Applying to BS/MD Programs means you’ll have to submit applications to both the undergraduate college as well as the medical school itself. Currently there are 108 member colleges that accept the Common Application so there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself having to complete an essay from one of the seven Common Application Essay Prompts.
For the 2017-2018 application cycle, the essay’s word limit remains at 650 words but there have been some changes to the Common App Essay Prompts as follows:
| 2017-2018 Common Application Essay Prompts | |
|
1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. [No change from previous year] 2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? [Revised from previous year] 3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? [Revised from previous year] 4. Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma – anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution. [No change from previous year] 5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. [Revised from previous year] 6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? [New for this year] 7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. [New for this year]
|
So which essay prompt should you write about and ultimately what are these BS/MD programs looking for in your common app essay response?
There is no one size fits all plan. However, your common app essay should not be confused with your BS/MD supplemental application. The focus of your common app essay is to provide the college with a better picture of who you are as an individual, not to explain your life story behind wanting to become a physician. When completing this essay, you should generally consider the aspects of the college that are most appealing to you and more importantly how they fit in with your goals and previous experiences.
To learn more about how APE can help you put forth the most effective BS/MD application package for your needs, schedule your free consultation today.
