want to do for a career. Then, in their second and third year, they have a clinical advisor who is a physician, and that person is there to help them navigate things and help them continue to figure out what they want to do. When the time comes they can help figure out what block streams they want to do in the third year or what sorts of things would be best to do in the summers, those kinds of things. Then the clinical advisor are also there to help the fourth years navigate this dense morass of a match system for residency. It’s really complicated.

Not only do you have a clinical advisor, you’ll also have a specialty advisor. I have one going into neurosurgery, so she has me and she has a neurosurgeon, or one going into ped, so me and a pediatrician. Even if you’re going into emergency medicine, you would have me and another emergency medicine physician, so they get a lot of support during this time, and they help you figure out what letters recommendation you need, what kind of way rotations you might want to do to for a specific spot for residency. They help you figure out your CV, how to write your CV, how to do your personal statement . There’s a lot of support. I think besides the fact that our students are most excellent, I think this is a huge help in terms of them matching the residency. We do really well.

They also have a research advisor to figure out what project they want to do. They have a requirement for graduation to do a research project and it’s called an “independent scholarly project,” so they have to do that somewhere over their four years. There’s a research advisor for that.

Then they have the big sibs, the second-year students who are assigned to a first-year student to be there as a point person to help them. There’s peer-to-peer tutoring, where the upperclassmen tutor the first and second years if they need it. We have an Ombudsman for private issues that come up. Then we have these academic families where groups of 10 from each school are put in these societies, which are made of first, second, third, and fourth-year students, alumni, faculty, staff, and so they do things together in terms of social things that are fun. They do service projects together. They do reflection, they do dinners together. You’re not just part of your class, you’re part of the school as a community, as a group. In my days, you knew your classmates and maybe a couple ahead of you and behind you, and that was it, so this is a really great way that we incorporate everybody into the school so students are part of the whole place.

Where can listeners learn more about Georgetown University School of Medicine? [30:03]

Well, we are all over the place. We are on social media. It’s a great place to actually hear from students too. Some of them do a day in the life of a Georgetown student and they have little videos. Certainly, go to our website, which is som.georgetown.edu , and look for the admissions piece. You could also read about our Racial Justice Committee for Change. It’s front and center on there. We also have information sessions that we have several times a month that you can just join a Zoom link and learn more about us. You’re able to ask questions because we have students on these panels, and we also have our outreach person. There are a lot of opportunities to get more information, and actually get it live,

Related Resources:

  • 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your Med School and Secondary Essays , a free guide
  • School-Specific Secondary Application Essay Tips
  • Secondary Strategy: Why Do You Want To Go Here?

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Secondary Essay Prompts – Georgetown Medical School Secondary

No responses, secondary essay prompts for the georgetown university school of medicine.

The Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM) strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians, with cultural humility, who embrace all dimensions of caring for the whole person. With our Jesuit values of Cura Personalis, People for Others, and Community in Diversity, we are steadfast in our commitment to racial justice and to addressing the health inequities exacerbated by the recent pandemic. Please describe how your perspectives, values, and individual life experiences will contribute to these GUSOM priorities. (Max Characters 1000) Is there any further information that you would like the Committee on Admissions to be aware of when reviewing your file that you were not able to notate in another section of this or the AMCAS Application? (Max Characters 1000) Why have you chosen to apply to the Georgetown University School of Medicine and how do you think your education at Georgetown will prepare you to become a physician for the future? (3000 characters)

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Georgetown University School of Medicine Secondary Application

Secondary essay webcast with Dr. Jessica Freedman, founder and president of MedEdits Medical Admissions.   Read more about Dr. Freedman.

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When should I submit my secondary essays?

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Below are the secondary essay prompts for the Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC.

Georgetown application, 2017 – 2018.

  • The Georgetown University School of Medicine strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians who embrace all dimensions of caring for the whole person. Please describe how your personal characteristics or life experiences will contribute to the Georgetown University School of Medicine community and bring educational benefits to our student body. (1000 characters)
  • Is there any further information that you would like the Committee on Admissions to be aware of when reviewing your file that you were not able to notate in another section of this or the AMCAS Application? (1000 characters)
  • Why have you chosen to apply to the Georgetown University School of Medicine and how do you think your education at Georgetown will prepare you to become a physician for the future? (1 page, formatted at your discretion, upload as PDF)

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Georgetown University School of Medicine Secondary Essays

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Medical School Secondary Essay Examples from Accepted Applicants!

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Medical School Secondary Essay Examples

Before we jump into medical school secondary essay examples, you need to know that the main purpose of the secondary medical school application is to determine whether you are a good “fit” with the mission and values of the school you are applying to. Medical schools send out secondary essays to further assess the unique characteristics of each applicant that have not been addressed in the  AMCAS Work and Activities  section or your medical school personal statement . This post will go over medical school secondary essay examples from students who were accepted, and tips for writing strong essays that application committees will love. 

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Medical school secondary essays: "why our school" prompt.

The most important component of answering this prompt is doing your research. Do you have a thorough understanding of the school's mission statement and values? What population or populations are they most interested in serving? How do they describe their student body? What curriculum-enriching activities are available to their students? Do they have a strong research program? Is their curriculum a good fit for your learning style? Are all of these things in line with your own values, career goals, and learning needs?

Being informed will demonstrate an interest in the program, allowing you to write a response showing that you will be a genuinely good fit for the school.

“Questions like these are an opportunity for you to shine and show the faculty what sets you apart from the other candidates … In your response, it is important to highlight things that are relevant to the institution’s mission and values while also explaining qualities that would make you a great asset to the program … it is important to always tailor your response to the school and program you are applying to, including for this question.” – Dr. Neel Mistry, MD

Would you like us to help you with your medical school secondary essays ","buttontext":"free strategy call","buttoncolor":"#ffffff","addtrustpilot":"false","bannerundertext":" ","belowbuttontext1":null,"belowbuttontext2":null,"trustpilot":false}" :url=""https:\/\/bemoacademicconsulting.com\/contact-schedule-free-strategy-call"" code="banner1" background-color="#000066" button-color="#ffffff" banner-image> to answer this prompt, it can be useful to think about how to choose a medical school and what you’re looking for. “my main priority [in choosing a med school] was location. since i knew i was going to spend four years there, i wanted it to be in a location that i could see myself having support and enjoying. beyond that i looked at opportunities for research support, patient population diversity, and locations where students matched. i also thought about where rotations occur during third year as i wanted to focus on hospitals where rotations were not scattered and centralized to a main hospital center.” – dr. monica taneja, md, university of maryland school of medicine..

What are you most excited about when you think of attending this school? Research? Global health? Community outreach? "}]" code="timeline1">

Medical School Secondary Essay Example: Why Our School?

Write a critical analysis of your personal and scholastic qualifications for the study of medicine, the realization of your professional ambitions, and why you are choosing to apply to our school.

When I was in kindergarten, I was playing tag with my friends when I noticed a kid sitting on the bench. He seemed visibly anxious and left out of the fun so I felt compelled to invite him to play with us. This sense of compassion lay the foundation for my desire to study medicine. As I grew older, I became more inquisitive about the natural world and wanted to know how everything worked and fit together. I started to become passionate about chemistry, mathematics and biology, finding that those subjects gave me the tools to understand my surroundings. I felt empowered with every new concept I would learn; however I never quite felt as though I knew enough. It was only when my friend asked for help with her mental illness that I realized just how much I did not know and how unequipped I was to help someone in this situation. The clash between my sense of compassion and my lack of knowledge and ability to help drove me to want to study medicine.

As I ventured into college, my knowledge-seeking tendencies manifested in an interest in biomedical engineering. I chose this degree for its ability to teach me about the design and manufacturing of groundbreaking medical technologies such as skin-grafts, medical imaging devices, and prostheses. I dreamt of pushing clinical innovations and finding the next technology to revolutionize patient care. Aside from educating myself in medical technology, my college years gave me a lasting perspective and understanding of the Hispanic community’s struggles. I once accompanied my friends to volunteer in a mobile clinic. It was early in the morning when a nurse told me to put up a sign that read: “We do not check IDs.” At first, I was confused, but after careful consideration, I realized that it was to not deter illegal immigrants from seeking medical aid. As the day went on and patients came in, I noticed that most did not have the means to afford regular health and dental care. Most of them prayed that their illnesses would go away on their own because they did not have the means to get professional help. This experience really opened my eyes to the plight of underserved communities and reinforced my decision to pursue medicine so that I could help serve those who were unable to help themselves.

I applied to X University for its opportunities to allow me to work with underserved communities and develop the technical and interpersonal skills to provide patients from these communities the best care. I hope to combine my experience within medicine and engineering to push clinical technologies and advancements further to provide cheap and effective alternatives to current medications and treatments to drive down the cost of healthcare so that it can become available to more people.  

Questions surrounding cultural competency delve into your ability to interact with people whose culture, beliefs, or values are different from your own. Are you able to help people in a way that is in line with their values and belief system, even if these values and beliefs are not in line with your own? It is also important to realize the vital role that effective communication plays in bridging cultural differences.

Similar to the TMDSAS personal characteristics essay, your essay should focus on the barriers you encountered, the communication strategies you employed to overcome these barriers, how you helped the person in a way that respected their beliefs, and how you will apply this lesson in the future.

Great ideas for narratives that could address the diversity secondary essay prompt include:

  • A time when you used your problem-solving skills to help someone from a socio-cultural background different from your own.
  • A time you advocated for someone from a different socio-cultural background from your own.
  • How you used your communication skills to overcome a language barrier and help someone.
  • A reflection on what you learned from working with people with a different background from your own.
  • A reflection on communicating with people with a different background from your own.
  • A reflection on learning about and accepting the difference in beliefs of people with a different background from your own.
  • A reflection on an interaction with an individual whose values were different from your own.

Medical School Secondary Essay Example: Diversity Essays

A. Describe how you relate to someone who is very different from you. Examples of differences may be cultural, racial, religious, economic, gender/sexual orientation, lifestyle.

The world is so diverse and it can be easy to resign to only care for and be informed of one’s own personal interests. To connect with someone else is to choose to forgo ignorance and aim to understand other people and their backgrounds. This is a choice that is made every day when we decide how to interact in society.

In my first year of university, I roomed with a person who immigrated from Colombia. I saw how difficult it was for her to transition to a new country and to overcome cultural barriers. Instead of accepting the fact that our cultures rendered us incompatible, I decided to educate myself on her culture. I started to read of the political unrest in Colombia, I found Latin music we could listen to, and I utilized my basic Spanish to try to make her feel at home. Five years later, we still live together and are the best of friends. It's clear that a little effort trying to understand the life and journey of someone else can go a long way to building connections and trust.

Would you rather watch a video? Here are the most common medical school secondary essay prompts:

B. Please discuss the diversity that you would bring to our school of medicine and the profession of medicine.

The challenges I faced as a first-generation immigrant has taught me several valuable lessons, which have influenced my pursuit of medicine. Here in the States, I am granted liberties that are otherwise unattainable in Vietnam- specifically access to quality healthcare and opportunities for growth and enrichment. My first exposure to medicine did not transpire in a hospital but instead took place in a small tent affiliated with a roaming clinic.

The significant gap in healthcare accessibility, advancement, and quality between the States and the developing countries were increasingly apparent when I returned to Vietnam to visit my family. In time, I also realized that these similar circumstances and situations exist in my local community as well. This has inspired me to advocate for the underserved population because I, myself, can identify with their struggles. During our financial crisis, my family received overwhelming support and generosity from several neighborhood communities. I wish to return the kindness. Now more than ever, in a time where immigrants are restricted access, I must fight to give them a voice.

I also bring with me the traditions and culture of a Vietnamese American. I have developed my own understanding of the diverse facets of the Asian American identity and the ripple effect it has on the community. Through lion dancing and partnering with the Vietnamese and Chinese communities, I grasped the important role that communities play in providing resources. To become one of the few Vietnamese doctors in the area would allow me to address the needs of the community and give me a platform to collaborate with other communities of color. One of my goals is to break down the language barriers and stigmas surrounding the older Asian community and help them achieve their health goals.

I bring a steadfast mindset of advocating for the underserved in my community and as an immigrant Vietnamese American, I aim to use my position to influence decisions that will benefit the entire community.

Medical School Secondary Essays: "Overcoming Challenges" Prompt

This prompt is looking at what medical schools typically refer to as “resilience”. The reality is that you will be faced with a wide variety of challenges during your medical training. Medical schools are looking for candidates who are equipped with mature coping strategies, enabling them to proficiently navigate whatever life, or medical school, decides to throw at them.

You can use any example from your own life to address this prompt. Ideas include:

  • A time when things did not go according to plan.
  • Overcoming a setback.
  • Overcoming an illness or injury.
  • Dealing with the illness of a loved one.

The important thing to remember with this prompt is to keep it positive. Focus on the strategies you used to overcome the hurdle that presented itself to you, and what you learned from the situation. Review some adversity essays for medical school for inspiration.

“It is not only important to highlight the situation in detail but to also reflect on your actions. Drawing upon lessons from this experience and how you used what you learned to make changes the next time around is key to demonstrating a growth mindset.” – Dr. Neel Mistry, MD.

Describe a challenging situation you faced and what you did to address it.

My sister was diagnosed with epilepsy at 3 months old, and it has been a continual learning experience. She never qualified for an autism diagnosis, but her behaviors resembled an autistic or neurodivergent individual. As an 8-year-old, I did not notice public reactions to my sister’s behaviors.

But, as we both grew older, I became embarrassed when people would stare at her, or notice her behavioral differences. Behavioral incidents continued to occur throughout my time in high school and college. However, I have grown into a more empathetic person who better understands the difficulties my sister faces. I won’t deny that sometimes it is still embarrassing, but I remind myself that she struggles to control her behaviors and it is not her fault.

The best way I can help her as a sister is to be there for her and try to help her through the emotions she may not be able to express all the time. Understanding my sister has made me into a stronger, more confident and empathetic woman.

Medical School Secondary Essays: "Future Goals" Prompt

It’s okay not to know exactly what kind of doctor you want to be or what medical specialty you want to pursue. For this prompt, reflect on the experiences that cemented your decision to pursue medicine.

  • What was it specifically about these experiences that made you want to become a doctor?
  • What fascinated you the most? Why?
  • What patient population did you enjoy working with the most? Why?

You can then go on to say what kind of doctor you would like to be, or, if you haven't decided, suggest more generally which direction you would like to see your career take (i.e. mention a patient population you think you would like to work with). Many students change their minds once having been in medical school a couple of years, so it’s reasonable to say that you will keep your eyes open and continue to explore every opportunity!

Medical School Secondary Essay Example: Your Future Goals

Professionalism and the ability to gain respect in the community in which you live is of utmost importance as you embark upon a career as a physician. What three professional qualities do you feel a Student Doctor must be able to demonstrate as he/or she makes the transition into the study and practice of medicine? How will you demonstrate those qualities as a medical student at RowanSOM?

There are many valuable attributes a student doctor must possess, but the three of which I consider the most valuable are self-discipline/reflection, open-mindedness/sensitivity, and teamwork skills.

Possessing self-discipline and self-reflection skills are key for any student doctor planning on tackling the arduous medical courses that will come their way. Through my undergraduate career, I have constantly improved upon my academic study strategies to adapt to the rigors of upper-level biological courses. I realize that when one way does not work it is crucial to consult peers, advisors, and professors to improve my approach. Such changes included recording my lectures, attending more office hours, and even seeking resources outside of my lecture material to supplement my knowledge. I use this principle in my personal health goals as well. For example, my favorite hobby that I use to keep me grounded is going to the gym, where I attempt to break my fitness plateaus by researching and consulting peers. It is this drive to constantly improve myself that will allow me to overcome the many obstacles that will come my way during my medical pursuit.

In addition, it is important for student doctors to be open-minded and sensitive when understanding patients from diverse backgrounds. My research experience at the Center for Addiction, Personality, and Emotion Research enriched my understanding of the socioeconomic and environmental factors that are involved in developing addiction disorders. Learning about the neurobehavioral and psychological processes that underlie addictive behavior reinforced my awareness of the health disparities that arise from environmental and social systems in my local community. It is imperative to understand the patient outside of their symptoms in order to realize the other factors involved in their diagnosis. I aim to one day use this knowledge to inform my future patients of preventative measures and how to overcome their environmental strains.

Lastly, it is crucial for student doctors to develop teamwork skills when entering the field of medicine. Physicians have to be prepared to engage and work within different teamwork structures or environments with other specialists to provide high-quality care for their patients. My experiences as an EMT taught me firsthand how critical it is to build long-lasting relationships based on trust with your team. I have spent countless hours getting to know my EMS crew to ensure that we built a sense of camaraderie that would allow us to work well together during calls. I remember one occasion when my partner was flustered during a stressful call and could not remember the next step in delivering a treatment protocol to a patient. I noticed he was frustrated and subtly reminded him of the next step. Based on our relationship and trust, he acted on my advice and later thanked me for the assistance. Knowing that we always had each other’s back gave us the reassurance and confidence we needed to handle the many unpredictable calls that came our way. I hope to strengthen this same sense of teamwork as a future physician.

If you have an academic lapse or took a break that you wish to explain to the admissions committee, you may want to prepare this prompt in advance. The most important things to focus on are:

  • Clearly, yet briefly, explain the situation that led to the break or lapse.
  • Outlining how you moved past the situation.
  • Outlining what you learned from the situation, and how you will manage similar situations going forward.

“The best way to address red flags is to be open and honest … and provide open reflection on how you grew from the experience.” – Dr. Monica Taneja, MD.

“what i would do in these situations is talk about the red flag/gap in an open and honest way without sounding closed off or confrontational about it … essentially, you are taking something that would normally be considered a negative and spinning into a positive.” – dr. jaime cazes, md, university of toronto temerty faculty of medicine., medical school secondary essay example: academic lapses or breaks.

If you have taken a gap year(s), please explain what you have been, or will be, doing since graduating from your undergrad institution. 

I threw myself into the medical school application process during my final year of my undergrad degree. Realizing that my application was lacking, I have spent the time since graduation gaining volunteer and leadership experience, improving my MCAT score, and taking science prerequisite courses.

Taking post-baccalaureate classes proved advantageous. I was thrilled when my MCAT score improved significantly, going from 505 to 517. My score was a testament to the hard work and dedication I put into my organic chemistry and molecular biology courses, and to the time management, accountability, and work ethic I refined in studying for the MCAT.

While pursuing post-baccalaureate science courses improved my academics, volunteering at a seniors’ care center has opened my eyes to the issues facing seniors and those who care for them. Once, upon entering the facility, I heard a patient calling for help; he had fallen and could not get back into his wheelchair. Per volunteer protocol, I cannot physically assist the residents into their chairs. However, after determining that he was not physically hurt, I calmly reassured him that I was getting help and informed the nurses of his situation. This incident and other experiences at the center allowed me to develop and practice skills such as enforcing appropriate boundaries, working with others, and handling unexpected and stressful circumstances with poise.

From my various experiences, I have developed and refined my belief system and skill set. I've developed a greater sensitivity to those facing physical or mental limitations, and a dedication to serving my community in overcoming such challenges. I’ve learned the value of being empathetic and showing compassion in the process. I've developed the critical traits and values that I am certain this school would be proud of, whether as a student or as a physician.

Pre-writing your secondaries for med school is key! Here's how:

Medical School Secondary Essays: Tips from Our Experts and Students

1. submit your essays as soon as you can.

Submitting your essays early means you can take advantage of medical schools’ rolling admissions process. As soon as medical school secondary essays are received, decisions about interview invites are made. Submitting early means a better chance of securing an interview, and therefore an acceptance letter. Being delayed with your secondaries can cost you both! One of our students, Rishi, had to reapply after submitting his secondaries too late and receiving zero interview invites.

“[One of] the things that really I think prevented me from getting in the first time around is I was just very delayed with my secondaries … I didn't even get any interviews that first cycle because I was so late on my secondaries.” – Rishi, former BeMo student.

Planning your secondaries well ahead of time also ensures you’re not rushing to write, proof, rewrite and finalize your essays.

“It is advisable to start preparing for secondaries as early as possible so that you have enough time to revise and go through multiple iterations of edits prior to submitting. Also, getting a fresh pair of eyes to have a look is never a bad idea.” – Dr. Neel Mistry, MD.

2. pre-write your med school secondary essays.

Some of you may be realizing at this point that you’ve applied to 10-20 schools and that each will likely send somewhere between 2-10 prompts. That’s a lot of essay writing! To get on top of this, we recommend pre-writing your secondary essays.

“Secondaries were a lot of work especially after completing all of the primary application materials. I tried to pre-write secondaries starting in mid-June as there aren’t many changes year to year in prompts, which are easily found online. For each school I read their mission statement and tailored my answers to their priorities. Since many essays also overlap between schools, I was able to morph different essays based on length to reduce overall writing. Pre-writing allowed me to have [less than] 1 week turn around on all of my secondary application returns.” – Dr. Monica Taneja, MD.

If you check out our comprehensive list of medical school secondary essay prompts , you can pull out common themes for the schools you are most interested in applying to. You should then create an essay outline or rough essay that addresses each of these themes.

“A lot of these prompts, they might be worded a little bit different … but there's some broad [question] types. If you compare a couple of schools, there will be some overlap and that's helpful because you can write what are these common skeletons that will allow you to be more efficient.” – Rishi, BeMo student.

Though schools may change their prompts from year to year, pre-planning at least some of your essays will make you much more efficient with your writing, allowing you to create consistently well-thought-out essays. 

Just like with your medical school personal statement, your personal stories will help your secondary essays stand out and be more memorable to the admissions committee.

“These application readers are reading a large volume of essays and sometimes they're not spending as much time as you might think. They are kind of glancing over every word so you have to think like what they are going to remember from this when they read it.” – Rishi, BeMo student.

As part of your pre-writing plan, start brainstorming personal experiences or influences you can talk about in your secondaries to make your points and keep your readers’ attention.

Medical school secondary essays are meant to provide medical school with more specific information about your candidacy and fit for their programs. The questions are geared towards the missions, requirements, and goals of each program. They are usually sent out once primary applications have been submitted.

Some schools will list a deadline (UCLA secondary essays are due after fifteen days). If the school does not specify a deadline, you should aim to submit your secondaries no later than 2 weeks after receiving the invites to complete them.

Some of the most common med school secondary prompts include "Why our school?", "Cultural Competency", "Overcoming Challenges", and "Future Goals". Pay attention to the wording of the prompts, as they may not include this direct terminology, but you should approach them with specific strategies to answer them.

Each medical school will have its own secondaries requirements. Some may ask for 1 or 2 essays, while others may require 10. Check the requirements of your schools of choice to make sure.

Yes, there are some medical schools without secondary essays , but these are rare. Check with the programs of your choice to make sure.

Many med schools recycle their secondary prompts from year to year. Plus, there are some common themes that all secondaries explore. Check out the old prompts from your schools of choice to start planning general outlines for your essays.

Most likely, you will be eliminated from the applicant selection pool right away. Med schools will want to see your dedicated and commitment to their school, which secondaries demonstrate. If you are late or do not submit them at all, you will no longer be considered for a position in their medical school.

If you applied to many med schools, there is a chance you will have trouble completing all the secondaries on time. If this is your position, you should certainly try to complete all of them on time and of good quality. Focus on the schools you want to attend and where you have the highest chance of acceptance and complete their secondaries first.

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Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions.

Wynne Milhouse

Hello! Would it be okay to write about how not getting into medical school the first time was a time of adversity, even if it was on a secondary for a school I didn't apply to last time (or if it was)? I feel as if this prompt may show up for schools that I did and did not apply to two years ago, but not getting into medical school the first time WAS a big hurdle, and I have made significant changes to combat this. Is it okay to talk about that, or will that reflect poorly on me? Thanks! Best, Wynne Milhouse

BeMo Academic Consulting

Hello Wynne! Thank you very much for your question. Absolutely, you should write about not getting into med school the first time even if you are writing secondaries for a school you did not apply to last time. You can even mention that you are now applying to this school because you improved your research and found that this would be a more suitable choice for you. Let us know if you have any other questions!

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georgetown secondary essay examples

Georgetown Secondary Application Tips

Wrestling with the Georgetown secondary application? PDr has some tips for you!

There are certain medical schools whose prompts almost never change year to year. Georgetown is one of them. It consists of two questions with a third optional entry, and is unique in the sense that it essentially requires you to draft another personal-statement-length response. Much like UCSD’s long bioessay prompt, the Georgetown application can slow you down as you work your way through your secondary applications.

||Read Three Secondary Essays To Prewrite ||

Triage the writing for this secondary (and other longer and unique secondaries) to the front of the line. You should at least outline or begin writing for this prompt within a day of receiving it, that way you can let the longer essay cool down for a bit before returning to it later. This also allows you to break up the focus required to complete a long statement within the two week window, which can reduce your stress while filling out other secondaries. You don’t want to end up speeding through the smaller and more generic secondary prompts from other schools to then finally gaze upon a long essay awaiting you once you’ve been worn out a bit. Secondary application burnout most certainly occurs, and if you leave the more tedious secondaries towards the end, there is a higher chance that you will settle for a subpar entry.

||Check out our Secondary Application Database ||

Here are the 2 required prompts:

1. The Georgetown University School of Medicine strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians who embrace all dimensions of caring for the whole person. Please describe how your personal characteristics or life experiences will contribute to the Georgetown University School of Medicine community and bring educational benefits to our student body. (1000 characters)

The first question should be a topic that you become very familiar with throughout the secondary application process. Since the diversity topic comes up so often, many applicants generally already have some malleable diversity content that can be used for this question. For more on how to approach essays on diversity, see our article Diversity in Secondary Medical Applications.

2. Why have you chosen to apply to the Georgetown University School of Medicine, and how do you think your education at Georgetown will prepare you to become a physician for the future? (5,000 characters)

The Mission Statement: Cura Personalis . The second Georgetown prompt is the most time consuming, and is two-pronged. Make sure to not neglect one of the aspects of this question. For instance, don’t just focus on “why Georgetown” and forget to include “how your education at Georgetown will prepare you for your future as a physician.” In order to respond to this part of the application, you need to research the school’s curriculum, strengths and values to really understand how to most effectively package yourself to the admissions committee. I know that the thought of even more research may be daunting, but the more familiar you are with the school, the more natural your secondary application will sound.

||Read Should I Prewrite Secondaries ||

The cura personalis mission statement focuses on the importance of holistic medicine. The important thing for you to remember is that your goal is not to necessarily discuss at length why you may agree with their mission statement, but to show how you demonstrate similar values. You may wonder how to go about jumping into a full length statement that ties into this theme, so I’ve mocked up a quick and example of how you could start off a statement that seeks to cater to their emphasis on cura personalis.

“My father is psychologist and my mother works as a community service coordinator at our local church. Because of this, I was raised with a holistic perspective that integrated concepts from science, nature, and spirituality. My parents’ influence made me receptive to the fluid nature of the world around me, an outlook that served as an important complement to my intensive scientific studies. During the course of my undergraduate career, I progressed from a gym assistant, to a fitness trainer, to a sports medicine intern before ultimately being hired as a sports trainer for an LA hockey team. Throughout that journey, I saw how the care of my parents ultimately affected the care of those that I worked with, and I developed a broad and dynamic understanding of wellness.

My continuous exposure to the spiritual and humanitarian efforts of my parents was in tension with the realities and protocols that I faced in my work, and as I matured I learned how to integrate the two concepts to the best of my ability. It is this very integration that I found so appealing about Georgetown’s medical program…”

From here you could proceed to discuss more about what draws you to the school, how your past experiences have shaped you for Georgetown, and how you may demonstrate cura personalis. Also don’t forget to include why attending Georgetown specifically will prepare you to become a future physician! Stay strong throughout the secondary season and don’t let lengthy secondaries such as Georgetown’s deter you from putting forth your best work. As always, best wishes to all of our prospective doctors!

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ProspectiveDoctor. 

Related posts:

  • Medical School Secondary Applications Guide
  • Path to Medical School Part 6: The Application
  • Student Review: Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
  • What To Wear To Med School Interviews: Men

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Weekly Weigh-in: The Diversity Secondary Essay

Med School Insiders

Georgetown Secondary Essay Prompts

These are the secondary application essay prompts for Georgetown University School of Medicine. To put your best foot forward and maximize your chance of an interview invitation, visit our secondary application editing page .

about Georgetown University school of medicine

Secondary Deadline : December 15, 2024 Secondary Fee : $130 FAP Waiver : Yes CASPer Required : No Screens Applications: No Accepts Application Updates: Yes

Guided by the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis, care of the whole person, Georgetown University School of Medicine will educate a diverse student body, in an integrated way, to become knowledgeable, ethical, skillful and compassionate physicians and biomedical scientists who are dedicated to the care of others and health needs of our society.

1. Are you/will you be enrolled as a student at Georgetown University during the 2022-2023 academic year? (Y/N)

2. Have you ever participated in any of the following Georgetown Programs? (check all that apply):

  • The Georgetown University Academy for Research, Clinical, and Health Equity Scholarship (ARCHES)
  • Pedro Arrupe S.J. Scholarship for Peace (ARRUPE)
  • Gateway Exploration Program (GEP)
  • Georgetown Scholars Program (GSP)
  • Georgetown University School of Medicine Summer Immersion Program (GUSOM SCS)
  • Cultivating Opportunity & Realizing Excellence (CORE) Leadership Program

3. The Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM) strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians, with cultural humility, who embrace all dimensions of caring for the whole person. With our Jesuit values of Cura Personalis, People for Others, and Community in Diversity, we are steadfast in our commitment to racial justice and to addressing the health inequities exacerbated by the recent pandemic. Please describe how your values, life experiences, and your identity will contribute to these GUSOM priorities.

4. Is there any further information that you would like the Committee on Admissions to be aware of when reviewing your file that you were not able to notate in another section of this or the AMCAS Application?

5. Why have you chosen to apply to the Georgetown University School of Medicine and how do you think your education at Georgetown will prepare you to become a physician for the future? (3000 characters)

The secondary application essay prompts from this medical school application cycle are the same as above.

Disclaimer: The information on this page was shared by students and/or can be found on the medical school’s website. Med School Insiders does not guarantee the accuracy of the information on this page.

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georgetown secondary essay examples

How to Write the Georgetown University Essays 2024-2025

Located in the U.S. capital, Georgetown prides itself on fostering global perspectives and cultivating students’ learning through Jesuit values. Georgetown University has three required prompts: two supplemental essays for all applicants and one school specific prompt focusing on the student’s intended area of study. 

As a highly competitive and prestigious university, it is important for Georgetown applicants to not only highlight their strong academic achievements, but also find ways to differentiate themselves through their essays. This post will show you how you can write standout responses to each Georgetown supplemental prompt.

Read these Georgetown essay examples to inspire your own writing.

Georgetown Application Essay Prompts

All applicants.

Prompt 1: Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. ( 1/2 page, single-spaced) 

Prompt 2: As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you. ( 1 page, single-spaced)

Prompt 3 (optional): Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you would like to highlight.

School-Specific Prompts

(Each essay should be approximately one page, single-spaced)

Georgetown College: Founded in 1789, the Georgetown College of Arts & Sciences is committed to the Jesuit traditions of an integrated education and of productive research in the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Describe your interest in studying at College of Arts & Sciences. Applicants interested in the sciences, mathematics, or languages are encouraged to make specific reference to their choice of major. (approximately one page, single-spaced)‌

School of Health: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science).

School of Nursing: Georgetown University’s School of Nursing is committed to the formation of ethical, empathetic, and transformational nursing leaders. Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying Nursing at Georgetown University. (approximately one page, single-spaced)

Walsh School of Foreign Service : The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. What is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world?

McDonough School of Business: The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.

How to Write the Georgetown University General Supplemental Essays

Prompt 1—all applicants, briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (1/2 page, single-spaced).

This prompt is the classic Extracurricular Essay , and it’s a great opportunity to showcase your unique passions and experiences to the admissions committee. The open-ended nature of this prompt provides you with a great deal of flexibility to highlight parts of your personality that you haven’t had the chance to express in other parts of your application. In order to most effectively answer this prompt, write about the activity that you are most passionate about AND explain why this activity is meaningful to you. 

A few tips for your response:

For many students, sports are likely one of the first topics that come to mind when thinking about significant activities outside of the classroom. However, since they are a very common topic for prompt responses, essays about sports can often fall prey to cliché themes that may get lost in a sea of other sports-related essays. 

If you choose to write about a sport, be very thoughtful about how you frame your experience. Think about what makes your experience stand out from other applicants’ sports stories.

For example, scoring the winning touchdown at a championship game may have been an exhilarating memory, but how is your passion for the game unique to your experience?

Maybe there was a time where you had to overcome adversity or things didn’t turn out the way you had hoped. Perhaps an injury left you on the bench for the rest of the season or an unfair call from a referee that cost you the game — explain how these challenges contributed to your overall experience with the activity, even when the situation was not ideal. 

When the prompt asks for the activity with which you have been most involved, it does not necessarily refer to the number of hours you spent.

The prompt specifies that it is asking about the activity that you have been “most involved” in. Therefore, the activity that you choose to write about should be something that shows your ongoing dedication to the activity. However, the activity that you spend the most time doing may not be the activity you are most passionate about. 

For example, you may have devoted nine years of your life to playing an instrument and performing. At the same, you may have joined the school paper as a junior, written several articles for every edition, and created a brand new features section to highlight student accomplishments beyond the classroom.

While counting hours would lead us to conclude that you’ve spent more time being a musician, it is evident from this example that you’ve shown more initiative as a reporter, despite the short period you spent at the paper.

While it is fantastic if your chosen activity directly ties into the major you’re planning to pursue, don’t worry too much about picking something that you deem most relevant to your field.

In this essay, the admissions committee is looking to understand your passions, the skills you gained, your strengths as a leader or a team player, and your dedication. If you can demonstrate your commitment to, say, teaching ukulele to small kids, along with your creativity and excitement in approaching the task at hand, you will show the admissions committee that you have acquired transferable skills which you will apply with the same intensity to your collegial pursuits.

Don’t try to second-guess what the admissions committee may or may not wish to see. Pick an activity that makes you the most excited — the one you never cease to talk about with your friends and family — and write about why it’s important.

Prompt 2—All Applicants

As georgetown is a diverse community, the admissions committee would like to know more about you in your own words. please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you. (1 page, single-spaced).

Although Georgetown is not on the Common App, this prompt asks essentially the same questions as the Common App personal statement prompts . This essay is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get to know you as an individual. Through this essay, they want to learn who you are, what your values are, what drives you and gets you out of bed in the morning, or in other words — what makes you unique. The most efficient approach here is to use your Common App personal statement.

Notice the prompt’s emphasis on the importance of diversity (the Diversity Essay is another common prompt, and we recommend reading our linked guide for more info). Whether or not you end up using your Common App essay, make sure that your response highlights the unique perspective you will contribute to the Georgetown community. Remember that diversity does not necessarily imply belonging to an ethnic or religious community, which is a topic many students tend to initially gravitate towards. For example, if you are someone who has lots of experience traveling, you can talk about how exploration is a key aspect of your personality. If you devote all of your free time to designing sets for your school’s plays, you can emphasize your identity as an artist and team player in your response.

The admissions committee will be choosing among hundreds of applicants, many of whom will have academic profiles, grades, and scores similar to your own. The key to producing a successful response here is to make yourself stand out in the eyes of your reader.

Prompt 3—All Applicants (optional)

Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you would like to highlight..

While we would normally always encourage applicants to submit any optional essays, there’s not really a need to answer it at all if you would be repeating content from the activities list on your application or Prompt 1. This response should be brief, especially since it’s not listed with the rest of the essay prompts.

That being said, if you do have any talents or skills that you haven’t yet included or want to elaborate on, go ahead! The skills or talents that will be most impactful here will have led you to develop personally, or are more unusual and merit further explanation. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your passion, dedication, and any significant related achievements you want to have on your application.

For example, maybe you’re a yo-yo champ and have organized local tournaments, teaching you event planning skills. Or, maybe you create art from trash you find on walks on the beach and have sold $1,000 worth of pieces, and motivated hundreds of neighbors to join you on your cleanups. Your skill can be more everyday as well, such as working in a grocery store or tutoring young kids; as long as it’s contributed to your growth meaningfully, you can highlight it here.

It’s not necessary to be terribly verbose in this response. Remember—it’s separate from the listed prompts and is intended to be a brief space for you to tack on anything you want considered that didn’t make it on other parts of the application. 

How to Write the Georgetown University School-Specific Supplemental Essays

Georgetown college prompt, founded in 1789, the georgetown college of arts & sciences is committed to the jesuit traditions of an integrated education and of productive research in the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. describe your interest in studying at college of arts & sciences. applicants interested in the sciences, mathematics, or languages are encouraged to make specific reference to their choice of major. (approximately one page, single-spaced)‌.

This is an example of a Why This Major essay archetype. Georgetown wants to know why you’re drawn to the College of Arts & Sciences and how it aligns with your academic and career goals. For especially competitive majors, this prompt is used to gauge your preparation and genuine interest. Since there are limited spots, they want to make sure those spots go to the students who will make the most of the program and contribute the most to the Georgetown community. In this response, you’ll connect the dots between your academic interests, the Jesuit values of education mentioned in the prompt itself, and the specific resources and opportunities at Georgetown.

A strong response will reference specific elements of Georgetown’s offerings for your major and describe how it aligns with your personal, specific reasons for enjoying the field and wanting to focus on it. It’s always a good idea to do some research about the department you’re planning to study in by looking into classes, professors, labs, experiential learning, and extracurricular initiatives that relate to your intended major. However, when including university-specific resources, make sure you don’t just name drop the—demonstrate the connection and application to your interests. 

Also, don’t neglect the aspect of Georgetown’s Jesuit traditions—they’re included in the prompt for a reason! You don’t have to be Catholic or even religious to connect with these values. The emphasis is on community and integrating service and research with traditional learning, and Georgetown places special significance in work toward social justice . 

So, to sum up, there are three bases to cover here: your personal motivations and ambitions regarding your major, Jesuit education values, and Georgetown’s specific resources. These themes should be interconnected and clearly articulated.

When considering your motivations and ambitions in pursuing your chosen field of study, think about what drew you to that major and to Georgetown in the first place. What types of experiences have you had that contributed to your interest in this domain? What do you hope to accomplish through this interest in your future professional life? Apply these answers to Georgetown’s Jesuit educational values and university resources. How do you see yourself contributing to the Georgetown community, especially within your major or department? How will a degree from Georgetown’s College of Arts and Sciences help you achieve your long-term goals?

Check out the examples below for some inspiration:

“ Like lots of kids, I’ve always been interested in ancient history, especially the stories of ancient civilizations. I studied Latin in high school and enjoyed reading classical texts, which is why I want to continue studying history in college. Georgetown’s College of Arts & Sciences has a strong history program, and I know I’ll learn a lot from the professors there. I also appreciate Georgetown’s Jesuit values because I think it’s important to study history with a focus on ethics and understanding. I’m excited to be a part of a community that values both education and moral development .”

Although this response provides some personal color about the writer’s connection to the study of history, it comes off as vague and superficial because of the lack of detail. See the revision below for a better excerpt:

“From a young age, I found myself drawn to the stories of ancient civilizations and how their cultures, languages, and art shaped the world. My interest led me to study Latin in high school, where I read classical texts deeply and recognized my passion for ancient history. Georgetown’s College of Arts & Sciences stands out to me for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, particularly through the Classical Studies program. I am especially interested in the work of Dr. Marden Nichols’ work on the impact of Roman art and architecture on ancient history, as it aligns well with my own interest in the influence of classical art on cultural and intellectual historiography. Additionally, Georgetown’s Jesuit values resonate with my desire to approach the study of history not just as an academic pursuit, but as a way to understand and contribute to the ethical foundations of today’s global society.”

The elaboration in the second example more clearly explains their passion for ancient history and how it developed and demonstrates a familiarity with the offerings and traditions of Georgetown.

The more personal and specific your response, the better. Authentic reflection on the overlap between your interests and goals and Georgetown’s faculty, curriculum, and traditions will make your essay stand out. 

School of Health Prompt

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. please specifically address your intended major (global health, health care management & policy, or human science ; 1 page, single-spaced )..

In this essay, you have the opportunity to explain to the admissions committee why you feel passionate about devoting your academic career to health sciences. 

Until recently, the areas of health and nursing were combined into one school at Georgetown. However, this year’s applicants will be the first to get to choose whether they want to enter into the School of Health or the School of Nursing. Prior to writing your response, make sure to research the major and school you’re applying to and verify that it corresponds with your desired area of interest. After conducting your research, explain in your response how the major and school you’ve chosen are uniquely suited to your academic journey and career goals. 

For example, health care management & policy majors really focus on the policy aspect of the health industry, learning about key stakeholders in the policymaking process and understanding what goes into managing and improving the healthcare industry. If you’re applying into this major, you want to highlight your interest in the legislative and managerial aspects of the field, rather than discuss your passion for taking care of individual patients. Above all, this essay is the time for you to reflect on how your specific interest in health was the foundation for choosing a major that aligned with that field.

As with any school-specific essay, you want to write something that sets you apart from all the other applicants. It’s very likely that they, too, will have experiences working in labs or passions for improving healthcare systems to speak about. You need to find an angle that highlights your unique perspective and approach.

Read on for some ideas below:

  • If you are someone who lived through a serious or chronic illness, you can address your experiences here as a way to explain your interest in the health industry. While an illness can be a challenging and extremely personal topic to write about, you can focus on the ways it helped to develop your passion for helping others or for conducting scientific research. This is a way to put your academic accomplishments in context.
  • If you or a family member have witnessed or experienced any injustices in the healthcare system, you can discuss how the system failed to operate effectively and ways for which it could improve in the future. Accessibility to healthcare can vary depending on region, demographics, and socioeconomic status. Try to find specific examples that are relevant to your experience that illustrate your understanding of the issue and desire to gain a better understanding of the field. 
  • As technology continues to aid in the advancements of medicine, the field of healthcare is constantly evolving. Are there any areas of health sciences that have yet to be fully explored? Think of a narrow area of healthcare study and explain how delving deeper into that topic could have a lasting impact on society. Try and pick a topic that captivates the reader and highlights something about your own personality. 

Can you think of a specific moment when you first realized that you wanted to study health? What were you doing when you fell upon that revelation? Was there a particular impactful conversation or event that led you to this conclusion? Perhaps you had a family member who couldn’t afford their healthcare services and consequently suffered from an otherwise preventable illness. 

Maybe you also completed a compelling research project for your biology class and became fascinated with genetic disorders, leading you to seek out a summer internship in a local lab. Whatever angle you choose, be sure to reflect on the questions above as you prepare to write your essay, and try to pick a narrative that highlights your personality.

School of Nursing Prompt

Georgetown university’s school of nursing is committed to the formation of ethical, empathetic, and transformational nursing leaders. describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying nursing at georgetown university. (approximately one page, single-spaced).

This is a Why This Major essay archetype in which Georgetown wants to understand your motivations for pursuing a career in nursing and how the university’s program aligns with your goals. They’re looking for evidence of your commitment to nursing, as well as how you embody the values of ethics, empathy, and leadership that are central to their nursing program.

To begin, consider what inspired you to pursue a career in nursing—specific experiences, people—and what your long-term goals in the career are. Emphasize how you view nursing as being distinct from the larger healthcare industry. For example, maybe it’s because nursing uniquely cultivates the trusting relationships between patients and experienced healthcare professionals. So, if you’re applying to this major, you should emphasize your passion for caring for individual patients rather than focusing on broader aspects of the health sciences. 

However you frame your interest, take care to demonstrate “ethical, empathetic, and transformational” qualities in your experiences. How does Georgetown’s emphasis on ethics and empathy align with your personal values and career goals? The prompt lists these features purposefully, so apply them to your own journey. 

When applying to a school with a particularly narrow focus of learning, it is even more imperative that you find ways to stand out from other applicants in your motivations for your chosen studies. As unsympathetic as this may sound, caring for a sick relative or recovering from an injury will likely be worn-out response topics. Think about ways you can frame your story to be unconventional and cause readers to develop a deeper understanding of your personality. Read on for some ideas below: 

  • If you have a family member who works in the healthcare industry, you can discuss your first exposure to the field in the context of building connections with your loved ones. Perhaps your uncle has spent countless hours pointing out inefficiencies in the ways we currently manage large hospitals based on his work as a doctor. You can recount these conversations as a gateway to your passion for healthcare and even mention some projects you may wish to pursue to combat these problems in the future. 
  • If you spent a summer or your after-school hours volunteering at a local hospital or other medical establishment, you can use an anecdote describing your experience to underline your interest in the industry. Keep in mind that many other students applying to this school will likely have similar activities on their resume. Try to find a unique angle that will exemplify your experience.
  • Think about some characteristics that might be beneficial in the field of nursing: quick thinking, adaptability, remaining calm under pressure. Describe specific examples of events when you displayed these characteristics. Did your reaction to the event surprise you? Did you develop these skills over time? How did the result of the event change your outlook on similar situations in the future? Your account of these experiences should illustrate something that you discovered about yourself and how these skills and experiences are relevant to your nursing major. 

After you’ve nailed down the aspects of your personal interest in nursing, apply them to Georgetown. Research the School of Nursing and its values , curriculum , and extracurriculars . Why are you specifically interested in studying nursing at Georgetown University? What aspects of their program appeal to you the most? Consider how Georgetown will help you achieve your long-term career goals.

When you sit down to write, remember that your main goal is to explain to the admissions committee why what you want to accomplish cannot be accomplished by studying any other field. Focus on program features that set Georgetown apart from other universities and find a connection to your personal experiences that will help to humanize you in the eyes of the reader. However, make sure not to list resources or curriculum that Georgetown offers without reflecting on them in the context of your personal motivations and aspirations.

Walsh School of Foreign Service Prompt

The walsh school of foreign service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. what is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world (1 page, single-spaced).

Applicants to the School of Foreign Service are expected to be well-versed in global affairs. This essay is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your passion for and understanding of global and public service. The admissions committee wants to understand why this topic is important to you , and personal anecdotes are the most powerful way to convey this. 

It is important to pick an experience related to one of your interests that is unique and can be connected to solving global problems. Don’t try to write an essay about the hot topic of the day like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict if you don’t have a deep personal connection. You should choose an issue or experience with a problem that motivated you to take action and dedicate your life to helping the world.

Here are some strong example responses you can use for inspiration:

1. If you have devoted time to raising money for a charity that helps finance the education of a child in need, you can connect your personal experience to the larger issue of income or education disparities. Spend a paragraph detailing the moment that first sparked your interest in this issue and follow it up with a nuanced analysis of what you hope to learn in college that will allow you to address the larger issue at hand.

 2. If you’re passionate about female participation in politics, you could discuss your first voting experience and highlight how the lack of female candidates on the ballot sparked your outrage. Or you could mention the insufficient number of female role models in the political arena that struck you as a child interested in politics. Be descriptive and detailed about your emotions to convey the deep need you feel to solve this issue .

3. If you’ve taken a class or worked on a project that exposed you to a variety of international issues, explain why a particular topic struck a chord . While you may not have a direct experience with the issue at hand, try to think of ways to connect it to your own life. Then go on to discuss how you hope to return to and solve this issue in the future.

4. Even if you lack an academic or extracurricular experience that ties into global affairs, there are other ways you can make a personal connection to the topic. If there is a book you read or a movie you watched that exposed you to an issue of global significance, which you’ve been curious about ever since, this can be your link! Make sure to show why this topic grabbed your attention and to highlight your intellectual curiosity and passion.

Whichever topic you choose to write about, remember that your essay should seamlessly connect your past to your future. You need to demonstrate your passion for the field of foreign service, what your goals are within the field, and how the Walsh School will help you grow your passion to achieve your future goals.

McDonough School of Business Prompt

The mcdonough school of business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. please discuss your motivations for studying business at georgetown (1 page, single-spaced)..

This prompt should not be regarded as yet another “why business school” essay. Note the question’s emphasis on a global approach and its reference to ethics . As mentioned earlier, Georgetown’s identity is built upon its Jesuit values, which manifest themselves in all its academic programs. When you write this essay, keep those keywords in mind. In responding to the prompt, highlight the unique perspective that this program seeks to provide and emphasize your appreciation for the opportunities it will offer you.

Here are a few response ideas:

1. If the school’s focus on ethics appeals to you, you could discuss your passion for developing sustainable business practices and link it to a local business in your community whose model you particularly appreciate. If you have ever worked for a small business or if your family or friends own one, you can mention it to point out the origins of your focus on sustainability.

2. If the McDonough’s global approach attracted you to the school in the first place, you can talk about your interest in economic models different from that of the U.S . For instance, if you’re fascinated by India’s initiatives to combat deep poverty in its rural regions, this is your opportunity to discuss it.

Be sure to tie it to the programs and opportunities offered at the school. For example, if there is a course on the economics of poverty that you are particularly eager to enroll in or a professor who is an expert in this field, talk about it in your response!

3. You can never go wrong with harnessing Georgetown’s advantageous D.C. location to help you justify your interest in its business school. In particular, if you’re interested in financial policy or the interaction between the government and entrepreneurs, you can reference the internship opportunities that McDonough’s strategic location will provide you and the star faculty, who frequently come to teach at Georgetown after working in D.C.’s public and private sectors for many years.

The main reason that Georgetown does not use the Common App is that it wishes to only attract students who are dedicated enough to their university and its values that they are willing to go through a separate application process to get there. As you work on your application, remember what makes Georgetown unique and why these particularities appealed to you when you first put Georgetown down as a potential school on your list. Think hard about your motivation for applying, do your research, and reach out for help when needed!

Where to Get Your Georgetown Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your Georgetown essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

Need feedback faster? Get a  free, nearly-instantaneous essay review  from Sage, our AI tutor and advisor. Sage will rate your essay, give you suggestions for improvement, and summarize what admissions officers would take away from your writing. Use these tools to improve your chances of acceptance to your dream school!

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Georgetown Secondary Application Essay Tips & Prompts

Georgetown Secondary Application Essay Prompts by Year Add a header to begin generating the table of contents The Georgetown University School of Medicine secondary application reflects the school’s mission in recruiting a diverse and compassionate medical school class. The primary Georgetown secondary application essay is tough – it’s like a 1-page “Why Georgetown,” “Why Medicine,” […]

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Medical   Georgetown University School of Medicine Secondary Application Essay Tips [2022 – 2023]

  • Thread starter LindaAccepted
  • Start date Jul 22, 2022
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Georgetown University School of Medicine Secondary Application Essay Tips [2022 - 2023]

Georgetown University School of Medicine 2022 – 2023 secondary application essay questions​

Georgetown medical school short essay question #1​.

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Georgetown Medical School short essay question #2​

Georgetown medical school long essay question​, watch: cura personalis explained​, applying to georgetown here are some stats:​, georgetown medical school application timeline 2022-23​.

AMCAS application dueNovember 1, 2022
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Secondary Application, $130 application fee, and recommendation letters received by AMCASDecember 15, 2022
AMCAS application dueNovember 1, 2022
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Secondary Application, $130 application fee, and recommendation letters received by AMCASNovember 25, 2022

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  • 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your Med School and Secondary Essays , a free guide
  • School-Specific Secondary Application Essay Tips
  • Secondary Strategy: Why Do You Want To Go Here?

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How to Ace Your Georgetown Medical School Secondary Application

Learn how to navigate the Georgetown Medical School secondary application process with expert tips and strategies.

Posted April 2, 2024

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Table of Contents

Preparing your medical school application can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the rigorous requirements of a prestigious institution like Georgetown Medical School. With their secondary application being a crucial step in the admissions process, it is important to approach it strategically. In this article, we will guide you through the process of mastering Georgetown Medical School's secondary application, providing valuable tips and insights along the way.

How to Master Georgetown Medical School's Secondary Application

Georgetown Medical School's secondary application is designed to assess your fit with the school's mission and values, as well as your potential to contribute to the medical community. Therefore, it is essential to tailor your responses to highlight your unique qualities and experiences. To effectively master this application, consider the following strategies:

Essay Writing Strategies

When it comes to essay writing for your Georgetown Medical School secondary application, it's crucial to showcase your exceptional writing skills while concisely conveying your thoughts. Start by carefully reading the prompts and understanding what the admissions committee is looking for in each response. Use specific examples from your experiences to support your claims and demonstrate your suitability for the program.

Organize your essay using a logical structure that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This will make your essay easy to follow and showcase your writing abilities. Remember to proofread your work for grammar and punctuation errors before submitting it.

Consider incorporating personal anecdotes that highlight your journey towards pursuing a career in medicine. Share stories of patients you have encountered during your clinical experiences and how those interactions have shaped your passion for healthcare. By weaving in these narratives, you can provide a deeper understanding of your motivations and dedication to the field.

Read : Mastering Secondary Essay Prompts in Medical School Applications

Here's How to Stand Out

To stand out among a competitive applicant pool, you need to highlight your unique qualities and experiences. Georgetown Medical School values diversity and seeks applicants who can bring a fresh perspective to their program. Reflect on your personal journey and identify aspects that set you apart from other applicants.

Consider your extracurricular activities , research projects, volunteer work, or any other experiences that have shaped your passion for medicine. Highlight your accomplishments, challenges you've overcome, and lessons you've learned along the way. Demonstrating your commitment to making a positive impact in the healthcare field will capture the attention of the admissions committee.

It is also important to emphasize your interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team. Discuss instances where you have collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, whether it be through group projects, volunteer initiatives, or community service. Highlighting your ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse individuals will demonstrate your potential to contribute to the medical community at Georgetown.

Key Components

The Georgetown Medical School secondary application typically consists of several components, such as short answer questions and additional essays. Each component provides an opportunity to showcase different aspects of your candidacy.

The short answer questions are usually brief and require concise responses. Take the time to craft thoughtful answers that demonstrate your knowledge of the school and your motivation to attend. Research the curriculum, faculty, and unique programs offered by Georgetown Medical School, and tailor your answers accordingly.

Consider incorporating your personal experiences and how they align with the values and mission of Georgetown. By connecting your past experiences to your future aspirations, you can demonstrate a strong sense of purpose and commitment to the medical field.

The additional essays are more in-depth and allow you to expand on specific topics. Use this opportunity to share personal anecdotes, discuss your career aspirations, or delve into your research interests. Showcase your critical thinking skills and cultural competency, emphasizing how these qualities align with Georgetown's mission and values.

You may also discuss any unique research experiences or projects you have been involved in. Highlight the impact of your research on the medical field and how it has shaped your understanding of healthcare. By showcasing your intellectual curiosity and dedication to advancing medical knowledge, you can demonstrate your potential as a future leader in the field.

Remember to use specific examples and vivid language to make your essays engaging and memorable. By providing detailed descriptions and personal insights, you can create a compelling narrative that showcases your passion and commitment to medicine.

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Georgetown University.

Guide to Application

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Thank you for expressing your interest in the M.D. Program at Georgetown University School of Medicine.  The Committee on Admissions selects students on the basis of academic achievements, character, maturity, and motivation.  In rendering decisions, the Committee holistically evaluates the applicant’s entire academic record, performance on the MCAT, college premedical advisory committee evaluations, letters of recommendation, and a personal interview.

The Guide to Application below provides information about the requirements, policies, and procedures for applying to the School of Medicine.  For additional answers to commonly asked questions, please visit  Admissions FAQ .

2024-2025 Application Timeline and Procedures

Technical Standards: Admissions & Graduation

Criteria for Application Review

Procedural information, review of applications, important statements, application prerequisites & requirements, international & daca applicants, disclaimers.

Contacting the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid

M.D. Application Deadlines

  • Sept. 15, 2024: Deadline to submit Petition for Delayed Review of Application (for participants in one-year master’s degree programs)
  • Nov. 1, 2024: AMCAS Application
  • Nov. 15, 2024: Transcripts received by AMCAS (not postmarked)
  • Dec. 15, 2024: Secondary Application (11:59 p.m. EST – no exceptions ) with $130 Application Fee, and Recommendation Letters received by AMCAS

M.D./Ph.D. Application Deadlines

  • Nov. 15, 2024: Secondary Application (11:59 p.m. EST – no exceptions) with $130 Application Fee, and Recommendation Letters received by AMCAS

AMCAS Choose Your Medical School Deadlines

  • February- April 29 : AMCAS Choose Your Medical School tool opens with the “Plan to Enroll” option for Admitted students on AMCAS. Accepted applicants may select one school to “Plan to Enroll” in AMCAS (optional). Students may continue to hold multiple offers. Professional courtesy to begin to withdraw from programs applicants know they will not attend.
  • By April 15 : Admitted students reduce choices to three schools. Applicants are expected to narrow their acceptances to three. Applicants may remain on waitlists. Acceptance deposits are refundable until April 30th.
  • April 30 : “Plan to Enroll” deadline. Applicants must move to holding just one admissions offer, but applicants may remain on waitlists. Applicants holding multiple acceptances after April 30 may have offers rescinded.
  • April 30-June 14 : AMCAS “Commit to Enroll” opens. Selecting this confirms that the applicant will attend GUSOM and removes self from any other waitlists. If GUSOM receives notification from AMCAS that an applicant has selected “Commit to Enroll” for another institution, GUSOM will withdraw the acceptance/waitlist offer for that applicant.
  • June 15 : “Commit to Enroll” deadline. Accepted applicants are required to select “Commit to Enroll” option for GUSOM in AMCAS by June 15 at 11:59 PM EST. Failure to do so will result in the rescinding of the admissions offer.
  • June 16-30 : Applicants accepted June 16-30 are required to select “Commit to Enroll” option in AMCAS within 7 days of their acceptance offer.
  • July : Applicants accepted in July are required to select “Commit to Enroll” option in AMCAS within 3 days of their acceptance offer.

Deposit Information and Deadlines

*$500 pre-enrollment deposit is credited to the candidate’s tuition upon matriculation

  • October to April 15:  Accepted applicants must submit a pre-enrollment deposit by April 30. This deposit is refundable if acceptance is withdrawn by April 30, provided a written refund request is submitted. Refunds will not be processed automatically without a written request. No refunds will be issued after April 30th
  • May:  Accepted applicants must submit a non-refundable pre-enrollment deposit of $500 within  7  days of acceptance
  • June:  Accepted applicants must submit a non-refundable pre-enrollment deposit of $500 within  5  days of acceptance
  • July:  Accepted applicants must submit a non-refundable pre-enrollment deposit of $500 within  2  days of acceptance
  • Failure to meet these requirements may lead to rescinding the acceptance offer

Note: Deposits can be refunded upon request until April 30. Any deposits made after April 30 are non-refundable.

Financial Aid Deadlines

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Mission Statement

Guided by the Jesuit tradition of  “cura personalis ,” Georgetown University School of Medicine will educate, in an integrated way, knowledgeable, ethical, skillful and compassionate physicians and biomedical scientists dedicated to the care of others and the health needs of our society.

Diversity Statement

The University was founded on the principle that serious and sustained discourse among people of different faiths, cultures, and beliefs promotes intellectual, ethical, and spiritual understanding. Consistent with this principle, the School of Medicine strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians who embrace all dimensions of diversity in a learning environment that understands and includes the varied health care needs and growing diversity of the populations we serve.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Georgetown University provides educational opportunities without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, age, color, disability, family responsibilities, familial status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, personal appearance, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, source of income, veteran’s status or any other factor prohibited by law in its educational programs and activities.  Inquiries regarding Georgetown University’s non-discrimination policy may be addressed to Institutional Diversity, Equity & Affirmative Action, 37th and O Sts., N.W., Suite M36, Darnall Hall, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20057.

Accreditation

Georgetown University School of Medicine is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).

When evaluating a file for interview, the Committee on Admissions emphasizes five major areas holistically without assigning weight to a particular section.  Please review the “Application Requirements” tab below for more information.

The Committee on Admissions reads the entire application prior to rendering a decision; the application is reviewed only once by committee members.

Essays –  AMCAS and Georgetown Secondary Application Essays

Experiences – Clinical Experience, Leadership, Service, and Research.  A highly competitive applicant will present a minimum of:

  • Substantive, longitudinal clinical experiences such as: shadowing a physician, medical mission trips, scribing, community EMS, etc.  Please note that volunteering in clinic/waiting rooms such as playing/reading to children, stocking shelves, and transporting patients is considered good volunteer experience, but is not hands-on clinical experience.   International experiences are acceptable, but a majority should be in the United States.
  • Research in any academic discipline. 
  • Direct service to an underserved population

MCAT – All applicants MUST have a valid MCAT score. MCAT scores considered “valid” are those taken within the two years prior to application. For example, for applicants applying for admission to the entering class of 2025, MCATs from January 2022-September 2024 are valid. No exceptions are made under any circumstances.

GPA –  With emphasis on the undergraduate BCPM (Science) GPA:

  • A highly competitive applicant demonstrates a BCPM (Science) GPA ≥3.6
  • A non-competitive applicant demonstrates a BCPM (Science) GPA ≤3.0

Letters of Recommendation

  • A minimum of one (1) committee letter/packet (required, if available) or two (2) individual letters is required.  There is a maximum of five (5) letters that can be submitted. Please see the “Application Requirements” section below for more details.
  • All recommendation letters should be submitted electronically via AMCAS and assigned to the Georgetown University School of Medicine.

The Committee on Admissions takes criminal convictions (felonies/misdemeanors) and institutional actions seriously, especially those involving alcohol, drugs, or plagiarism.

Academic Degree

All applicants to the Georgetown University School of Medicine are required to be in possession of a bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent) from an accredited institution prior to matriculation.  Applicants do not need to have obtained the degree prior to application, however:

  • Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses will fulfill the pre-requisite requirements if the individual courses and credits awarded are detailed on the applicant’s college/university transcript.
  • Courses taken as Pass/Fail can count toward the 90 credit hour requirement.
  • Only the last 6-8 hours of pre-requisites may be taken in the year prior to matriculation and must be completed by July 1 of the year of matriculation.
  • The School of Medicine accepts prerequisites completed at the community college level. In order to be competitive in the selection process, we encourage prospective applicants with community college prerequisites to supplement these courses by taking advanced courses in related subjects at their four year institution.

Pre-Requisite Courses and Course Hours

Academic requirements for admissions to the School of Medicine include adequate preparation in physics, biology, chemistry, and mathematics.  The following courses are required:

  • General Biology: 1 year with lab (8 semester hours)
  • General Chemistry: 1 year with lab (8 semester hours)
  • Organic Chemistry * : 1 year with lab (8 semester hours).
  • Physics: 1 year with lab (8 semester hours)
  • Mathematics (college-level): 1 semester. Calculus is not required; Statistics is acceptable.

​* Biochemistry (lab not required) is recommended, and may replace a second semester of Organic Chemistry with lab.

Courses in microbiology, computer science, cellular physiology, genetics, embryology, biostatistics, quantitative analysis, physical chemistry, humanities, and social and behavioral sciences – while not required – are useful in providing some of the essential skills and knowledge required for a medical education.

Substitutions for pre-requisite coursework are not permitted.

If the prerequisite coursework was completed 5 years ago or longer, applicants must have been enrolled and completed coursework in a post-baccalaureate program or completed (enrolled) in a graduate program with upper level science coursework within the past 5 years.

Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)

To be considered for the entering class, scores from the three years prior to the year of matriculation will be considered. (For example, for students who will matriculate in 2025, only MCAT scores from 2022, 2023, and 2024 are valid). No other scores are eligible and – regardless of reason – no exceptions will be made.

  • If you indicate a future test date on your AMCAS application, no review will be initiated until those scores are received from AMCAS, given that they are taken by September of the application year.
  • Applicants are encouraged to submit both the Secondary Application and Letters of Recommendation prior to receipt of future MCAT scores.
  • A valid MCAT score is required for ALL applications. No exceptions will be made to this policy, regardless of circumstances.

The Committee on Admissions requires a signed appraisal of your character and ability.  Please note that  all  recommendation letters should be submitted electronically via AMCAS and assigned to the Georgetown University School of Medicine.  Of note:

  • A letter packet from a pre-medical committee is required if available.  If your college/university does not offer a committee letter/packet, please submit a minimum of two (2) letters, but no more than five (5) letters. Given that committee packets/letters may contain more than five (5) letters of recommendation, this is the one exception to the five (5) letter maximum.
  • You may use your discretion when selecting letter-writers, however, it is recommended that you submit a balance of academic, clinical, and service recommendation letters.  
  • Graduate students working toward a degree in the sciences are encouraged to submit a letter from your current graduate faculty.  Please see below the instructions for submitting a petition for delayed review if you are in a one-year program below in the “Procedural Information” tab.
  • Only  applicants who have been away from degree-granting institutions for greater than three (3) years may elect to submit entirely non-academic recommendation letters.

Student Immunization Requirements (required prior to matriculation)

Background Check Policy   (required prior to matriculation)

Applicants are encouraged to become familiar with and observe the application procedures of Georgetown University School of Medicine in detail.  All documents submitted become the property of the School of Medicine and are not returned or forwarded to third parties.  Application materials for applicants who are not accepted are not retained for future applications.  Applicants who applied in previous years and who wish to use the same credentials must resubmit them.

Georgetown University School of Medicine reserves the right to pursue any questions regarding academic records and/or transcripts, or issues of concern raised during application review.

AMCAS Application

Georgetown University School of Medicine receives verified applications from the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) for applicants applying to our school. 

Secondary Application

Our Secondary Application is emailed to all applicants,  beginning in July .  We do not pre-screen applicants.  Applicants with AMCAS applications verified before July will receive their Secondary Application invitation within the first 5-7 business days of July and applicants with AMCAS applications verified on or after July 1 will receive their invitation within 5-7 business days of the date of verification. The email is sent from [email protected] with the subject line: Secondary Application Invitation. If you do not receive the invitation email please check your spam, junk or bulk mail folders before contacting the Office of Admissions.

Special Note for Hotmail users : To ensure receipt of communications from our office, please add the following email addresses to your “Safe Senders” list: [email protected]; [email protected].

If you do not receive a Secondary Application invitation email within the timeframe outlined above, please contact the Office of Admissions for assistance.  Extensions  will not  be granted beyond the Secondary Application deadline  (December 15)  for applicants who did not receive their invitation and who did not contact the Office of Admissions within a reasonable amount of time from the date of verification of their AMCAS application.

Updates to the Secondary Application

To ensure timely application review, post-submission updates will be limited to text updates submitted via the online Secondary Application portal.  Emails – and any associated attachments – sent to the Office of Admissions will be disregarded and not be uploaded to your application.

Academic Record and Transcripts

The Committee on Admissions will review your coursework as verified by AMCAS in the Academic Record section of the AMCAS application.  AMCAS requires you to list all attempted and future coursework.

For purposes of review, the Committee on Admissions requests that transcripts be submitted directly to AMCAS. Due to the volume of requests received — and to ensure fairness in the application process — transcripts received outside of AMCAS  will not  be added to your application file (unless you are are  granted a delayed review ).  Please do not send transcripts to our office unless specifically requested, as they will be discarded.

Applicant Contact Information

Any changes to your email and/or mailing address must be made directly with AMCAS through your online portal. This information will be automatically updated in your Secondary Application, typically within 24 hours.

The completed Secondary Application, essays, application fee, and uploaded Letters of Recommendation (via the AMCAS system) must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m., EST, on December 15.  The Committee on Admissions  will not  consider required documents received after the deadline and will discard the application of any candidate who fails to submit these required credentials by the deadline.   The School of Medicine has no obligation to inform the applicant regarding erroneous or incomplete applications .

Please note: Our deadline falls during the Winter Break and holiday period during which many offices are closed. Deadlines are submission/receipt deadlines, not postmarked-by dates.

Application Fee and Waivers

Along with the Secondary Application, a  non-refundable  application fee of $130 is required.  Fee waivers are only granted to AMCAS FAP-approved applicants and the fee waiver must appear on the verified AMCAS application.  We  will not  issue fee waivers without this verification.

Completed Applications

When your application is complete (all of the required credentials have been received), you will be notified by email.  Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to notify applicants of missing credentials.  If you believe that more than three weeks have passed since credentials were submitted to complete your application, and you have not received notification from the Office of Admissions, email [email protected] to inquire about the status of your application.  Only completed applications are forwarded to the Committee on Admissions for review and interview consideration and are reviewed only once.

Special Policy for Students in One-Year Graduate Degree Programs

Any applicant pursuing a one (1) year graduate degree during the year of application may petition the Committee on Admissions not to review his or her file until completion of the first semester.

  • Only applicants who are/will be enrolled in a degree-granting graduate program who have completed all of the prerequisite courses are eligible to apply.
  • Students enrolled in post-bac programs  are not  eligible.
  • Students enrolled in a graduate certificate program  may  apply.
  • Students enrolled in the Special Master’s Program in Physiology at Georgetown University  are not  covered under this policy and must follow the policies of the SMP Program.

Eligible applicants must submit a petition request via e-mail to  [email protected]  by September 15th of the application year.  Please include your full (legal) name, AMCAS ID, the graduate program, and a contact (advisor or dean) at the graduate program.

International Applicants

Beginning with the 2023-24 cycle, we no longer consider international applicants for admission. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, hold a permanent resident visa, or be eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) process of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services at the time of application.

All applicants must provide the appropriate documentation which would include submission of a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, U.S. permanent resident card, Form N-550, Certificate of Naturalization, or other documentation to show asylee, refugee or DACA status.

DACA Applicants

All applications are considered without regard to residency, citizenship, or visa status, and all applicants must meet the same criteria.  For Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) applicants requiring financial aid, we encourage you to research funding options well in advance, as eligibility for traditional funding programs may be limited.

Notification and Decisions

The Committee on Admissions will notify applicants when a decision has been made via email to the email address provided in the AMCAS application. To ensure receipt of communications from our office, please add the following email addresses to your “Safe Senders” list: [email protected]; [email protected]. The Office of Admissions will not share decisions over the phone.  All applicants completing an application will be notified as to whether or not they will be invited to interview.

Extensions  will not  be granted and applications will be withdrawn for applicants who received an interview invitation and did not schedule their interview within the required two week time period of notification of the invitation.

Interviews are conducted virtually with the School of Medicine and are by invitation only.  Applicants invited to interview will be notified approximately 4-6 weeks in advance.

Application Withdrawal Requests

Applicants who wish to withdraw from the application process must notify the Office of Admissions in writing to [email protected] . Please include your AMCAS ID number and legal name.

Guide to Application Disclaimer

This Guide is published for prospective students of Georgetown University School of Medicine.  The School of Medicine reserves the right to alter the contents of this Guide and any policies described herein.  Any such alterations apply to new and current students at the time the alteration is put into effect.  The “Guide to Application” is not a contract, or an offer to contract.

While making every effort to contain costs, the School of Medicine specifically reserves the right to increase tuition or other fees without prior notice.  Georgetown University and the School of Medicine further reserve the right to alter the requirements regarding admission, to change the arrangement of courses, the requirements for graduation or degrees, and to modify all other policies applicable to its students.  Such changes could affect current and new students, and would become effective whenever determined by the School of Medicine or another appropriate University component.

Students are responsible for staying informed about, and complying with the policies, regulations, and requirements set forth in this Guide, as well as those in the School of Medicine’s “Student Handbook,” the “Prospectus,” the “Financial Aid Guide,” and any other University policies or rules that may apply.

Student Right-to-Know Act and Campus Security Act

In compliance with the Student Right-To-Know and Campus Security Act, it is the policy of Georgetown University to make readily available information concerning the completion or graduation rate of all certificate or degree-seeking, full-time undergraduate students entering the University, as well as the average completion or graduation rate of students who have received athletically-related student aid. This information is available upon request from the Director, Department of Athletics, McDonough Gym, Georgetown University, Box 571121, Washington, D.C. 20057, (202) 687-2435. 

The Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1992, requires that the University prepare information on current campus law enforcement policies, crime prevention programs and campus security statistics. This information is available upon request from the Director, Department of Public Safety, 116 Village C, Georgetown University, Box 571120, Washington, D.C. 20057, (202) 687-4343.

Before contacting the Office of Admissions, please review the Guide to Application and the  M.D. FAQ  in their entirety.

Contacting the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid

Email: for Admissions inquiries:  [email protected] Financial aid inquiries: [email protected] Twitter:  @GUMedAdmissions Facebook: Georgetown University School of Medicine Office of Admissions Instagram:  @gumedadmissions

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Georgetown University Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2024-2025

georgetown secondary essay examples

Georgetown University has released its 2024-2025 admissions essays for applicants to the Class of 2029 . The Jesuit institution, which has for years bucked the trend of joining The Common Application , asks applicants to respond to three essays in addition to one essay that is school-specific within the broader university. So, what are this year’s essay prompts? Hint, hint: they’re the same as last year’s. Let’s dive in!

2024-2025 Georgetown Essay Topics and Questions

Essay prompts for all georgetown applicants.

All Georgetown applicants must answer the following three essay prompts

1. Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you would like to highlight (250 words) .

Applicants should focus on a skill related to the hook they’ve showcased in the activities section of their Georgetown application. After all, Georgetown’s admissions committee doesn’t care if an applicant can juggle. Even if the skill doesn’t relate to the student’s hook, the talent must showcase intellectual curiosity or it’s a wasted opportunity.

2. Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved (approximately 1/2 page, single-spaced) .

Applicants should shine a spotlight on one of their more meaningful activities. And, yes, this activity should relate to the student’s hook. If a student is interested in studying political science, the activity they write about for this essay prompt should not relate to physics. Georgetown’s admissions committee wants to see how applicants are going to make the world better in a small but meaningful way. As such, this is an opportunity to show rather than tell how they’ve done that to date through the prism of a specific extracurricular pursuit.

3. Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your own background, identity, skills, and talents. (approximately 1 page, single-spaced)

It’s unsurprising that unlike many of its peer institutions, Georgetown has made few changes to its application in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling outlawing Affirmative Action. After all, Georgetown’s longtime Dean of Admissions Charles Deacon is well known for his aversion to change. For example, it took a worldwide pandemic for the man to finally switch to notifying applicants of their decisions via the Internet rather than snail mail.

While this essay is similar to last year’s third essay prompt required of all applicants, the wording is slightly different. Unlike last year’s prompt, Georgetown has included “background” and “identity.” Last year, the prompt read, “As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you.”

Now, keep in mind that some schools, like Johns Hopkins University , included bold language that very much capitalized on the loophole Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts penned in his majority opinion outlawing Affirmative Action , allowing schools to continue to consider a candidate’s race in context: “Nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.” Georgetown, unsurprisingly, didn’t go nearly as far in its language under its reluctant-to-modernize admissions czar — but it’s a step nonetheless.

Students need not be underrepresented minorities to answer this prompt powerfully. Students can instead write about their faith, community, or experiences, but we do encourage applicants who are underrepresented minorities to subtly make it clear since Georgetown, like all highly selective universities, continues to wish to admit a diverse class of students.

Georgetown School-Specific Essay Prompts

For the school-specific essay, irrespective of the school, the essay should not exceed one page, single-spaced.

Georgetown College of Arts and Sciences

A liberal arts education from the College of Arts & Sciences involves encounters with new concepts and modes of inquiry. Describe something (a class, a book, an event, etc.) that changed your thinking. (Applicants to the sciences, mathematics, public policy or languages are encouraged to include examples related to that field.)

Georgetown’s admissions committee wants to understand how an applicant thinks. Through a specific anecdote or anecdotes (no matter a student’s chosen field of study) — be it via a book, event, classroom discussion, lecture, or anything — it behooves applicants to shine a light on how they are filled with conviction. Yet, they’re also malleable to change when presented with better ideas. And, of course, it wouldn’t hurt to pepper — by showing rather than telling — the importance of the Jesuit tradition and, in particular, Cura personalis, in their storytelling.

McDonough School of Business

The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.

This essay prompt presents applicants with an opportunity to share an origin story — as high schoolers rather than as children — for their interest in business. Ideally, the origin story traces to an activity featured in the student’s Georgetown activities section. And, of course, McDonough isn’t looking to admit future business titans just out for money. They want to understand how applicants will make the world better in a small but meaningful way. As such, McDonough applicants should infuse their essays with Jesuit traditions — and why they matter to them in business. And, yes, this essay should also be infused with Why McDonough and Why Georgetown specifics (and, no, name-dropping professors and listing classes don’t count as genuine specifics).

Walsh School of Foreign Service

The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. What is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world?

Walsh is looking to learn the origin story of an applicant’s interest in foreign service — as high schoolers rather than as children. Through a specific anecdote or anecdotes, which ideally trace back to the student’s activities so they’re showing rather than telling, applicants should highlight how they hope to leave a mark on the wall in a way that can be actualized. Stopping climate change can’t be actualized. Incentivizing countries to be greener — based on specific research and insights — is much more doable.

School of Health

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care at Georgetown University. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science).

Georgetown’s School of Health seeks to understand a student’s origin story, as a high schooler, for their interest in the disciplines under the School of Health’s umbrella. A grandparent becoming ill with breast cancer is not the way into such an essay since it’s all too common and doesn’t say enough about how a student thinks and how they wish to leave a mark on their field.

Instead, applicants should tell a small story that ideally relates to an activity they’ve participated in during high school, that showcases precisely why they want to contribute to the health field and how they hope to make a difference — and always in a small but deeply meaningful way.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Georgetown Essays

If you’re interested in submitting essays that will wow Georgetown’s admissions committee, fill out Ivy Coach ’s complimentary consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to outline our college admissions counseling services for seniors.

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Georgetown Essay Prompts 2023-2024

georgetown secondary essay examples

By Eric Eng

A building inside the Georgetown University campus

Dreaming of strolling through the historic halls of Georgetown University? You’re not alone! This esteemed institution isn’t just about prestigious academics; it’s a vibrant community eager to welcome diverse voices and unique stories. And guess what? Your journey to becoming a Hoya begins with a pen and paper—or, in today’s world, a keyboard and screen.

This blog will discuss Georgetown’s essay prompts for the 2023-2024 academic year. Think of these essays as your personal spotli ght—a chance to shine, share your story, and show the admissions committee why you’re not just another applicant, but a future Georgetown star. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a nervous note-taker, we’ve got the insights and tips to help you transform your thoughts into compelling narratives that resonate with the Georgetown spirit.

Does Georgetown University Accept Common Application?

No, Georgetown University does not accept the Common Application . Instead, Georgetown has its own application system . Applicants must use the Georgetown Application , which is available on the university’s website. This unique application process allows Georgetown to tailor its application to better fit the specific needs and focus areas of the university and its various programs. As part of this application, students are required to complete Georgetown’s own set of essay prompts, which are distinct from the Common App essay prompts .

How Many Essay Prompts Does Georgetown Have?

Georgetown University has a total of three main essay prompts for all applicants in the 2023-2024 application cycle. Additionally, there are specific prompts for each of the different schools within the university, such as the Georgetown College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Health, the School of Nursing, the Walsh School of Foreign Service, and the McDonough School of Business. 

Each of these schools has its own unique prompt, tailored to the specific interests and focus areas of the programs offered. Therefore, the total number of essay prompts a student will need to respond to depends on the specific school within Georgetown to which they are applying.

What are the 2023-2024 Georgetown Essay Prompts?

Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (1/2 page, single-spaced) 

As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your own background, identity, skills, and talents. (1 page, single-spaced)

School-Specific Prompts:

Georgetown College: 

A liberal arts education from the College of Arts & Sciences involves encounters with new concepts and modes of inquiry. Describe something (a class, a book, an event, etc.) that changed your thinking. (Applicants to the sciences, mathematics, public policy or languages are encouraged to include examples related to that field.) (approximately one page, single-spaced each)

School of Health: 

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying healthcare. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science).

School of Nursing: 

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major Nursing.

Walsh School of Foreign Service: 

The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. What is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world?

McDonough School of Business: 

The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.

Student writing college or university application.

How to Answer the Georgetown Essay Prompts

Main prompt 1:, understanding the prompt:.

This prompt is an opportunity for applicants to showcase a significant aspect of their personal development, interests, and contributions outside of the classroom. This could include anything from a leadership position in a student organization to a personal passion project that you’ve been working on. The goal is to show the admissions committee who you are as a person and what you’re passionate about outside of academics.

Crafting Your Response:

1. Depth of Involvement and Personal Growth: The prompt asks for the activity in which the student has been “most involved,” signaling an interest in depth rather than breadth of engagement. Students should reflect on an activity in which they invested significant time and effort, explaining how this commitment shaped their character, skills, or perspectives. 

This could be a leadership role in a club, a sport they are passionate about, or a project they led during a summer program. The focus should be on how the activity contributed to their personal growth, such as developing leadership skills, learning to collaborate, or overcoming challenges.

2. Impact and Contributions: Beyond personal growth, it’s important to discuss the impact the student had through their involvement. This could include how they improved the club or team, initiated a new project or event, or made a difference in their community. For instance, if they were part of a community service project, they could detail how their efforts contributed to the community’s welfare and what they learned about social issues.

3. Passion and Interest Alignment: The essay should reflect the student’s genuine interest and passion for the activity. This is an opportunity to reveal what drives them and how their interests align with their broader goals or values. For example, if they’re involved in environmental activism, they can discuss how this reflects their commitment to sustainability and their aspiration to pursue environmental studies.

4. Lessons and Future Application: Students should consider what lessons they have learned from their involvement and how these lessons will be applicable in their future, especially in a college setting like Georgetown. This could involve discussing skills like time management, resilience, or creative problem-solving, and how these skills will help them contribute to the Georgetown community.

In crafting a response, students should aim for a narrative that is authentic and reflective, providing specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate their points. The goal is to give admissions officers a clear and compelling picture of who they are, what they care about, and how they engage with the world around them.

Main Prompt 2:

The Georgetown essay prompt for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle is an invitation for applicants to share a more personalized and comprehensive view of themselves beyond their academic achievements and extracurricular activities. The prompt asks applicants to “tell us about something that is important to you, and why.”

This could be anything from a personal passion to a deeply held belief. The goal of the prompt is to give applicants a chance to show the admissions committee who they are as a person, beyond their academic records.

1. Reflect on Your Unique Background and Identity: This prompt allows students to delve into aspects of their identity that have shaped them. Students should reflect on their cultural, familial, or community background, considering how these elements have contributed to their perspectives, values, and goals. For example, if a student grew up in a multicultural household or has been significantly involved in their cultural community, they could discuss how these experiences have enriched their understanding of diversity and shaped their worldview.

2. Highlight Personal Challenges and Growth: Applicants can use this opportunity to discuss personal challenges they’ve faced and how they’ve grown from these experiences. This might include overcoming personal adversity, dealing with a significant life event, or managing a unique challenge that isn’t apparent in other parts of their application. The key is to focus on the learning and growth that came from these experiences, showing resilience, maturity, and self-awareness.

3. Showcase Creative Talents or Unique Skills: If the student has a particular creative talent or skill, this is the place to share it. This could be anything from writing, art, music, to less conventional skills like coding games, robotics, or even a unique hobby. The goal is to illustrate passion and dedication, perhaps by describing the process of developing this talent or skill, and how it reflects their personality or has impacted their life.

4. Discuss Impactful Experiences or Moments of Realization: Students might choose to focus on a specific event or experience that had a profound impact on their life. This could be a volunteering experience, a significant project, travel, or an encounter that changed their perspective. They should aim to describe why this experience was meaningful and how it has influenced their aspirations or approach to life.

5. Connect to Georgetown’s Values and Community: While the essay is about the student, subtly relating their experiences and values to those of Georgetown University can be effective. If aspects of their identity, experiences, or aspirations align with Georgetown’s commitment to diversity, service, or intellectual exploration, making this connection can help illustrate why they are a good fit for the university.

In all of these points, the key for students is to be authentic and introspective. The essay should give the admissions committee a window into who they are as an individual, beyond just their academic and extracurricular profile. It’s about painting a picture of a well-rounded, thoughtful individual who would contribute meaningfully to the Georgetown community.

A student writing her essays

Georgetown College Prompt

This prompt is designed to explore a student’s openness to new ideas and their ability to engage critically with different concepts and perspectives. It’s an opportunity for applicants to demonstrate how their thinking has evolved through exposure to new experiences or knowledge.

1. Identify a Transformative Experience: The prompt asks for a class, book, event, or similar experience that changed your thinking. Students should reflect on moments in their academic or personal life where they encountered a new idea or perspective that significantly altered their understanding of a subject, concept, or the world. This could be a novel that challenged their worldview, a class that introduced a new way of thinking, or an event that shifted their perspective on an important issue.

2. Detail the Initial Perspective: To effectively convey the transformation, it’s important to describe the initial thoughts or beliefs the student held before the encounter. This sets the stage for understanding the change. If it was a class or book, what did they initially think about the subject? If it was an event, what were their preconceived notions about the topic or issue involved?

3. Describe the Process of Change: The crux of the essay should focus on how the experience led to a change in thinking. This involves detailing the specific aspects of the experience that were impactful. Was it a particular argument, piece of evidence, or narrative that caused the shift? How did the student grapple with this new information or perspective? This part should also reflect a journey of intellectual or personal growth, showing how the student engaged with the challenging ideas.

4. Reflect on the Impact and Future Application: Finally, students should reflect on how this change in thinking has impacted them. Have their actions, choices, or aspirations changed as a result? How do they apply this new perspective in their daily life or future plans? Particularly for applicants to fields like sciences, mathematics, public policy, or languages, linking this new understanding to their intended field of study can be powerful, showing how their transformed perspective will enrich their contributions to their chosen field.

Students should aim to be genuine and introspective, offering a narrative that is uniquely theirs and that showcases their ability to evolve intellectually and personally. This essay is not just about the change itself, but also about the student’s capacity for growth and adaptation, essential qualities for a successful liberal arts education.

School of Health Prompt

This prompt seeks to understand the motivations and influences behind a student’s decision to pursue a career in health care. Specifically, it asks the student to reflect on the factors that have driven their interest in a particular major within the healthcare field, such as Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science.

1. Personal Experiences or Anecdotes: The student should begin by recounting any personal experiences that sparked their interest in health care. This could be a family member’s health challenge, a volunteer experience, or an inspiring interaction with a healthcare professional. The key is to narrate this experience in a way that clearly connects to their chosen major. For instance, if applying for Health Care Management & Policy, they might discuss how witnessing inefficiencies in a healthcare system inspired them to want to improve healthcare policies.

2. Academic and Extracurricular Interests: Linking academic subjects and extracurricular activities to their chosen major can demonstrate a sustained interest in the field. For example, if they are interested in Global Health, they might discuss how subjects like biology and global studies have shaped their understanding of health on a global scale, or how being part of a Model United Nations club deepened their understanding of international health policies.

3. Impact and Aspirations: The student should articulate what they hope to achieve in their chosen field. This could involve specific goals like contributing to groundbreaking health policy reforms, working in global health initiatives, or conducting research in human science to advance medical knowledge. This part of the essay should convey a sense of purpose and ambition.

4. Connection to Georgetown’s Program: It’s crucial to demonstrate why Georgetown University, in particular, is the right fit for their aspirations. This could involve mentioning specific courses, professors, research opportunities, or the overall philosophy of the program that aligns with their interests and goals. For instance, if interested in Human Science, they could talk about how Georgetown’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning will help them explore the human body from both a scientific and societal perspective.

5. Reflection on Skills and Qualities: Finally, students should reflect on their personal qualities and skills, and how these will help them succeed in their chosen field and contribute to the Georgetown community. For example, qualities like empathy, a collaborative spirit, or analytical thinking are highly relevant in healthcare fields and should be linked to personal experiences or achievements.

In answering this prompt, the student should aim to weave these elements together into a cohesive narrative that not only highlights their passion and suitability for the field of health care but also underscores their unique perspective and what they can bring to Georgetown University.

a student writing in her notes on a table with a white laptop

School of Nursing Prompt

The prompt is seeking to understand the applicant’s motivations and experiences that have led them to pursue a career in nursing. It’s an opportunity for students to demonstrate their passion for the field, their understanding of what nursing entails, and how their personal experiences align with their career aspirations.

1. Personal Experiences and Influences: Reflect on any personal experiences that have influenced your decision to pursue nursing. This could be a personal health experience, an encounter with a nurse who made a significant impact, or witnessing the role of nurses in the healthcare system. 

Describe how these experiences gave you insights into the nursing profession and inspired your interest. Be specific about what aspects of these experiences resonated with you and how they align with your desire to become a nurse.

2. Understanding of the Nursing Role: Demonstrate your understanding of what nurses do, the challenges they face, and the essential qualities required to be successful in the field. You could discuss how your skills, qualities, or experiences (such as empathy, communication skills, resilience, or teamwork) align with the demands of the profession. This shows that your interest in nursing is informed and well-considered.

3. Educational and Professional Goals: Articulate your long-term goals in the field of nursing. What specific areas of nursing are you interested in? Are there particular populations or health issues you are passionate about addressing? Discuss how studying nursing at Georgetown will help you achieve these goals. Mention any particular programs, courses, or opportunities at Georgetown that align with your interests.

4. Contribution to the Field and Community: Reflect on how you envision contributing to the field of nursing and the broader community. Nursing is often about service to others; consider discussing your desire to impact patient care, healthcare policy, community health, or global health issues. This can include your views on advocacy, healthcare equity, and innovation in nursing.

When answering, it’s crucial to be authentic and personal. Admissions committees are looking for genuine passion and a clear understanding of the nursing profession. Your response should be a blend of personal narrative and professional insight, showing that your interest in nursing is both deeply personal and thoughtfully considered.

Man professional content writer working on web page via laptop computer while sitting in coffee shop during free time.

Walsh School of Foreign Service Prompt

The prompt from the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University reflects their commitment to fostering a deep understanding of their applicants’ motivations and aspirations. It demonstrates the school’s emphasis on selecting candidates who are genuinely dedicated to a career in global service.

By asking students to articulate their motivations, the institution aims to identify individuals who have a clear sense of purpose and a strong commitment to making a positive impact on the world. This approach ensures that the school can attract and nurture future leaders who will contribute significantly to international affairs and global diplomacy. In essence, this prompt serves as a gateway for the school to identify and cultivate the next generation of global changemakers.

1. Personal Experiences or Inspirations: Students should reflect on personal experiences or inspirations that have shaped their interest in global affairs. This could include specific events, people (such as a family member or public figure), or experiences (like travel, volunteering, or living in different cultures) that sparked their passion for international relations. Detailing how these experiences influenced their worldview and the desire to work in service to the world helps to create a personal and compelling narrative.

2. Understanding of Global Issues: Demonstrating awareness and understanding of current global challenges is crucial. Students should identify specific issues (like climate change, human rights, international diplomacy, or global health) that they are passionate about. They should explain why these issues matter to them personally and how they hope to contribute to solutions in the future. This showcases not only their awareness but also their commitment to specific causes.

3. Career Aspirations and Goals: Applicants should articulate their long-term career goals and how these align with the mission of the Walsh School of Foreign Service. Whether they aspire to work in international diplomacy, non-governmental organizations, global policy-making, or another related field, they should clearly connect these aspirations to their motivation for choosing this path of study. This demonstrates a forward-looking and goal-oriented mindset.

4. Understanding of the Walsh School’s Offerings: Showing knowledge about what the Walsh School of Foreign Service specifically offers and how it aligns with their goals is essential. This might involve mentioning specific programs, courses, professors, extracurricular activities, or resources at Georgetown that they find appealing and relevant to their interests. This indicates that the student has done their research and is genuinely interested in what the school uniquely provides.

5. Personal Qualities and Skills: Reflect on personal qualities and skills that will help the student succeed in this field. This can include traits like resilience, adaptability, empathy, cross-cultural communication skills, or a knack for problem-solving. Explaining how these qualities have been developed over time and how they will be beneficial in a career dedicated to global service can s trengthen the essay.

In crafting their response, students should aim for authenticity, clarity, and specificity. Each point should contribute to painting a comprehensive picture of their motivations, understanding, and aspirations, making a compelling case for why they are a strong fit for the Walsh School of Foreign Service.

McDonough School of Business Prompt

The prompt for the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University seeks to understand a candidate’s specific reasons for wanting to study business at this prestigious institution. It emphasizes the unique aspects of their program – ethical, analytical, financial, and global perspectives. A thoughtful response to this prompt should articulate a clear, personal connection to these aspects.

1. Personal Connection to Business Studies: The applicant should reflect on their personal journey and experiences that sparked their interest in business. This could be a pivotal moment, a long-standing interest, or experiences in their family or community. For instance, if a family business inspired them, they can discuss how witnessing its operations piqued their interest in business principles.

2. Interest in Ethical Business Practices: Georgetown’s emphasis on ethical perspectives in business is unique. Applicants should consider how their values align with this approach. They might discuss their views on corporate social responsibility, sustainable business practices, or ethical dilemmas in the business world. For example, if a student is passionate about environmental sustainability, they can talk about their desire to learn how to integrate sustainable practices into business models.

3. Global Business Aspirations: Given the global focus of the McDonough School, students should explore their interests in international business. This could involve discussing aspirations to work in multinational corporations, interest in specific global markets, or understanding the global economic landscape. For instance, a student might be intrigued by the challenges of doing business in emerging markets and want to learn strategies to navigate these complexities.

4. Analytical and Financial Skills Development: Applicants should address how they plan to develop or utilize analytical and financial skills through the program. They could talk about their interest in areas like data analysis, financial modeling, or market research. For example, a student with a knack for numbers might express enthusiasm for deepening their understanding of financial analytics to aid decision-making in business.

5. Connection to Georgetown’s Unique Offerings: It’s crucial to link these interests and aspirations specifically to what Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business offers. This could be particular courses, professors, extracurricular opportunities, or the school’s network and location. Researching the school’s curriculum, talking to alumni, or attending informational sessions can provide valuable insights. For instance, an applicant might be drawn to a specific professor’s research in international trade or the opportunity to participate in business competitions organized by the school.

Students should integrate these elements in a cohesive narrative, demonstrating a clear understanding of what makes the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown unique and how it aligns perfectly with their career goals and personal values.

Close up of a woman writing in a notebook.

Structuring Your Georgetown Essays

The structure of an essay is akin to the skeleton of a building; it provides the necessary framework to organize thoughts, present ideas logically, and ensure that the message is conveyed effectively and coherently. When tackling the Georgetown essay prompts for 2023-2024, a well-structured essay can be the difference between a compelling, memorable application and one that fails to make an impact. Here are three key points on structuring these essays:

Introduction: Establishing a Personal Connection

For the Georgetown essay prompts 2023-2024, the introduction should serve as more than just a beginning. It needs to immediately establish a personal connection with the reader. Begin with a captivating hook – a vivid anecdote, a surprising fact, or an intriguing question. This hook should naturally lead to a thesis statement that succinctly presents the main theme or point of your essay. For example, if the prompt is about your motivation for studying business, start with a brief story or moment that ignited your passion for business. This sets the stage for the reader to understand the depth of your interest and the personal journey that led you to apply to Georgetown.

Body: Detailing Experiences and Reflections

The body of your essay for the Georgetown prompts should be a balanced mix of narrative and reflection. Each paragraph should start with a clear topic sentence that relates back to your thesis. Use specific examples and experiences to illustrate your points – whether it’s a significant project, a personal challenge you overcame, or an inspiring encounter. Be sure to integrate how these experiences align with the values and offerings of Georgetown University.

It’s crucial to show not just what you did, but also to reflect on how these experiences shaped you and how they tie into your decision to apply to Georgetown. This part of the essay is where you get to showcase your analytical thinking, self-awareness, and the ability to make connections between your experiences and your future goals at Georgetown.

Conclusion: Looking Forward and Reflecting Back

A powerful conclusion is essential in structuring your Georgetown essay. It should do more than simply summarize the essay; it should bring your narrative full circle and point toward the future. Reflect on what your experiences and aspirations say about you as a potential member of the Georgetown community. Consider tying back to your introduction in a way that shows growth or deepened understanding.

For instance, if you began with a personal anecdote, you might conclude by reflecting on how that experience now informs your future aspirations at Georgetown. The goal is to leave the admissions committee with a clear sense of your unique character, your fit with Georgetown, and the contribution you intend to make to their community.

By meticulously structuring your essay, you ensure that your narrative is clear, your arguments are well-developed, and your fit with Georgetown University is unmistakably articulated. Remember, each part of the essay serves a purpose in painting a holistic picture of you as a candidate. The structure is your guide to making sure every word counts and every paragraph moves you closer to your goal of impressing the Georgetown admissions committee.

How to Effectively Revise and Proofread Your Georgetown Essays

Revising and proofreading are critical steps in the process of crafting a compelling essay response to the Georgetown essay prompts 2023-2024. They transform a good essay into a great one by ensuring clarity, coherence, and correctness. Here are key strategies for applicants to effectively revise and proofread their essays:

1. Distance Yourself Before Revising: After writing the initial draft in response to the 2023-2024 Georgetown essay prompts, take a step back for a day or two. Distance allows you to return to your essay with a fresh perspective, making it easier to spot areas that need improvement. When you revisit your essay, read it as if you were a member of the admissions committee. 

Ask yourself: Does this essay capture my interest? Does it effectively communicate my message? Is my enthusiasm for Georgetown evident? This perspective can help you see the big picture and evaluate the overall effectiveness of your essay.

2. Read Aloud for Flow and Clarity: Reading your essay out loud is a surprisingly effective way to catch errors and awkward phrasings that you might miss while reading silently. As you read, pay attention to the rhythm and flow of your sentences. Do they sound natural? Are there any jarring transitions or cumbersome sentences? For the 2023-2024 Georgetown essay prompts, ensure that each paragraph smoothly transitions to the next, maintaining a coherent narrative that clearly articulates your motivations and aspirations.

3. Seek Feedback from Trusted Sources: It’s invaluable to have a second (or third) set of eyes on your essay. Choose individuals who know you well and can provide honest, constructive feedback. This could be a teacher, a guidance counselor, or a mentor. Ask them to review your essay with the Georgetown prompts in mind and provide feedback on content, clarity, and tone. They can help identify areas where your personality and passion for Georgetown aren’t shining through as strongly as they could.

4. Focus on Precision and Conciseness: When revising, scrutinize every word and sentence. Ensure each sentence serves a purpose and contributes to your overall message. Eliminate redundant phrases, replace vague words with more precise ones, and cut unnecessary filler. The goal is to convey your thoughts in the most effective and efficient way possible, especially considering the word limit constraints of the 2023-2024 Georgetown essay prompts.

5. Final Proofreading: Attention to Detail: After revising the content, the final step is thorough proofreading. Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Small mistakes can distract from the quality of your writing and may inadvertently give an impression of carelessness. Tools like grammar checkers can be helpful, but they’re not infallible. A meticulous manual review is essential. Additionally, ensure that your essay adheres to the specified format guidelines (such as font size, margins, and spacing) set by Georgetown University.

By diligently revising and proofreading, applicants ensure their essays are not only free of errors but also compellingly articulate their fit and desire to be part of Georgetown University. This process transforms their initial drafts into polished pieces that stand out in the competitive admissions landscape.

View of Georgetown University

Why Choose Georgetown University

Choosing to study at Georgetown University is a decision that aligns with both academic excellence and a commitment to global and ethical perspectives. This prestigious university is not just a place for acquiring knowledge; it’s a hub for nurturing future leaders equipped to address global challenges.

Georgetown University boasts an exceptional academic reputation, evidenced by its rankings in several key areas. According to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report, Georgetown is ranked #22 among national universities in the United States, and #39 in the Best Value Schools category.

These rankings underscore Georgetown’s commitment to providing comprehensive and high-quality education, benchmarked against over 1,800 colleges and universities across the country. Furthermore, on a global scale, Georgetown stands impressively at #314 out of 1740 institutions, reflecting its esteemed status worldwide.

The university also excels in specialized fields. It ranks first in both Best Colleges for Political Science and Best Colleges for International Relations in America, according to Niche rankings. This distinction highlights the strength of its programs in these critical areas, offering students unparalleled opportunities in these fields. The Business program is another area of excellence, ranking #16 in the USA and #22 globally. Such high rankings in specialized streams make Georgetown an attractive destination for students aspiring to lead in these sectors.

Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., Georgetown University offers a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world experience. Its position in the epicenter of political and international affairs provides students with unmatched opportunities for internships, networking, and exposure to global issues.

This enriching environment fosters a diverse and inclusive community where students from various backgrounds converge, share perspectives, and prepare for global careers. The university’s global outlook is further emphasized by its World University Ranking for 2024, where it stands at an impressive 32nd position.

Georgetown’s identity as a leading Catholic college in America adds another dimension to its educational approach. Ranked #1 among Catholic colleges, Georgetown integrates strong ethical values into its curriculum, focusing on the holistic development of students. This approach ensures that graduates are well-rounded individuals equipped to make meaningful contributions in their professional and personal lives.

Lastly, being a part of Georgetown’s alumni network opens doors to a world of opportunities. The university’s reputation and connections provide a solid foundation for its graduates, enabling them to excel in various fields, including government, international relations, business, law, and beyond.

The Importance of College Essays

Essays play a crucial role in shaping a student’s prospects of getting admitted to prestigious institutions like Georgetown University. When tackling the Georgetown essay prompts 2023-2024, it’s essential to understand the multifaceted importance of this aspect of the application.

One of the most significant roles essays play is in showcasing the applicant’s personal identity and voice. These narratives allow students to transcend beyond the quantitative aspects of their application, like GPAs and test scores, offering a glimpse into their individual experiences, thoughts, and aspirations.

When responding to Georgetown’s essay prompts, applicants have the opportunity to narrate their unique journeys, share transformative experiences, and articulate future goals. This humanizes the application, allowing the admissions committee to see the person behind the numbers, which can be a decisive factor in the admissions process.

Furthermore, essays serve as a medium for applicants to demonstrate their alignment with the university’s culture and values. Georgetown, known for its distinctive ethos focusing on global engagement and ethical leadership, seeks students who not only excel academically but also resonate with its values.

Through the essay prompts, applicants can illustrate how their personal values, goals, and interests align with those of Georgetown. This involves not just understanding what Georgetown stands for but also articulating how one’s aspirations and experiences intersect with the university’s ethos, thereby demonstrating a mutual fit.

Another critical aspect of the essay is its ability to showcase an applicant’s writing and critical thinking skills. Essays provide a canvas for students to demonstrate their ability to construct coherent narratives, articulate ideas clearly, and analyze complex topics. For Georgetown essay prompts 2023-2024, it’s essential that students present well-structured, thoughtfully developed essays. This showcases not just proficiency in language but also an ability to engage with ideas at a deeper level, reflecting a readiness for the rigors of college-level academics.

Lastly, in the increasingly competitive landscape of college admissions, essays are a powerful tool for differentiation. For institutions like Georgetown, where many applicants boast strong academic credentials, a compelling, uniquely written essay can make all the difference. It’s about presenting common experiences in an uncommon light, offering unique perspectives, and captivating the admissions committee with one’s narrative. A distinctive essay elevates an application, setting it apart in a pool of similarly qualified candidates and enhancing the chances of admission .

Overall, the essay component, especially in response to the Georgetown essay prompts 2023-2024, is more than just a formality in the college application process. It’s a strategic element that allows applicants to express their unique identity, align with the university’s ethos, demonstrate intellectual capabilities, and distinguish themselves in a highly competitive applicant pool. Mastery in crafting these essays can significantly tip the scales in favor of admission to prestigious institutions like Georgetown University.

View of a Georgetown University building

How Do Georgetown University’s Essay Prompts Compare to Other Universities?

The Georgetown essay prompts for 2023-2024 offer a distinctive approach to the college application process, especially when compared to other top universities. These prompts are tailored to not only gauge the academic capabilities of applicants but also to deeply understand their personal narratives and alignment with Georgetown’s unique ethos.

Unlike some other prestigious institutions, such as Harvard or Stanford , which tend to have broader, more open-ended essay questions, Georgetown’s prompts are more specific and reflective of the university’s identity. For instance, Harvard’s application might include a prompt inviting students to write about a topic of their choice, or Stanford’s renowned “What matters to you, and why?” essay. These prompts allow for a wide range of responses and encourage creative thinking.

In contrast, Georgetown’s prompts, especially those specific to its various schools, such as the McDonough School of Business or the Walsh School of Foreign Service, are more targeted. They ask students to reflect on their specific interests, experiences, and aspirations that align with the particular values and academic focus of these schools.

This specificity in Georgetown’s prompts demands a more focused and tailored response, which not only challenges students to be introspective but also to research and understand the unique aspects of Georgetown’s academic programs and community.

Furthermore, Georgetown’s essay prompts place a significant emphasis on personal and ethical dimensions, reflecting the university’s Jesuit heritage. This is somewhat different from the essay prompts of schools like MIT or Caltech, which tend to emphasize technical prowess and problem-solving skills. Georgetown’s prompts encourage students to delve into their personal experiences, ethical values, and societal contributions.

For instance, a prompt asking students to discuss a significant school or summer activity in which they have been most involved not only seeks to understand the student’s interests but also how they have applied themselves in these contexts, potentially highlighting leadership, commitment, and community involvement. This is indicative of Georgetown’s holistic approach to education, which values both intellectual rigor and the formation of character.

Overall, the Georgetown essay prompts for 2023-2024 stand out in their specificity and alignment with the university’s ethos compared to other top universities. While schools like Harvard and Stanford offer broader, more open-ended prompts, Georgetown’s prompts require a more focused approach, reflecting its particular academic and ethical values. This difference underscores the importance for applicants to tailor their essays to the unique character and expectations of each university, demonstrating not just their academic abilities but also their fit with the institution’s culture and values.

Georgetown University building almost covered by trees

In summary, tackling the 2023-2024 Georgetown essay prompts is your chance to shine and show what makes you unique. Remember, these essays are not just about impressing the admissions committee; they’re about sharing your story, your dreams, and your aspirations. Be honest, be creative, and most importantly, be yourself. 

Each word you write is a step towards the college of your dreams. So take a deep breath, gather your thoughts, and let your personality and passion flow onto the page. Georgetown is looking for students like you – individuals with stories, talents, and the drive to make a difference. Now, go ahead and tell them your story – the world is waiting to hear it!

It is important to have all the necessary information before making any decision. AdmissionSight is always here to help you with any questions or concerns. We have over ten years of experience helping students successfully navigate the challenging admissions process.

Consult with AdmissionSight and find out how we can help you get into the school of your choice by ensuring that you are fully informed and prepared for the application process. We will work with you to develop a personalized plan that meets your specific needs and goals. We will also provide you with access to our team of experts who can help you with everything from choosing the right schools to writing your essays .

Don’t let the admissions process overwhelm you. Contact AdmissionSight today and let us help you achieve your dreams.

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7 Steps to a Successful Georgetown Application

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Georgetown University is one of the most selective universities in the country, but understanding the application and what Georgetown admissions officers are looking for when they review your application can give you a serious leg up over the rest of the competition.

In this guide, we go over everything you need to know about the Georgetown University application, including what you need to submit, every Georgetown application deadline, what admissions officers are looking for when they review applications, and how you can make each key part of your application stand out from the pack.

Key Info About the Georgetown Application

It's important to know the key information about the Georgetown University application early on so that you'll have plenty of time to gather and submit all the materials you need before deadlines.

Where to Find the Georgetown Application: You can find the Georgetown application here . This page also has links to application FAQs and deadlines.

How to Submit the Application: When you've completed the Georgetown application, you can submit it by hitting the "Submit" button at the end of the application. SAT and/or ACT scores must be sent directly to Georgetown.

When to Submit Your Application: It's very important to know each Georgetown application deadline because missing just one could mean your application won't be looked at. Below is every Georgetown University application deadline you need to be aware of:

December 15 Announcement of Early Action results
February 1 Deadline for financial aid forms: FAFSA and CSS Profile
April 1 Announcement of Regular Decision results
May 1 Reply date for all accepted first year students

Source: Georgetown Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Looking at the above chart, you can see that the Georgetown University application deadline for Early Action is November 1, and the deadline for Regular Decision is January 10, though on their website Georgetown does recommend submitting your application earlier if you can.

Early action is not binding, which means that, even if you apply Early Action to Georgetown, you can still apply to and accept a place at other schools. Early Action just gives you the benefit of knowing Georgetown's decision earlier (although some Early Action applicants get deferred to the Regular Decision pool).

How to Apply to Georgetown

Completing and submitting your Georgetown application is a fairly straightforward process. Below are the seven steps you need to follow. Georgetown recommends you complete the first three steps as soon as possible, ideally over the summer or in early fall.

Step 1: Fill Out and Submit the Georgetown Application

The Georgetown application can be found here, and it should only take you about 10-15 minutes to fill out. It contains mostly demographic information, such as your address and contact info, including those of your parent(s).

Submitting this form allows Georgetown to create an applicant file for you, the first step in considering you for admission. It also initiates the alumni interview process (see Step 6).

At the end of this form, you'll pay the $75 application fee by inputting your credit or debit card information. If this fee is a financial burden for you, you may request a fee waiver .

Step 2: Create an Applicant Profile

After completing Step 1, you'll receive instructions within 24 hours via email on how to create an application account. You'll be able to log into this account anytime . This Georgetown account makes it possible for you to track your recommendation requests and save your work on the Application Supplement.

Here's what the Georgetown application looks like in PDF form .

Step 3: Complete the Georgetown Request for Secondary School Report, Teacher's Report, and Midyear School Report

To complete this form, you'll need to know the name and email address of both your high school counselor and the teacher writing your recommendation. After you submit these forms, those two people will each receive an email telling them what to do next so that Georgetown can receive your transcript and letter of recommendation.

Here are the PDF versions of the Secondary School Report , the Teacher's Report , and the Midyear School Report for your reference (note that you'll actually be filling these out on your Georgetown online application account described in Step 2).

Step 4: Submit the Application Supplement

You'll next need to submit the application supplement , which you can save and go back to as many times as you need. The supplement is where you'll enter info about your extracurriculars, state what area you plan on majoring in, and write your essays.

Step 5: Submit Your Standardized Test Scores

You'll need to submit SAT or ACT scores for Georgetown (they were test optional for 2020-2021 but are now required again). Georgetown's SAT code is 5244, and its ACT code is 0668.

Georgetown requires scores from all test sittings. So, for example, if you took the ACT twice and the SAT once, you'd need to submit scores from each of those three test dates, even if one or more of those scores wasn't your best. (If you took SAT Subject Tests , you'll also need to submit those scores as well.)

AP or IB scores are not required but are recommended as another way to boost your application.

Step 6: Have an Alumni Interview

All first-year applicants are required to have an interview with a Georgetown alum , provided one lives in the same city/region as they do. Georgetown does not have on-campus interviews, and if there are no alumni near you, this requirement is waived and it won't hurt your application.

You'll receive information via mail or email explaining how to set up the interview, typically two to four weeks after you complete Step 1.

Step 7: (Optional) Submit Any Supplemental Materials

If you are interested in an art, music, theater, or dance program at Georgetown, you have the option to send in supplemental materials , but this is not required.

Georgetown Application Checklist

To recap, below is everything you need to submit when you apply to Georgetown. You can use this application checklist to stay organized and make sure you've submitted all the required materials. Your application won't be considered until all the pieces below have been received by Georgetown:

  • Georgetown Application
  • Secondary School Report (including transcript)
  • Teacher Recommendation
  • Application Fee of $75.00
  • SAT/ACT scores
  • Alumni Interview
  • (Optional) Supplemental Materials (for art, music, theater, and dance)

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What Does the Georgetown Application Committee Look For? What Makes a Strong Georgetown Application?

What makes a standout Georgetown application? Like other universities, Georgetown wants to admit students that they feel will excel at their school, both academically and socially. They want students who will do well in their classes and also work well with professors, fellow students, and university groups.

Georgetown also wants to admit those who will have a positive impact on the school and the world in general, both while they're students and after they graduate.

In order to make the most accurate admissions decisions, Georgetown looks at a variety of factors that could indicate future success at the school. Below are some of the most important factors:

Academic Excellence

Georgetown wants to know you can excel in their classes, so they'll look for academic excellence in your application. There are usually three factors that show academic excellence:

  • The rigor of the classes you took in high school
  • Your standardized test scores

Being strong in each of these three areas proves to Georgetown that you can handle (and do well with) difficult coursework.

The next section gives more specific information on what grades and test scores you should be aiming for. If you've participated in academic competitions and done well in them, you can also show academic excellence that way.

Leadership Skills

Georgetown wants leaders at their school because leaders are more likely to have an impact at the school and after they graduate.

You can show leadership skills by taking on higher roles in extracurriculars, starting your own club or fundraiser, or gaining more responsibility at your job or internship. Anything that shows that you took initiative and were able to excel with additional responsibilities will prove that you have the potential to be a strong leader at Georgetown and beyond.

Passion for Your Future Major

Students who are passionate about what they are studying are more likely to get better grades and do well in their careers after they graduate.

In order to prove your excitement for what you're going to study at Georgetown, your application should indicate that you've taken classes and pursued extracurriculars in that subject area during high school.

For example, if you want to major in pre-med and eventually become a doctor, your high school transcript should include lots of science- and math-oriented classes, while your extracurriculars could include activities such as being part of a science club, volunteering at a hospital, etc.

Sociability

Getting good grades is important, but Georgetown also wants students who will be part of the campus community and get along with other students. This skill makes the campus a happier place, and more engaged students often have a larger positive impact on their school.

Being involved in a group club or sports team demonstrates sociability, and the people writing your letters of recommendation can also mention your strong people skills.

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5 Key Sections of the Georgetown Application and How to Do Well on Them

For a school as competitive as Georgetown, your application needs to be strong across the board. Below are the five key parts of the Georgetown application as well as tips for how you can excel on each one to impress admissions officers:

#1: High School Transcript

Your transcript shows Georgetown three essential pieces of info: which classes you took, how difficult they were, and the grades you received in them. In terms of the number of years of classes in different subjects, Georgetown recommends the following:

  • Four years of English
  • At least two years of social studies
  • At least two years of a foreign language
  • At least two years of math
  • At least one year of natural science

There are additional class recommendations depending on what you want to major in at Georgetown. You can see those recommendations here.

Georgetown has rigorous classes, and they want to see applicants who have already challenged themselves by taking advanced classes in high school. If your school offers honors, AP, and/or IB classes, you should aim to take at least some of these advanced classes, especially those in the field you plan to major in.

It's also important to get high grades in those classes. Accepted Georgetown students have an average unweighted GPA of about 3.9 . This means that, in addition to taking advanced classes, you'll need to get practically all A's. H igh grades are most important in classes related to your future major.

#2: Standardized Test Scores

While Georgetown has no minimum score requirements for the SAT/ACT, because admission is so competitive, you should aim for a high standardized test score.

A safe score to aim for is the 75th percentile score for admitted Georgetown students. Meeting this score for either the SAT or ACT means you will have scored higher than 75% of other admitted students, which puts you in a strong position during the admissions process.

A 75th percentile score for Georgetown is either a 34 on the ACT or a 1530 on the SAT . You can get scores lower than this and still get accepted, but these are solid goal scores to try to aim for.

AP scores, particularly those related to your intended major, are another great way to show off your academic prowess. Aim for at least a 3 in each test, and ideally a 4 or 5.

#3: Letters of Recommendation

You'll need just one letter of recommendation for Georgetown, so try to ask a teacher who knows you well and thinks highly of you. A strong letter of rec will include specific examples of your academic abilities and personal skills; it will also explain why you're an excellent applicant for Georgetown.

Speak to the person you'd like to write your letter fairly early, ideally at the end of your junior year or beginning of your senior year, especially since Georgetown recommends filling out the Teacher's Report (which is sent to your recommender) early on in the application process. Check out our guide for more information on who to ask to write your letter of recommendation and a step-by-step guide on how to ask.

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Georgetown requires four essays. The first essay requires a short, 250 word response, and the second should be about half a page (single-spaced). The other two essays should be approximately one single-spaced page each. Below are the current Georgetown essay prompts:

Special Talents: Please indicate any special talents or skills you possess. You should write in either paragraph or bulleted-list format (250 words).

Short Essay: Briefly (approximately one-half page, single-spaced) discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.

Essay 1: As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you.

Essay 2: The prompt for this essay depends on what you plan on majoring in.

  • Applicants to Georgetown College: What does it mean to you to be educated? How might Georgetown College help you achieve this aim? (Applicants to the Sciences and Mathematics or the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics should address their chosen course of study).
  • Applicants to the School of Nursing & Health Studies: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, Human Science, or Nursing).
  • Applicants to the Walsh School of Foreign Service: The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. What is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world?
  • Applicants to the McDonough School of Business: The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.

In the first three Georgetown essay prompts, you get the chance to discuss yourself and why you're a strong candidate for admission. Be sure to use specific examples that let admissions officers see what you care about and why you would be an asset to Georgetown. They want to see someone who is passionate about something and will use that passion to excel in school and have a positive impact on Georgetown.

The final essay gives you a chance to show Georgetown what your future plans are. Having an idea of what you want to study and how your education will help you achieve your goals indicates that you're thinking ahead and have big plans for the future.

Be sure to reference specific resources at Georgetown, such as study abroad options, student groups, or research opportunities you're interested in. This shows that you've done your research on Georgetown and know how to make the most of what it offers to help you achieve your goals.

Check out this step-by-step guide for more info on how to write a great college essay.

#5: Extracurriculars

Your extracurriculars are also an important part of your Georgetown application. The best way to stand out with your extracurriculars is to emphasize your passion and leadership skills. You can do this by pursuing extracurriculars in a field related to your future major, sticking with them, and achieving leadership roles in them.

Learn more about the types of extracurriculars you'll need to have to get into top-tier schools.

Recap: Georgetown University Application

Georgetown is a very competitive school, but understanding its application process and what admissions officers are looking for can help increase your odds of getting in.

There are multiple parts of the Georgetown application, and it's extremely important to know each major deadline in the application process. You'll need to submit either SAT or ACT scores, and there are also several Georgetown essay prompts you'll need to complete.

When looking over your application, admissions officers want applicants whom they believe will excel academically and develop strong personal relationships at Georgetown.

When applying to a school as competitive as Georgetown is, you really can't have many weak areas in your application. It's vital to go through each key area—including your grades, standardized test scores, letter of recommendation, essays, and extracurriculars—and try to make them as strong as possible to maximize your chances of getting accepted to Georgetown.

What's Next?

Wondering what a good SAT score is? Learn how to set a goal score based on the schools you want to get into.

Want to know how to make your extracurriculars stand out even more? Check out this guide to four amazing extracurricular activities and learn why they're so impressive to colleges.

Trying to decide between community college classes and AP classes? Which one looks better on college applications? Read our guide for a complete overview of both .

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?   We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download them for free now:

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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IMAGES

  1. Georgetown Medical School Secondary Essay Examples

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  2. Georgetown admission essays that worked: Top Prompts for Writing

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  3. How to Answer Georgetown Secondary Essays: Prompts & Tips

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  4. Georgetown Essay Help. How to Write the Georgetown Essay Supplements

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  5. Georgetown admission essays that worked: Top Prompts for Writing

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  6. Georgetown supplemental essay example

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COMMENTS

  1. How to Answer Georgetown Secondary Essays: Prompts & Tips

    However, because this essay is tough to perfect, make sure to start on this essay as soon as you receive the official secondary. Georgetown Secondary Application Tip #1: Understand the Jesuit value of "cura personalis.". You can read more about Georgetown's philosophy / mission statement here: What is Cura Personalis - Georgetown College.

  2. Georgetown University School of Medicine: Secondary Application Essay

    Georgetown University School of Medicine 2022 - 2023 secondary application essay questions. Given the Jesuit influence at Georgetown and its adoption of the Cura Personalis philosophy, I recommend covering your clinical, research and community service experience for Georgetown's secondary application essay. The school places special ...

  3. Georgetown Medical School Secondary Essay Examples

    Short Answer Questions. Short Answer Essay Number 1: "The Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM) strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians, with cultural humility, who embrace all dimensions of caring for the whole person. With our Jesuit values of Cura Personalis, People for Others, and Community in Diversity ...

  4. How to Get Into Georgetown Medical School: The Ultimate Guide

    Part 4: Georgetown Medical School secondary application essays (examples included) Georgetown's secondary application consists of three essay questions, two of which are limited to 1000-character responses—around two paragraphs—so remember that brevity and clarity will be key. The final question gives you a bit more space to be expansive.

  5. How to Ace Your Georgetown Secondaries

    Common Georgetown University School of Medicine Secondary Essay Prompts. Georgetown University School of Medicine is a highly selective institution that receives thousands of applications each year. ... For example, you could discuss how Georgetown's commitment to social justice aligns with your own values, or how the school's emphasis on ...

  6. Medical School Secondary Essays: The Complete Guide 2024 (Examples

    Part 2: The medical school diversity essay Example diversity essay prompts. Example 1: "We seek to train physicians who can connect with diverse patient populations with whom they may not share a similar background.Tell us about an experience that has broadened your own worldview or enhanced your ability to understand those unlike yourself and what you learned from it."

  7. Georgetown University Secondary Application

    Why have you chosen to apply to the Georgetown University School of Medicine and how do you think your education at Georgetown will prepare you to become a physician for the future? (3000 characters) Primary Deadline: Usually around Nov 1st. Secondary Deadline: Usually around Dec 15th. Secondary Fee: $130. FAP Waiver: Full Fee Waived.

  8. 4 Great Georgetown Essay Examples

    Essay Example 1 - Special Talents. Essay Example 2 - Personal Statement. Essay Example 3 - The Meaning of Being Educated. Essay Example 4 - Extracurricular Activity. Where to Get Feedback on Your Georgetown Essays. Georgetown is a prestigious university located right outside of Washington D.C. that is known for its great public policy ...

  9. Secondary Essay Prompts

    Secondary Essay Prompts for the Georgetown University School of Medicine. The Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM) strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians, with cultural humility, who embrace all dimensions of caring for the whole person. With our Jesuit values of Cura Personalis, People for Others, and ...

  10. Medical School Secondary Essay Examples from Accepted Applicants!

    Here are the most common medical school secondary essay prompts: B. Please discuss the diversity that you would bring to our school of medicine and the profession of medicine. The challenges I faced as a first-generation immigrant has taught me several valuable lessons, which have influenced my pursuit of medicine.

  11. Georgetown Secondary Application Tips

    Georgetown is one of them. It consists of two questions with a third optional entry, and is unique in the sense that it essentially requires you to draft another personal-statement-length response. Much like UCSD's long bioessay prompt, the Georgetown application can slow you down as you work your way through your secondary applications.

  12. Georgetown Secondary Essay Prompts

    Secondary Deadline: December 15, 2024 Secondary Fee: $130 FAP Waiver: Yes CASPer Required: No Screens Applications: No Accepts Application Updates: Yes Mission . Guided by the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis, care of the whole person, Georgetown University School of Medicine will educate a diverse student body, in an integrated way, to become knowledgeable, ethical, skillful and ...

  13. 3 Top Tips for Writing Exceptional Georgetown Essays

    The Georgetown essays include one short essay of about a half-page, single-spaced, one longer one-page essay required of all students, and a second one-page essay specifically tied to one of Georgetown's four schools: Georgetown College, the School of Nursing and Health Studies, Walsh School of Foreign Service, and the McDonough School of Business.

  14. How to Write the Georgetown University Essays 2024-2025

    All Applicants. Prompt 1: Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (1/2 page, single-spaced) Prompt 2: As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words.

  15. 2024-2025 Georgetown

    Apr 12, 2024. #1. 2024-2025 Georgetown Secondary Essay Prompts: 1. The Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM) strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians, with cultural humility, who embrace all dimensions of caring for the whole person. With our Jesuit values of Cura Personalis, People for Others, and Community ...

  16. georgetown university secondaries Archives

    Georgetown Secondary Application Essay Prompts by Year Add a header to begin generating the table of contents The Georgetown University School of Medicine secondary application reflects the school's mission in recruiting a diverse and compassionate medical school class.

  17. Medical

    Georgetown University School of Medicine 2022 - 2023 secondary application essay questions Georgetown Medical School short essay question #1 ... specific examples to explain how and why you will integrate easily into their study body. The second part of this essay prompt requires that you focus on the future.

  18. How to Ace Your Georgetown Medical School Secondary Application

    Key Components. The Georgetown Medical School secondary application typically consists of several components, such as short answer questions and additional essays. Each component provides an opportunity to showcase different aspects of your candidacy. The short answer questions are usually brief and require concise responses.

  19. Medical School Secondary Essay Prompts (Updated for 2024-2025 Cycle

    (Suggested reading: How to Get Into UCSD Medical School, which contains a sample secondary essay) 2024-2025. AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. ... The Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM) strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians, with cultural humility, who embrace all dimensions of caring for the whole person. ...

  20. Guide to Application

    Essays - AMCAS and Georgetown Secondary Application Essays. Experiences - Clinical Experience, Leadership, Service, and Research. A highly competitive applicant will present a minimum of: ... For example, for applicants applying for admission to the entering class of 2025, MCATs from January 2022-September 2024 are valid.

  21. Georgetown Supplemental Essay Prompts

    Essay Prompts For All Georgetown Applicants. All Georgetown applicants must answer the following three essay prompts. 1. Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you would like to highlight (250 words). Applicants should focus on a skill related to the hook they've showcased in the activities section of their Georgetown application.

  22. Georgetown Essay Prompts 2023-2024

    The Georgetown essay prompt for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle is an invitation for applicants to share a more personalized and comprehensive view of themselves beyond their academic achievements and extracurricular activities. The prompt asks applicants to "tell us about something that is important to you, and why.".

  23. 7 Steps to a Successful Georgetown Application

    #4: Essays. Georgetown requires four essays. The first essay requires a short, 250 word response, and the second should be about half a page (single-spaced). The other two essays should be approximately one single-spaced page each. Below are the current Georgetown essay prompts: Special Talents: Please indicate any special talents or skills you ...