USC Secondaries

Hey! I'm applying to USC for pre-med and I just want to know if anyone has tips or insights on tackling their secondary essays. I'm a little bit stressed and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hello! I completely understand that secondary essays can be a bit stressful, but don't worry – I'm here to help. USC's secondary essays for pre-med students typically ask about your interests in medicine, your clinical experiences, and any challenges you've faced in your personal or academic journey. Here are some general tips and tricks to help you with your essays:

1. Be specific: Tailor your essays to the program offered at USC, and showcase your understanding of the school's specific offerings and resources related to your pre-med interests. For example, mention any research labs, clubs, or faculty members you would like to work with, or any unique programs (like the USC Global Medicine Program) that you find appealing.

2. Show, don't tell: Admissions officers want to understand your motivation for pursuing pre-med and your passion for medicine. Rather than just telling them that you're passionate about healthcare or underserved communities, use anecdotes or personal stories to illustrate your point. Share experiences that illustrate your motivation and commitment, such as volunteering in a clinic, participating in research, or observing physicians in a clinical setting.

3. Address challenges: If you've faced any significant challenges (either personal or academic) along your pre-med journey, you can discuss how you overcame them and what you learned from the experience. This can demonstrate resilience and adaptability, qualities that are essential for success in the medical field.

4. Reflect on your extracurricular activities: Think about your extracurricular involvement and how it's shaped you as a person. Emphasize any activities where you demonstrated leadership, teamwork, or empathy, as these qualities are highly valued in medicine.

5. Be concise: With secondary essays, it's important to be concise and make every word count. Edit your responses multiple times to make sure you are using the most effective language possible and staying within any word limits.

Remember to give yourself ample time to brainstorm, write, and revise your essays. Having a strong and genuine set of secondary essays can help demonstrate to USC that you are a dedicated and passionate pre-med student.

Best of luck with your application to USC! You got this!