How to Write Your Medical School Interview
Abstract: Crafting your application with intention is the first step toward a successful and authentic ... Read more
Autumn Lockett
Updated September 3, 2025 by Autumn Lockett
Essay
Essay refers to application essays, personal statements, and written responses for health professions admissions.
Topic Collection
Keep exploring Essay
Review this collection of 32 articles, then explore these SDN Review hubs to extend your knowledge:
Addressing COVID-19 in Application Essays
This application cycle, many healthcare professional school applications have been affected by COVID-19. Many professions ... Read more
Dr. Jasmine Marcus, PT, DPT, CSCS
Updated June 22, 2022 by Dr. Jasmine Marcus, PT, DPT, CSCS
The Art of Writing Medical School Secondaries
I always think of secondaries as the real meat of the med school application process. ... Read more
Joel Butterly
Updated August 21, 2026 by Joel Butterly
The One Letter to Rule Them All
As an undergrad, one of the reasons you devoted so much time to a research ... Read more
David Oppenheimer
Updated August 21, 2026 by David Oppenheimer
Five Simple Tips for a Better Personal Statement
The personal statement is, for many, one of the most dreaded aspects of the medical ... Read more
Brent Schnipke
Updated June 26, 2022 by Brent Schnipke
How to Use Study Abroad to Set Your Medical School Application Apart
All in all, studying abroad provides students with invaluable personal growth, which will translate to ... Read more
Anubodh “Sunny” Varshney
Updated May 5, 2026 by Anubodh “Sunny” Varshney
Letter-By-Letter, Word-By-Word
Republished with permission from here. The first day of my medicine rotation, I proudly put on ... Read more
David Louis
Updated June 20, 2019 by David Louis
Opinion Column: A fundamental flaw in the USMLE exams
There exists a fundamental flaw in the USMLE exams – applicants who pass the exam ... Read more
Arvind Kutty
Updated August 21, 2026 by Arvind Kutty
Medical School Reapplication: The Perspective of a Reapplicant
I am a reapplicant. Those are four words that every reapplicant shies away from and ... Read more
Lee Burnett
Updated June 27, 2022 by Lee Burnett
Marriage in Medical School: A Memoir (So Far)
During my senior year of college, I asked my girlfriend to marry me. We had ... Read more
Brent Schnipke
Updated August 21, 2026 by Brent Schnipke
Of Capacity and Communication
I am about 45 minutes from the end of my night float shift, that dangerous ... Read more
Megan Riddle
Updated August 21, 2026 by Megan Riddle
When Did You Know You Wanted to be a Doctor?
When did you know you wanted to be a doctor? the pre-med asked. Maybe it should ... Read more
Megan Riddle
Updated August 21, 2026 by Megan Riddle
Self-Care in Medical School: A Lesson from the Heart
As a first-year medical student only a few weeks into gross anatomy, I still have ... Read more
Brent Schnipke
Updated August 23, 2022 by Brent Schnipke
The Medical History of Vampires
A look at some possible origins of the myth In light of today’s holiday, I thought ... Read more
Brent Schnipke
Updated March 19, 2019 by Brent Schnipke
How to Find the Strength to Keep Going: Words of Advice from a Third-Year
When medicine burns you out, find strength in remembering why you're there.
Jarna Shah
Updated June 27, 2022 by Jarna Shah
It's Not a Failure: Taking Personal Leave from Medical School
Taking personal leave from medical school can help you recover from tough situations and succeed in your future career.
MedSchoolQueen
Updated August 21, 2026 by MedSchoolQueen
Prepped: Reflections on a Stillbirth
There are some experiences you can't prepare for by reading a textbook.
Ha Nguyen
Updated June 20, 2019 by Ha Nguyen
This is No Lake Wobegon: When Medical School Means You’re No Longer Above Average
Medical school may mean you're no longer at the top of your class, but that doesn't mean you won't be successful.
Megan Riddle
Updated June 27, 2022 by Megan Riddle
What You Should Know Before Your First Interview
Knowing some typical interview formats and the expectations of your interviewer can help put your mind at ease while pursuing acceptance into dental school.
Brian A. Brodine
Updated June 27, 2022 by Brian A. Brodine
