Applying to Medical School

Secondary Applications

Applying to medical school is a year long process and does not stop with the completion of the AMCAS or primary application. The next step in the process is the secondary application. These applications are used to determine if you are truly interested in a particular medical school and if you are a good candidate to invite for an interview.

Who gets a Secondary Application?

Each school is unique in how it decides who to send secondary or supplemental applications. Some schools send secondary applications to everyone that applies. Others use the primary application to screen applicants and only send secondary applications to a limited number of prospective students.
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What can I Expect on a Secondary Application?

Secondary applications can be as simple as send more money or they can contain up to 12 additional essays. Most medical school secondary applications are somewhere in between. Secondary application fees range anywhere from $35.00 to $100.00. Typically essays are designed to find out more about you and why you are interested in their school. The length of these essays can range from a short paragraph to a full page essay similar to your personal statement. Medical schools are looking for a quick turnaround on secondary applications. You should complete and return secondary applications within two weeks of receiving them. If you are anticipating secondary applications from several schools do not delay in completing applications you have received. One application is manageable, two or more can create a burden, especially if you have already started classes for fall semester.

You may also be asked to provide a passport-type photograph with your secondary application.
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