The Anatomy of a Letters to Medical School Admission

How to update medical schools, express continued interest, and write a letter of intent.

By: Tyler E. Callese, M.D.

Resident Physician, University of California, Los Angeles

Objectives: After reading this article, medical school applicants will be able to confidently author letters to medical school admissions committees and describe the three most common types of communications and their purposes.

It’s the fall and you’ve worked hard to make yourself the best medical school applicant. Applications are submitted. Secondaries are completed. Now what? The period between application submission and when medical school contact you can be a time of great stress. For the past several years you have been working towards accomplishing your goal of being accepted to medical school and now you must avoid a common trap!

Your work is not done once you have submitted your application. In fact, the interview season is when most successful applicants are the most active in their communications with admissions offices. Consider that each medical school receives thousands of applications per year. No matter how unique your application may be, at the end of the day, it is still on paper and looks exactly like all of the others. This is your opportunity to change that.

There are three types of letters commonly sent to medical school admissions offices: (1) Update Letter, (2) Letter of Continued Interest, and (3) Letter of Intent. Each of these letters is an explicit effort on your part to communicate your interest in a medical school with the goal of increasing the chances that your application is switched from the “Do Not Interview” stack to the “Interview” stack – or even from the “Waitlist” pile to the “Accepted” pile.

1.    Update Letter.  

What is the purpose? The purpose of an application update letter is to say to a medical school, “Hi! I applied to XXX medical school and I am such an awesome applicant that I am still continuing all of these awesome projects/research/extracurriculars that I included in my application.”

When to write? This letter should be sent to medical schools about 6-10 weeks after you submitted your application to their office and if you have not yet heard back from them.

Who do I send this to? This letter can be sent to every school you have applied to and have not heard back from.

Anatomy of an Update Letter:

Dear [Dr. Dean of Admissions]:

Paragraph 1 . My name is [Awesome Applicant], AAMC ID 12345678, and I am writing to provide an additional update to my medical school application for the Fall of 2018.

  • Keep this first line simple and to the Let them know exactly why you are contacting them  

Paragraph 2. I would like to update the status of [current research, extracurricular projects, presentations].

  • Keep this section to 3-5 sentences and provide concise details summarizing what has changed between when you submitted your application and No fluff, only concrete updates, i.e. XYX paper has been accepted, I was elected to this leadership position, etc.

  Paragraph 3 . Use this section to provide further updates that can be listed as bullet points that are not included in paragraph 2 . In this section you can list new committees or programs you are involved in, list updates to any publications you have, or abstracts and presentations.

M.D. Applicant

AMCAS ID 12345678

Read More:  Tips for the Medical School Interview Trail

2.    Letter of Continued Interest  

What is the purpose? The purpose of a letter of continued interest is to communicate to a medical school that you are interested in them and that they are a perfect fit for you. This is a heartfelt and sincere letter that focuses on exactly why this school is a perfect fit.

When to write? Letters of continued interest are most commonly sent to medical schools after update letters have been sent and you have still not heard from a particular medical school.

This time period is usually in the late winter: mid-January to February. This is when schools have already sifted and sorted most applications and when a personal, sincere letter stating why this school is the perfect fit for you may have the most impact if your application is on the bubble.

Who do I send this to? Unlike update letters, letters of continued interest require you to really take some time to think about why a particular school is a great fit for you. This does take some time and so these letters should only be sent to the schools that you think would honestly be a great fit for you. An insincere letter is a great way to be end up in the denied pile.

Anatomy of a Letter of Continued Interest:

Dear [Dr. Dean of Admissions],

Paragraph 1. My name is [Awesome Applicant], AAMC 12345678, and I would like to express my continued interest in [Dr. Dean of Admissions Medical School Name].

Paragraph 2. Take 1-2 sentences summarizing what efforts you have previously taken to reach out to the school. This can include previous update letters or that you have requested an updated transcript be sent, etc.

Paragraph 3. Share the exact reasons why this medical school is a great fit. Find 4-5 concrete and meaningful reasons. What about the school attracts you to it? Is it the location, reputation for research/service/primary care, opportunity to pursue dual degrees, learning environment, philosophy towards medical education, etc. This is the meat-and-potatoes of your letter and where you can really have an impact.

Read More:  Acing your medical school interviews

3.    Letter of Intent

  What is the purpose? Finally, you are here! It is the end of interview season and you have decided that XYZ medical school is the perfect school for you. Now tell them! This letter is short and sweet and tells a medical school admissions committee that when they accept you, that you will come there.

When to write? Write this letter after you have finished or are nearing the end of the interview season and have found the school that you want to go to. If that happens in January? Perfect. If that doesn’t happen until the end of February? Perfect. No matter the time, this is your opportunity to tell a school that you are committing to them.

Who do I send this to? Send this to your number one school. The world of Medical school admissions is small and sending multiple letters of intent is a gamble not worth taking.

Anatomy of a Letter of Intent:

  Dear [Dr. Dean of Admissions],

Paragraph 1. My name is [Awesome Applicant], AAMC 12345678, and I interviewed at [Dr. Dean of Admissions Medical School Name] on [Date of interview]. I am writing to express my intent to attend [Dr. Dean of Admissions Medical School Name] if accepted and explain why [Dr. Dean of Admissions Medical School Name] is an excellent fit for me.

Paragraph 2. If accepted, I will attend [Dr. Dean of Admissions Medical School Name]. I believe that [Dr. Dean of Admissions Medical School Name] is an excellent fit for me for several reasons.

–    Unlike your letter of continued interest, your letter of intent is sent after your interview, therefore, you will have much more information about the program and have a much better feel for the school – this paragraph is your opportunity to share with the admissions committee why it is the perfect fit.  

Paragraph 3. If accepted to [Dr. Dean of Admissions Medical School Name], I will attend. I believe that [Dr. Dean of Admissions Medical School Name] is an excellent institution and I would be honored to have the opportunity to complete my medical education there. Thank you for your consideration of my application.

Conclusion: Remember! Interview season is when you should be the most active in your communication with medical schools. Be proactive and engage them. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Your letters and active communication can make all of the difference!

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How to Write a Letter of Interest for Medical School

  • By Med School Insiders
  • September 28, 2021

After submitting your medical school primary application and secondary application , or after attending medical school interviews , there are two ways to express your continued excitement about joining your top choice programs—the letter of interest and the letter of intent. A letter of interest for medical school is an excellent yet noncommittal way of letting an admissions committee know how enthusiastic you are about joining their program.

Learn more about the medical school letter of interest, including the differences between a letter of interest and a letter of intent, how to write a letter of interest, and letter of interest FAQs.

Letter of Interest vs. Letter of Intent

Both a letter of interest and letter of intent should include the reasons why you love the medical school, why you are qualified, how you would specifically contribute to the student body, etc. The difference has to do with the level of commitment you’re expressing.

A letter of interest is akin to a Valentine’s Day card. You can send a letter of interest to as many programs as you like, as at no point in a letter of interest do you commit to attending the program if you’re offered acceptance. A letter of interest should include why you’re excited about attending the program and why the program should be interested in having you attend—just make sure you don’t make any sort of commitment.

A letter of intent , on the other hand, signifies your commitment to attend the program if you are accepted. For this reason, a letter of intent should only be sent to one program. A letter of intent is you giving your word to a school that if they accept you, you will attend that program. If you break your word or give your word to multiple schools, it’s a very bad look.

Schools care about both of these letters because of what it means to the school’s prestige and matriculation yield. Out of the students they accept, the higher the number of acceptances in return, the better it is for the school’s ranking and exclusivity.

If an admissions committee views two identical candidates and only one has sent a letter of interest or intent, they will likely give preference to the candidate who did, as they demonstrated a stronger interest in attending that program. If they’re considering two identical candidates and one has sent a letter of interest and the other has sent a letter of intent, they will very likely choose to accept the latter.

Learn more about what differentiates a Letter of Intent vs. Letter of Interest .

How to Craft a Letter of Interest

There are a few important components that make up a letter of interest. It’s important that you keep the letter formal while clearly expressing why you’re interested in attending the school, why they should be interested in accepting you, what you feel you can specifically contribute to the student body, and any relevant updates. A letter of interest should be concise, so keep it to one page or less.

A letter of interest must include:

  • A thank you to the admissions committee for their consideration
  • A review of what you specifically like and appreciate about the program
  • Any relevant updates to your experience, academics, or extracurriculars
  • How your updates relate to what the program offers
  • What you hope to contribute to the program
  • A conclusion that reiterates how much you appreciate their consideration

1 | Make Your Letters Specific to Each School

Since you may send several letters of interest and follow a template, it’s imperative that you take the time necessary to tailor each letter to the program you’re writing to. Admissions committees receive thousands of letters of interest, so they know how to spot a generic letter.

Do ample research into the various offerings of each of the programs so that you can be specific about what you will contribute to the student body, curriculum, extracurriculars, or initiatives. Clarity and specificity are key in making sure your letter doesn’t sound generic.

Share reasons why you will make a good fit, whether that’s because of your experience, research opportunities, the values of the school, etc. This doesn’t have to be a significant challenge; after all, you know why you want to attend the program.

2 | Share Updates on Significant Accomplishments

Don’t be afraid to flaunt your accomplishments. Now is not the time to be humble or downplay all that you’ve achieved since sending in your primary and secondary applications or interviewing at the school.

Have you won any new academic honors? Were you chosen to sit on a committee? Did you publish an important article? Highlight your accomplishments, and if there were any weaknesses in your application, mention all of the ways you have strengthened those areas. Have you acquired more volunteering hours? Joined another extracurricular activity? Devoted more time to research? If you have achieved anything that makes you a more attractive candidate, mention it.

3 | Use it as an Opportunity to Stand Out

Take the letter of interest as an opportunity to differentiate yourself from the crowd, as it may be your final opportunity to connect with your top schools before they make a decision. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, and don’t hold back when speaking about how excited you are to attend the program. Admissions committees want to see enthusiasm, excitement, and dedication, so let your passion shine through.

Use your uniqueness to your advantage. If you’re funny, don’t be afraid to put a humorous spin on the letter—just keep the jokes clean and refrain from using any self-deprecating humor. Now is not the time to be modest. Just like you did with your personal statement , find a narrative that will help you stand out.

This could be your final chance to sell yourself to your top schools before they decide the future of your medical education. Save the last-ditch efforts for your letter of intent, but if you’ve received offers from other schools, you may want to mention it in your letter of interest. Highlight the fact that even though you’ve already been accepted to other schools, you’re still more interested in attending their specific program.

4 | Carefully Edit and Review

While a letter of interest can certainly improve your odds of acceptance, sending a poorly crafted, informal letter that’s rife with spelling and grammar mistakes is a surefire way to ensure rejection. Proofread your letters of interest carefully. Utilize editing apps like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor , but don’t rely on these alone, as spelling and grammar bots lack a human being’s understanding of context.

As you’re reviewing, watch out for any generic language that doesn’t convey anything new or useful or doesn’t specifically relate to the program. Ask trusted friends, family members, or mentors to review your letters, and make sure your reviewers understand they need to be as harsh as possible—because the admissions committee certainly will be.

Medical School Letter of Interest FAQs

How many schools can i send letters of interest to.

You can send a letter of interest to as many schools as you applied to, but it could be difficult to deeply research so many different programs. Sending a generic or rushed letter of interest is worse than sending no letter at all.

However many letters of interest you choose to send, make sure that each one is a quality letter that includes the elements we outlined above.

Can I Send a Second Letter of Interest to the Same School?

Yes, you can send multiple letters of interest to the same program, but it is not required. You might send a second letter of interest if a significant amount of time has passed without receiving any reply to your first letter.

You might also send a second letter if there have been any important updates to your academic or clinical experiences or any changes to your qualifications that could make you a more appealing candidate. Or, you might send a second letter of interest if you have been placed on the waiting list and haven’t received any update to your status.

Can You Send a Medical School Letter of Interest Before Interviews Begin?

Yes, you can send a letter of interest before interviews begin, but not before submitting both your primary and secondary applications. If it’s been a month or two since you submitted your secondary application and you haven’t heard anything or have been waitlisted for the program, it’s a good idea to send a letter of interest to remind the admissions committee of your candidacy, enthusiasm, and qualifications.

How Long Should a Letter of Interest Be?

A letter of interest should be no longer than one page, with one-inch margins, and written with 11-point font or higher. Keep in mind that admissions committees have to read thousands of these kinds of letters and essays, so the more concise and unique you can make yours, the better.

Maximize Your Impact

Med School Insiders offers thorough and effective editing and advising services to maximize the impact of your letters of interest and letter of intent. We’ll help you make all of the right decisions to reach your full potential.

Learn more about our suite of services designed to get you accepted at your ideal medical schools.

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Medical School Waitlist FAQ — 18 Questions Answered

Get the answers to 18 medical school waitlist FAQs, including questions about the waitlist procedure, how to get off waitlists, and what to do while you wait.

How to Get Off Medical School Waitlists

How to Get Off Medical School Waitlists — 7 Strategies

You’ve prepared a stellar medical school application—you received a decent MCAT score, your personal statement has a strong narrative, you’ve acquired great letters of recommendation,

A Letter of Intent is like a proposal

5 Tips for Writing a Letter of Intent

A carefully crafted letter of intent can maximize your chances of acceptance. Read our five tips for writing an impactful letter of intent for medical school.

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Medical School Letter of Intent Example – How to Write Strong LOIs

  • Cracking Med School Admissions Team

A medical school letter of intent (medical school LOI) is a letter that medical school applicants write to an admissions committee that explains that the medical school is their top choice AND they have the intention to matriculate if accepted. A letter of intent to a medical school can help students get off a waitlist.

The main difference between a med school letter of intent and a med school letter of interest is that a letter of interest states that you are “interested” in the medical school, BUT, that medical school is not currently you top choice. You may still get off waitlists if you send a medical Read more details about medical school update letters and medical school letters of interest in our other popular blog post!

Given that you will have one chance of sending a letter of intent to a medical school, it is important that your LOI is extremely strong and convincing. We’re going to help you write a strong medical school letter of intent, and if you need us to edit your letter, contact us.

  • When to send a letter of intent to a medical school
  • How to write a letter of intent for medical school
  • Medical school letter of intent example
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Letter of intent editing by Dr. Rachel Rizal

When to send a letter of intent to medical school

The purpose of the medical school letter of intent is to persuade the medical school admissions committee that you are a great fit for the medical school. And, if they accept you, you will accept the admissions offer and contribute to the medical school. Timing is extremely important with sending a medical school letter of intent. 

If you are waitlisted to your top choice school, you can send a letter of intent when you are waitlisted to a medical school and you are absolutely certain you will matriculate if you get accepted off the waitlist.

If you have interviewed but have not heard back from your top choice medical school, you can send a letter of intent within 1-2 weeks after your interview.

But, let’s say that it is the beginning or middle of the interview season and you are not yet sure that a medical school is your top choice… If you would still like to wait on other medical schools’ interview invites and admissions offers, then you should wait to send your med school letter of intent. Remember, your letter of intent has to convince the admissions committee that you will definitely matriculate and be happy at the medical school. So, if you have even a tiny bit of doubt that you may choose another school, then you should write a medical school update letter or medical school letter of interest instead. Those letters can still help you get accepted!

FAQs about letter of intent medical school timing:

Q: What happens after I send the admissions office my letter of intent to the medical school?

The Admissions Office will include your letter of intent medical school your application file. Then, admissions officers can look at it and use the LOI when re-evaluating your application.

Q: I just finished interview day at my top choice medical school. Should I send a letter of intent right away?

Yes, you can definitely send a letter of intent to your top choice school as soon as you interview there. But, make sure that your letter of intent is strong and specific! Read how to make your LOI specific  above . Additionally, IF you are waitlist, you need to be able to send another strong letter of intent in the future. Our Cracking Med School Admissions team advises students to wait until a decision comes, and then to write a Letter of Intent. The one exception to this is if during your interview day, the admissions officers specifically say they encourage students to write “continued interest” and “update letters.”

Q: Can I send a letter of intent before the waitlist decision?

Yes, you can send a letter of intent to a medical school post-interview and before you find out the decision. Similar to the question above, we typically tell students to wait until a decision comes. You do not want to annoy admissions officers.

Q: I already sent an update letter a couple of months ago. Can I send a letter of intent?

Yes you can. If you have additional updates since your previous medical school letter of interest or medical school update letter, then you can add additional updates to this medical school letter of intent. Read below – How to write a letter of intent for medical school . 

Q: How long post-interview can I send letter of intents to medical schools?

There is no “late date” for sending a post-interview LOI. As we suggest above, you should send an LOI once a school if your top choice and you will matriculate there if you are accepted.

Download a letter of intent medical school example .

How to Write a Letter of Intent for Medical School

Why is a medical school letter of intent useful.

First, medical schools want to accept students who are excited to come to medical school. Sharing your interest about the medical school will make admissions committees excited that they are accepting eager students who will take advantage of the medical school’s resources. 

Second, medical schools want to admit the strongest students possible based on the medical school applications they receive in an application cycle. You can provide the medical school with meaningful updates to your application that are not included in your primary application or secondary application. Examples of strong updates include recent publications and national / international awards. You can read more about medical school update letters here . Therefore, if you provide strong updates to your application along with reasons why you want to go to the medical school, that may make the admission committee accept you off the waitlist. 

Additionally, some medical schools play the “ranking” game (much to our dismay), and they want to make sure that students they accept will matriculate to improve its yield rate (# of students matriculated / # of students accepted). Therefore, writing a medical school letter of intent will confirm to the admissions committee that you will attend if accepted. Some medical school admissions committees have a high priority wait list, and a letter of intent can be all that the school needs before giving you an acceptance! 

Write a Convincing Medical School Letter of Intent

A good way to think about a medical school letter of intent is that a medical school letter of intent is similar to a persuasive essay. Therefore, a medical school letter of intent should provide specific reasons as to a) why you will be a GREAT fit and b) how you will benefit from a medical education there.

This section of the letter of intent is similar to a medical school letter of interest . As we stated in how to write a convincing letter of interest post, you have to give SPECIFIC reasons of why you want to go to the medical school . Furthermore, it’s important to convey HOW these opportunities will help you in your career.

A medical school letter of intent should include:

  • Specific reasons why the medical school curriculum is a good fit for you
  • Specific research opportunities you are interested in pursuing and how this is related to your future career
  • Specific student organizations you want to be involved with
  • Specific clinical opportunities you are excited about and why this is relevant to your clinical career

A medical school letter of intent may also include:

  • Meaningful updates to a medical school applicant’s application
  • Recent conversations with current faculty and medical students at the medical school
  • Any recent visits to the medical school

Download a letter of intent medical school example . 

Letter of intent medical school format

Your letter of intent medical school format  should be a formal letter . 

  • Address the letter to the Admissions Committee or Dean of Admissions
  • Make sure to add your name + AAMC ID in the first paragraph of the med school update letter and med school letter of interest. The reader should not wait until the end in your signature to see who is sending the letter! 
  • If you already interviewed at the medical school, write the date of your interview

We often get requests from applicants about how to write an update letter for medical school.  You can download a template of a medical school letter of interest and medical school letter of intent here .  Our Cracking Med School Admissions team can help you with edits !

KEY TIP: Before you send letter of intent medical school, do your homework.

Make sure you are allowed to send additional materials: 

Some medical schools explicitly note that they do not want medical school update letters, medical school letters of interest, or medical school letters of intent. If that is the case, DO NOT send them letters of intent or any additional materials. These policies are pretty strict, and rather than viewing your letter as the exception, the committee might perceive it in a negative light.

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Letter of Intent Medical School Example

sample cover letter for medical school admission

Frequently Asked Questions: Letter of Intent Medical School

Dr. Rishi Mediratta and Dr. Rachel Rizal receive many questions about medical school letters of intent. Read common questions here and if you have other questions OR need help with editing your letter of intent, feel free to contact us below!

Other Frequently Asked Questions: Letter of Intent Medical School

Q: How do I send a medical school letter of intent?

We advise students to send their letters of interest to medical schools via email. Sometimes, there is an “upload” button for extra documents in the school’s application portal. Most of the time, students email their update letters to the admissions office and the Medical School Dean of Admissions (if email address is available). 

Q. Do I include updates in my medical school letter of intent?

Yes, you can. However, we suggest that the updates are meaningful updates like publications or awards. Read the “ how to write medical school letter of intent ” section above.

Q: Do you have a sample letter of intent to medical schools?

Yes. Download it below. Our sample letter of intent has helped students get off waitlists! If you want help cracking a strong letter, work with us through our medical school letter of intent package . 

Q. Can I mention significant others or family in my letter of intent medical school?

Yes, you definitely can! Our Cracking Med School Admissions team encourages students to write any personal ties and connections to the medical school.

Q. It is the middle or end of the interview season and I have not heard back from my top choice school. Can I send a letter of intent?

You can, but from our experience, saying a school is your top choice in a letter of intent medical school will not significantly increase your chances of receiving an interview. Instead, you should consider writing a strong medical school update letter .

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Medical school personal statement examples.

Get accepted to your top choice medical school with your compelling essay.

THE TOP 10 MEDICAL SCHOOLS

HAVE AN AVERAGE ACCEPTANCE RATE OF 5.3%

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A GREAT MEDICAL SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENT IS KEY IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS

If you want to get into the best school, you need to stand out from other applicants.  

U.S. News   reports the average medical school acceptance rate at the top 100 med schools at 6.35% , but our med school clients enjoy an 85% ACCEPTANCE RATE .

How can you separate yourself from the competition successfully? By creating a great personal statement.

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Here we present medical school personal statement examples to give you ideas for your own essay.

Pay close attention to the consistent format of these effective personal statements:

ENGAGING INTRODUCTION / UNIFYING THEME / COMPELLING CONCLUSION

Give the admissions committee readers a clear picture of you as an individual, a student, and a future medical professional. Make them want to meet you after they finish reading your essay.

Here's what you'll find on this page:

  • How Sample Med School Essays Can Help You
  • Before you Start Writing
  • Writing Your Opening Paragraph
  • Writing Your Body Paragraphs
  • Writing Transitions
  • Writing Your Conclusion
  • Common Elements Between Personal Statements

Five Don'ts for Your Medical School Personal Statement

  • Personal Statement Examples & Analysis
  • Frequently Asked Questions

How can these sample med school essays help you?

You plan to become a physician, a highly respected professional who will have great responsibility over the health and well being of your future patients. How can you prove to the admissions committee that you have the intelligence, the maturity, the compassion, and the dedication needed to succeed in your goal? 

The medical school personal statement examples below are all arguments in favor of top med schools accepting these applicants. And they worked. The applicants who wrote these essays were all accepted to top medical schools - most to multiple schools. They show a variety of experiences and thought processes that all led to the same outcome. However, while the paths to this decision point vary widely, these winning essays share several things in common. 

As you read them, take note of how the stories are built sentence by sentence, paragraph by paragraph, adding to the evidence that the writer is worthy of acceptance. This evidence includes showing a sustained focus, mature self-reflection, and professional and educational experiences that have helped prepare the applicant to succeed. 

As you write your medical school personal statement , include your most compelling, memorable and meaningful experiences that are relevant to your decision to become a doctor. Each sentence should add to the reader’s understanding of who you are, what your strengths are, and why you will make an outstanding physician. Your resulting essay will help the adcom appreciate your intellectual and psychological strengths as well as your motivations, and conclude that you are worthy of acceptance into a top medical school. 

Techniques for creating successful medical school personal statements

Before you start writing your med school personal statement.

Before you start writing your medical school personal statement you will need to choose a topic that will reflect who you are and engage the reader. There are a few strong ways to proceed. Try freewriting with a few of the following topic ideas.

Why medicine? Do you have a personal experience that made you certain about being a physician? How, when, did you know this was the right career for you? Is there a doctor you know (or knew) who emulates an altruistic moral character, someone who won your deepest respect? Can you show this person in action or describe them as they model inherent qualities, those for which you will strive as a physician?

How has a clinical experience been a real growth moment for you? Can you tell that story? Sometimes a clinical experience is deeply personal, something experienced by you or by someone in your family. Sometimes a clinical experience is about a patient whose situation taught you something deeply valuable, something honestly insightful about what good care means, about humanity, about empathy, about compassion, about community, about advantage and disadvantage, about equity and inclusion. 

Choose an experience outside the comfort of your own community, an experience where you were the outsider (uncertain, facing ambiguity) and this experience brought about a fresh, resonant understanding of yourself and others, an understanding that made you grow as a person, and perhaps brought about humility or joy in light of this geographical or cultural dislocation. Often this prompt includes traveling to other countries. Yet, it could work just as beautifully discovering people in close places that were previously unfamiliar to you – the shelter in the next town over, a foster home for medically unstable children, the day you witnessed food insecurity firsthand at a local church and decided to do something about disparity.

Read other successful personal statements in guides and publications. You can read sample personal statements that work here: medical school personal statement examples

The prompts above have great possibilities to be successful because they locate experiences that require better than average human understanding and insight. When we re-convey a moving human experience well, we tell a story that aims to bring us together, unite us in our common humanity. Telling powerful stories about humanity, in the end, presents your deeper attributes to others and demonstrates your capacity to feel deeply about the human condition. 

Be careful how often you use the first person pronoun, though you may use it. Revise for clarity many more times than you might do in other writing moments. Choose precise vocabulary that sounds like you, and, of course, revise so that you present to your readers the most pristinely grammatical you. 

Once you’ve looked at the sample medical school personal statements in the link above, try freewriting again according to one of the themes listed that applies to you. For instance, perhaps your prior freewriting aimed to describe a moment in your life that seeded your interest in medicine. Great. Save that file. Now, start again with a different topic, perhaps one from the linked page of sample personal statements. For instance, let your freewriting explore the time you traveled to another country to participate in a public health mission. What person immediately comes to mind? Hopefully this person is quite different from you in identity and culture. Make sure this comes across. Describe the scene when you first encountered this person. What happened? Tell that story. Why do you think you remember this person so vividly? Did the experience challenge you? Did you learn something deeper and perhaps more complex about humanity, about culture, about your own assumptions about humanity? Hopefully, you grew from this experience. How did you grow? What do you now understand that you did not understand before having had this experience? Hindsight may very well bring about perspective that demonstrates that you now understand the value of that human encounter. 

Here is a cautionary bit of advice about writing about childhood. Yes, it is relatively common to have had a formidable experience in childhood about illness, health, healthcare, medicine or doctors. Right? Most of us have had at least one critical health issue in our own family when still a child. Sometimes it is absolutely true that a moment in childhood began your interest in healthcare. 

One may have had a diagnosis as a child that turned one’s life path toward being health-aware. For instance, are you a juvenile-onset, Type I diabetic? Do you have a cognitive or physical disability? Were you raised in a home with someone who had a critical illness or disability? Did a sibling, parent or grandparent get gravely sick when you were young? 

Upon writing-up any of these situations for your personal statement, there is a catch-22. For medical school application activities, the rule of thumb is “nothing from high school.” So why then is it sometimes a good idea to write about a childhood situation in a personal statement? The answer has to do with the uniqueness of your story and the quality of hindsight through which you narrate it.

Let us slow down for a moment on the issue of writing about childhood. Typically, traditional applicants to medical school are steadfastly dedicated to their academic and pre-professional aims. Science curriculum, especially pre-med curriculum, is demanding and rigorous, and it trains science students to excel in empirical thinking and assessment. 

Sometimes, when asked to write a personal essay, hard core science students feel the rug pulled out from under them. Are you more confident and meticulous about action steps and future plans than you are confident about being a sage looking back on your life? Chances are your answer is “yes.” 

Of course you can write; you’re a smart person and a very good student. Yet, writing a heartfelt, perceptive essay about yourself or an aspect of your life for an application to medical school is unnerving even as you understand why your application might benefit from story-telling. Yes, your application should benefit from your engaging, authorial presence in the essay. An application that lacks this is wholly at a disadvantage. 

Perhaps you are gravitating to the choice to share a story about your childhood. 

For instance, what if you sat down to free-write the following prompt:

Draft an essay about a childhood experience that ingrained medicine as one of your inherent interests. Do so in a manner that demonstrates the value of hindsight while telling it.

Is it hard to stay calm about this prompt right now even though this prompt is precisely what could make your personal statement successful? The idea of this prompt is what many successful applicants have written well, and you can too. Why not seek professional guidance for your personal essay? Accepted has consultants who advise applicants through this process. We advise you on the whole process of developing a successful idea for an essay, help you mine your experiences, outline your strongest ideas, and after you’ve written them up, edit your drafts. You can view these personal statement services here: Essay Package

Back to tips. The key to writing a personal statement that frames a moment in childhood well is to stand firmly in the present and stay descriptive and perceptive. Write up that experience trusting you have insight. Quite a bit of time has passed since then, and that distance has given you the opportunity to see things a little differently now. 

Let’s presume you want to write about how as a child you had an older sibling with a cognitive impairment. You and your family witnessed time and again doors being shut, so to speak, on his ability to be included in school events or community events.

Free writing A: My older brother, G, had moderate cognitive impairment. He was never given field time in soccer games. When this happened, G cried. When this happened, I cried and felt hurt by how much time my parents spent trying to calm him down, eventually leaving the field, holding him close and bringing us back home, another Saturday wrecked. 

Example A has no benefit of hindsight.

Free writing B (with some hindsight): My older brother, G, had moderate cognitive impairment. Most of the time, kids were kind to him. “Hey G, how are you, man?,” they would say and high-five him. Most kids greeted him, offered him snacks and a seat on the sideline blanket. It was touching to see him included and seen at soccer games.

Further hindsight: G was rarely played in the game. 

Reflective comment: No harm would have been done in letting him play. It’s clear to me now how much more work we each need to do about inclusion. Community-based team sports are pretty good about extending kindness at the sidelines, but that is not the same thing as letting all kids play in the game. I am still grateful for every kindness extended to my brother, but perhaps letting him play in the game would have demonstrated to kids and parents alike a deeper message about the importance of inclusion over winning. The coaches meant no harm, but that is precisely how unconscious bias plays. Afterall, community by its very definition is about inclusion.

Standing tall on this matter brings out a maturity and vocabulary to master this kind of personal writing that Free Writing A lacks. You don’t want to go back in time and join your younger self and narrate from that perspective. The “return” to your former child typically results in replicating a childlike emotional capacity – and chances are, that’s not you anymore. You’ve seen more. You’ve grown more. You’re now formally educated. You’re more skilled at making connections between ideas and experiences. You can narrate a scene or circumstance and attach awareness of what you realize now it means – like the over-narratives of documentaries where the author sheds true insight about the meaning of past events. 

Most traditional applicants to medical school are just a few years older than teenagers. 

When hindsight brings great clarity and insight to the significance of an experience, we demonstrate a keener maturity and an understanding that in authoring an experience we have a responsibility to demonstrate how a personal experience becomes a valuable portal to understanding the situation of others. Hindsight done well can be a stunningly beautiful and engaging narrative skill.

Perhaps you would rather write about a clinical experience? If you write about patients, change names, change gender, change some context to assure anonymity. Nearly all healthcare workers are concerned about telling patient stories because we worry about appropriating someone else’s experience, or feel we may not have the right, literally since HIPAA set rules on patients’ privacy rights in 1996. We should be concerned about telling patients’ stories; however, how we tell them is key in honoring them. When we honor patients and convey their stories to others we demonstrate the reciprocity of the professional relationship. Physicians no longer have a prescriptive, patrician role. Physicians are no longer sole authorities. Physicians and patients establish a reciprocal relationship, a two way street wherein a physician steps into a space of illness with the patient and walks with them, with the goal of healing, curing and advocating for them. When doctors tell stories, they establish that patients matter, that these encounters matter, that doctors think about patients and often learn from them. 

How we write patient stories is best done humbly, of course. We can narrate a story that becomes exemplary for its insight and empathy – after all, insight and empathy are desirable traits of a physician. Be sure to show rather than tell, most of the time. Be sure to capture the sensory detail of people and place. For instance, is the patient sitting on a blue plastic chair under ultraviolet lights in the waiting room of a free clinic? Is a woman with her gray hair twisted in a bun wearing a cotton hospital gown, waiting against a concrete wall in a tiny examination room with the door open? (Setting makes a character more real.) 

Finally, your story perspective, what you see and understand, becomes another way of revealing who you are. 

How to write your opening paragraph:

A strong opening paragraph for a story begins “several pages in.” A strong story begins with you, the narrator, already standing in the ocean with water splashing at your knees. This is called a hook: “D began to bleed after the second attempt to start an intravenous line.” 

Then, get the basic narrative facts down, the 5 W’s, the who, what, where, when and why, so your readers will not be confused: “She was a patient in the infusion clinic in the cancer pavilion of a major Boston hospital. She came to the clinic for her first round of chemotherapy.”

What else about this moment engaged you? Did D come to her appointment alone via an Uber ride? Why wasn’t anyone with her? How did that make you feel? Did the two of you hold a conversation while you were trying to start an IV? Why do you think she started to bleed? How did she respond when she saw you were having trouble starting this IV? Why didn’t she have a Medi-port yet? Here, you are building fuller context for her story. Don’t race through the scene; rather, build it, slowing down time, using images and sensory details to “paint” with your words. Smaller details, necessary ones, help you portray D as an individual. 

“Semper Fidelis was tattooed on her forearm. ‘Thank you for your service,’ I said.” 

“‘This cancer thing,’ she said, ‘this is nothing.’”

“D’s comment set me back. She had triple-negative breast cancer. She had blood running down her arm to her hand, between her fingers and onto a stiff, white pillow case on which she rested her arm. Triple-negative breast cancer was much more than nothing. In fact, it was very serious.” 

What questions came to mind that provide several ways of reading this moment? Write them down. For instance,

  • Did D not know about the gravity of her diagnosis?
  • Was she steely and tough yet informed?
  • Did she live through something much worse while enlisted as a Marine?

The questions themselves may wander too much to serve your personal statement as a succinct essay, which it needs to be. However, the answers to those questions may be exactly the additional content you need to develop this story’s acumen and perception as you demonstrate how getting to know the patient is a critical skill in order to help her. And now a theme is starting to come through: a doctor treats a patient, not a diagnosis. Voilà!

Moving forward: How does a doctor reframe clinical assumptions in this instance? What does a future doctor learn from a circumstance like this? 

Notice in the example above that the writing is active, uses details, and vivid language.

This writer has a palpable connection to the moment. One key to choosing one experience over another for your personal statement is how visual and vivid your recollection is. Often, moments worth mining for meaning are easy to recollect because they still have unresolved messages that need to be understood. Writing experiences helps us find their meaning, their sense. 

Notice as well, the scene above captures a moment of ambiguity, a concept particularly difficult for many health science professionals to embrace because there are multiple ways of looking at and understanding something. Stories send empiricism into the wind. People are not solely empirical. There is the self that is the body, which can be understood empirically, but there’s also the self that inhabits the body, the thinking/feeling/being and perceiving self. Stories are not about right answers. Stories attend to sentience and explore humanity. Patients’ lives are rife with uncertain moments, uncertain decisions, uncertain treatments, uncertain consequences, and uncertain outcomes. How does a physician engage with health uncertainty, understand it, and navigate it through pathways of humanity rather than pathways of diagnosis?

How does health care challenge you to grow in humanistic ways?

How to write your body paragraphs:

Once you have written a compelling scene, it might be a good idea to reflect upon why you were drawn to write about this experience in particular before your proceed. How does this scene illustrate meaningfully something worth explaining about becoming a physician? For instance, D’s scene was illustrative of an unexpected shift in perception that mattered when treating a patient with a serious cancer diagnosis. This unexpected shift happened to you, not to her. D’s been living with herself aplenty. Her point of view surprised you, not her, and reveals an incongruence between her perspective on her illness and yours.

Brief moments of ambiguity like this one can make us talk to each other, make us want to do something, can bring us to explore some further niche, specialty or research. Perhaps D brought you to peruse PubMed to research “Issues in Clinical Practice when Caring for Veterans” to see if you could find articles to help you help D and other veterans. Perhaps D’s comment was so truthful that you now volunteer with a veterans’ organization to scribe their stories for a war history museum? This “call to action” is a worthy story in a personal statement. Tell D’s story and conclude it with empathy and action. (Taking action to help is a demonstration of empathy.) Mindfully showing the experience with D as a catalyst to a path of action to help those under duress -- in distress, in crisis, or adrift in inequity -- matters.

Perhaps, follow this conclusion with a brief explanation of what principles now guide your humanistic path to medical school as long as they are principles that matter to your choice schools. 

Here are a few things to avoid in writing your medical school personal statement. Avoid talking about your scholastic path in preparation for medical school in your essay. The essay is not a place to reiterate scholastic achievements, for instance, a high GPA, academic honors, academic awards, publications, or MCAT scores because they’re front and center in other areas of your application. 

Instead, frame your medical school personal statement around a formidable experience that directly or indirectly led you to pursue medicine. This could be a struggle that you’ve overcome that demonstrates your fortitude (the story of a sociocultural disadvantage or disability), the first time you deeply understood the ramifications of health care disparities you will not forget. Likely, this would be a personal story about yourself or a family member, a clinical story or a mission trip, or a story about a patient from some other volunteer work that you’ve done. 

Additional topic ideas for your personal statement: What is a successful doctor? What does a successful life as a doctor look like? What happens to your understanding of best practices when a patient’s situation makes a best practice unrealistic, and what is the remedy? What epiphany, small or large, resides in you now since having mined a critical, clinical experience? Do you see a difference in the way you respond to patients since having had this experience? How has clinical experience matured you, deepened your awareness of living? If a patient experience became a catalyst for you to branch out or deepen your healthcare exposure opportunities, talk about that too. What opportunities? Why?

Writing effective transitions:

You are now ready to proceed to a conclusion that leaves your readers, the admissions committee, with a lasting impression of you – your life, your mind, your character -- as a 21 st century physician. 

Chances are, you’ll need to transition from the previous discussion of a time in the past to squarely speak about yourself here and now or in a comment toward the future. 

Can you sum up your main idea for the past experience? Consider the benefit of using a word or phrase -- thus, just as, hence, accordingly, in the same way, correspondingly -- and present your central idea again but only in a few repetitive words (called parallelism) or with synonymous words, creating internal unity in the essay. 

Be careful how you do this. The phrasing should feel necessary and fluid rather than reductive or even worse, phrasing that sounds like filler. 

The shift you’re making is from then to now, or from then to now and to the future as in “all this is to say.” Would you benefit from a fact, a quote, a statistic, or an informed prediction on the state of medicine, public health, or the future of medicine? 

Grammar tips: 

Transitional words can indicate:

  • a process: first, second, next, finally…
  • time: by lunch time, that evening, two weeks later…
  • spatial sequences: down the block, two miles west, one bed over…
  • logic sequences: likewise, however, evidently, in other words…
  • meta-thought: as I say this, looking back, I have nothing left to say…

If grammar and idea flow are a concern, have a look at Accepted’s editing services: Med School Essay Package

A consultant will walk you through the inception of an essay, an outline, and editing from first through final drafts, including suggestions for idea development and transitions from one idea to another.

How to write your conclusion:

A strong conclusion for your medical school personal statement can highlight the relevance of a timely issue (for instance, the physician shortage in the U.S.), make broader inferences about something you’ve already discussed (for instance, the broader implications of a particular health care disparity), or a call to action that you now embrace (for instance, community-based work that you did during the pandemic that now has become a central interest). Altruism, or understanding another’s disadvantaged situation, should not be represented in your conclusion as “ideas alone.” Commitment to serve others is not solely aspirational (“As physicians, we must do everything we can about inequity"), but a strong conclusion puts ideals into action (“I have joined Dr. T’s research team to conduct qualitative research about how social strata paradigms impact health care inequity”). Action in the conclusion should be associated with an experience shown earlier in the essay and culminate as a demonstration that you have already begun shaping your path in medicine. You are not waiting to begin but have already begun facing the challenges and responsibilities of future physicians. This kind of conclusion shows vision, maturity, commitment and character.

If the story in the body of your personal statement is about an experience, the conclusion should show your growth since then and keep in alignment how you’ve grown with the medical school values and missions of the majority of schools on your list. So, if you’re applying to top-tier allopathic schools, your growth may be in the depth and orientation of your recent research, or in having established a tighter link between your clinical experience and research. 

If you’re applying to osteopathic schools, your growth should be in keeping with the osteopathic schools’ values and missions on your list and include recent hands-on experience, something with specific tasks and responsibilities, rather than shadowing, since shadowing is often seen as passive experience. It may be that you’ve become a licensed EMT and will work as an EMT in a relevant region or state during the gap year. It may be that you’ve been certified and now work as a harm reduction specialist for a particular organization in a particular city or county. 

If you’re applying to both allopathic and osteopathic schools, each personal statement should align with the academic orientation of each pathway. Using the same personal statement for both AMCAS and AACOMAS applications is rarely a good idea. 

Accepted offers help with the whole application process: Primary Application Package

Other elements that each essay below have in common:

Accepted provides sample medical school personal statements with titles classifying types of narratives that have potential for success. Applicants do have some freedom of choice in what topic will serve their essay best. Why only “some” freedom in topic for this personal essay? Because this essay is one tool you will use to reach a professional goal. 

Not all essays help us reach professional goals. Writers of effective essays must take into account who will read them. Think about who your audience is. In this case, it’s a medical school admissions committee – not a friend, not a parent, not a peer. How will you write an essay on the same topic, let’s say a lab experience that went from bad to revelatory? You’d tell this story quite differently to your lab mates than you would to your professor, than you would to the president of your university, than you would in a grant application. 

Here’s what can happen when the “audience” isn’t considered sufficiently when writing about a passion. Let’s say you love playing soccer, and played on a Division 3 team as an undergraduate. Let’s say it didn’t matter to you that the team was Division 3 as long as it meant you could get on the field and play through your undergraduate years. It’s quite possible that one can write well about playing soccer, but one must do so in such a way that the reader really believes and understands the parallel between doing what you love and a future in medicine. Otherwise, the writer may very well convey that they love soccer. However, when written without the focus that medical school admissions committees will be readers, the essay could end up conveying that the narrator really wants to be a soccer coach, not a doctor. 

So, there’s only some freedom in topic and some freedom in writing approach - and the two must make sense together in order to facilitate accomplishing your goal. 

There is no “one-size-fits-all” to writing a successful medical school personal statement. There are, however, aspects to the sample essays on this site that stand out. 

First, each personal statement example is authored by someone who knows exactly what story they’re telling. No matter what their first draft looked like, by the time the final draft is ready to go, all fuzzy draft moments have been made lucid and engaging. All sections of the essay should have the polish and the same goals. 

  • Why am I telling this in this way? 
  • To what ends does each scene or moment speak?
  • Have I revised enough to make every sentence demonstrate strong writing skills?

Each sample personal statement emphasizes narrative control, engages with a direct voice, has conclusive things to show and say, demonstrates logical steps in idea development, and presents effective framing of the composition as a well-written form that displays strong writing skills. 

Even when an essay includes a “bookend” structure (a narrative structure that begins and ends with X, with middle content about Y), the story of Y (i.e. a mission trip in Mexico) is the primary story framed by the X bookend story (i.e. the love of running) to give ballast to the context in which this writer wants us to understand the mission trip as well, as a parallel story of challenge, commitment, exhilaration, exhaustion and necessity.

The same is true for stories that contain contrasts. If you’ve traveled ten mile or ten thousand miles, it is quite possible you’ve encountered different assumptions than your own about health care, health care access, trust, understanding of middle-class or first-world beliefs about health, understanding beliefs from poor and disadvantaged communities, illness, health care in contrast with a different cultural standard than what you’re used to, different beliefs about health care access, and a lack of or cautious trust in deference to doctors. (See the “Nontraditional Applicant” and “The Traveler.”) The key to this kind of essay is first demonstrating the contrasts between the two realities (yours and the patient’s reality) and their relative assumptions. Second, demonstrate an understanding of beliefs amid the two experiences and aim to reconcile their adverse assumptions.

However you proceed with the paragraph by paragraph progression of your medical school personal statement, be sure to see how there’s deeper intuition or knowledge associated with how the ideas progress. Do not repeat yourself, or reiterate a statement or idea unless you are clearly doing so for rhetorical emphasis.

Then, kiss your draft goodnight. Let it sit for two or three days, and return to it time and again with fresh eyes – to trim, tighten, clarify, improve tone and intention, and importantly, to make sure you have direct regard for your audience, who it is, what they’re looking for, and how you are the person whom they seek, as you maintain a tone and direction consistent with your goals and what you’re seeking from an admissions committee. 

Many students focus on their own or family members’ medical conditions in their personal statements. The essay sometimes reads like a medical history. Taking this approach can hurt your application for several reasons: It may alert them to conditions that could impact your ability to perform in medical school,   indicate that you lack boundaries by oversharing , or suggest a lack of maturity in focusing only on yourself and family – rather than on helping others or serving the community.

Anything you share in your personal statement can be brought up in your interview. If you share details of painful events, losses, or failures that you have not yet processed or come to terms with, that disclosure could come across as an invitation for the reader to pity you. Accepting long-term changes in our lives transforms us; we are constantly evolving through our experiences. Until you have integrated this information into your identity, depending on how impactful it was, you may not be able to use the experience to shed insight on yourself quite yet. Use negative experiences that are at least a year or older depending on how long it takes you to process and reflect. Most importantly,   use them to show growth and resilience , not to create pity.

  • DON’T demonstrate a lack of compassion or empathy. One of the creepiest essays I’ve ever read – it still sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it – was a student’s description of how much she enjoyed anesthetizing and removing the brains of mice. Her intention was to share her love of science, research, and learning but the feverish glee with which she described these procedures lacked compassion for the creatures that lost their lives for her research project. This lack of respect for the sacredness of life made it an easy decision to reject her application. Research was probably a better path for her, especially since she wasn’t able to gauge the reaction her statements would have on her audience.
  • DON’T bargain. The least fun essays to read are those that contain more promises than a politician’s speech. They include statements like, “If accepted into this program, I will….” The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. If you really want to demonstrate what you are capable of achieving during your medical education,  give examples of what you have already accomplished . This approach is far stronger than making hollow promises.
  • DON’T complain. Criticizing or pointing out the failures of healthcare professionals who have treated you or whom you have observed in the past will only reflect negatively on you. Since your application will be reviewed by doctors, as well as admissions professionals, it’s critical that you do not insult those from whom you are seeking acceptance. While it is true that medical mistakes and lack of access to care have devastating consequences for patients, their families and communities, identifying ways to improve in these areas without pointing any fingers would be more effective. By demonstrating your realistic knowledge of patient needs and sharing potential solutions, you can present yourself as an asset to their team.

Be careful what you write. Create a personal statement that is honest (not bitter), reveals your personality (not your medical history), and delivers a compelling explanation for your motivations for entering medicine (not empty promises). 

Do you want our expert advice on your medical school personal statement?

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Med School Personal Statement Consultant Dr. Mary Mahoney

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Med School Personal Statement Examples and Analysis

Now let’s explore what you can learn from some of these outstanding sample med school essays.

Medical school personal statement example  #1: Emergency 911 

“Call 911!” I shouted to my friend as I sprinted down the street. The young Caucasian male had been thrown fifteen yards from the site of impact and surprisingly was still conscious upon my arrival. “My name is Michael. Can you tell me your name?” In his late twenties, he gasped in response as his eyes searched desperately in every direction for help, for comfort, for assurance, for loved ones, for death, until his eyes met mine. “Flail chest,” I thought to myself as I unbuttoned his shirt and placed my backpack upon his right side. “Pulse 98, respiration 28 short and quick. Help is on the way. Hang in there, buddy,” I urged.

After assessing the patient, the gravity of the situation struck me into sobriety. The adrenaline was no longer running through my veins — this was real. His right leg was mangled with a compound fracture; his left leg was also obviously broken. The tow-truck that had hit him looked as though it had run into a telephone pole. Traffic had ceased on the six-lane road, and a large crowd had gathered. However, no one was by my side to help. “Get me some blankets from that motel!” I yelled to a bystander and three people immediately fled. I was in charge.

But my patient was no longer conscious; his pulse was faint and respiration was low. “Stay with me, man!” I yelled. “15 to 1, 15 to 1,” I thought as I rehearsed CPR in my mind. Suddenly he stopped breathing. Without hesitation, I removed my T-shirt and created a makeshift barrier between his mouth and mine through which I proceeded to administer two breaths. No response. And furthermore, there was no pulse. I began CPR. I continued for approximately five minutes until the paramedics arrived, but it was too late. I had lost my first patient.

Medicine. I had always imagined it as saving lives, curing ailments, alleviating pain, overall making life better for everyone. However, as I watched the paramedics pull the sheets over the victim’s head, I began to tremble. I had learned my first lesson of medicine: for all its power, medicine cannot always prevail. I had experienced one of the most disheartening and demoralizing aspects of medicine and faced it. I also demonstrated then that I know how to cope with a life-and-death emergency with confidence, a confidence instilled in me by my certification as an Emergency Medical Technician, a confidence that I had the ability to take charge of a desperate situation and help someone in critical need. This pivotal incident confirmed my decision to pursue medicine as a career. 

Of course healing, curing, and saving is much more rewarding than trying and failing. As an EMT I was exposed to these satisfying aspects of medicine in a setting very new to me — urban medicine. I spent most of a summer doing ride-alongs with the Ambulance Company in Houston. Every call we received dealt with Latino patients either speaking only Spanish or very little broken English. I suddenly realized the importance of understanding a foreign culture and language in the practice of medicine, particularly when serving an underserved majority. In transporting patients from the field to the hospitals I saw the community’s reduced access to medical care due to a lack of physicians able to communicate with and understand their patients. I decided to minor in Spanish. Having almost completed my minor, I have not only expanded my academic horizons, I have gained a cultural awareness I feel is indispensable in today’s diverse society.

Throughout my undergraduate years at Berkeley I have combined my scientific interests with my passion for the Hispanic culture and language. I have even blended the two with my interests in medicine. During my sophomore year I volunteered at a medical clinic in the rural town of Chacala, Mexico. In Mexico for one month, I shadowed a doctor in the clinic and was concurrently enrolled in classes for medical Spanish. It was in Chacala, hundreds of miles away from home, that I witnessed medicine practiced as I imagined it should be. Seeing the doctor treat his patients with skill and compassion as fellow human beings rather than simply diseases to be outsmarted, I realized he was truly helping the people of Chacala in a manner unique to medicine. Fascinated by this exposure to clinical medicine, I saw medicine’s ability to make a difference in people’s lives. For me the disciplines of Spanish and science have become inseparable, and I plan to pursue a career in urban medicine that allows me to integrate them.

Having seen medicine’s different sides, I view this as a multifaceted profession. I have witnessed its power as a healing agent in rural Chacala, and I have seen its weakness when I met death face-to-face as an EMT. Inspired by the Latino community of Houston, I realize the benefits of viewing it from a holistic, culturally aware perspective. And whatever the outcome of the cry "Call 911!" I look forward as a physician to experiencing the satisfaction of saving lives, curing ailments, alleviating pain, and overall making life better for my patients.

Lessons From Med School Sample Essay #1: Emergency 911

This essay is one of our favorites. The applicant tells a story and weaves a lot of information into it about his background and interests. Note how the lead grabs one’s attention and the conclusion ties everything together.

What makes this essay work?

  • A dramatic opening paragraph

This essay has an unusually long opener, but not only is it dramatic, it also lays out the high-stakes situation of the writer desperately trying to save the life of a young man. As an EMT, the writer is safe in sharing so much detail, because they establish their bona fides as medically knowledgeable. With the urgent opening sentence (“Call 911!”) and the sad final sentence (“I had lost my first patient.”), the writer bookends a particularly transformative experience, one that confirmed their goal of becoming a doctor.  

  • A consistent theme

The theme of a med school essay in which the applicant first deals with the inevitable reality of seeing a patient die can become hackneyed through overuse. This essay is saved from that fate because after acknowledging the pain of this reality check, the writer reports that they immediately committed to expanding his knowledge and skills to better serve the local Hispanic community. While not an extraordinary story for an EMT, the substance, self-awareness, and focus the writer brings to the topic makes it a compelling read.

  • Evidence supporting the stated goal

This applicant is already a certified EMT, which serves as evidence of their serious interest in a medical career. In going on ambulance ride-alongs, the writer realized the barrier in communication between many doctors and their Spanish-speaking patients, which inspired the writer to take steps to both learn medical Spanish and shadow a doctor in a Mexican clinic. These concrete steps affirm that the applicant has serious intent.

Medical School Personal Statement Example #2: The Traveler

"On the first day that I walked into the Church Nursing Home, I was unsure of what to expect. A jumble of questions ran through my mind simultaneously: Is this the right job for me? Will I be capable of aiding the elderly residents? Will I enjoy what I do? A couple of hours later, these questions were largely forgotten as I slowly cut chicken pieces and fed them to Frau Meyer. Soon afterwards, I was strolling through the garden with Herr Schmidt, listening to him tell of his tour of duty in World War II. By the end of the day, I realized how much I enjoyed the whole experience and at the same time smiled at the irony of it all. I needed to travel to Heidelberg, Germany, to confirm my interest in clinical medicine.

Experiences like my volunteer work in the German nursing home illustrate the decisive role travel has played in my life. For instance, I had volunteered at a local hospital in New York but was not satisfied. Dreams of watching doctors in the ER or obstetricians in the maternity ward were soon replaced with the reality of carrying urine and feces samples to the lab. With virtually no patient contact, my exposure to clinical medicine in this setting was unenlightening and uninspiring. However, in Heidelberg, despite the fact that I frequently change diapers for the incontinent and deal with occasionally cantankerous elderly, I love my twice-weekly visits to the nursing home. Here, I feel that I am needed and wanted. That rewarding feeling of fulfillment attracts me to the practice of medicine.

My year abroad in Germany also enriched and diversified my experience with research. Although I had a tremendously valuable exposure to research as a summer intern investigating chemotherapeutic resistance in human carcinomas, I found disconcerting the constant cost-benefit analysis required in applied biomedical research. In contrast, my work at the University of Heidelberg gave me a broader view of basic research and demonstrated how it can expand knowledge – even without the promise of immediate profit. I am currently attempting to characterize the role of an enzyme during neural development. Even though the benefit of such research is not yet apparent, it will ultimately contribute to a vast body of information which will further medical science.

My different reactions to research and medicine just exemplify the intrinsically broadening impact of travel. For example, on a recent trip to Egypt, I visited a small village on the banks of the Nile. This impoverished hamlet boasted a large textile factory in its center where many children worked in clean, bright, and cheerful conditions weaving carpets and rugs. After a discussion with the foreman of the plant, I discovered that the children of the village learned trades at a young age to prepare them to enter the job market and to support their families. If I had just heard about this factory, I would have recoiled in horror with visions of sweatshops running through my head. However, watching the skill and precision each child displayed, in addition to his or her endless creativity, soon made me realize that it is impossible to judge this country’s attempts to deal with its poverty using American standards and experience.

Travel has not only had a formative and decisive impact on my decision to pursue a career in medicine, it has also broadened my horizons – whether in a prosperous city on the Rhine or an impoverished village on the Nile. In dealing with patients or addressing research puzzles, I intend to bring the inquiring mind fostered in school, lab, and volunteer experiences. But above all, I intend to bring the open mind formed through travel.

Lessons From Medical School Sample Essay #2: The Traveler

No boring repetition of itinerary from this seasoned traveler! This student ties their travels to their medical ambitions through the effective use of short anecdotes and vivid images. Can you sense the writer’s youthful disappointment during early clinical experiences and mature satisfaction working in the retirement home?

This applicant effectively links the expansive benefits of travel to their medical ambitions. By sharing vivid anecdotes from and reflections on these experiences, the writer enables the reader to easily imagine them as a talented physician in the future.

  • An engaging opening that frames the storyline Many fine application essays open with imagery so vibrant that the writing could be mistaken for fiction. This essay is no different. We meet the writer in the setting of a nursing home overseas, where they question whether their volunteer experiences there will help them determine their career path. Notice how the first sentence reflects a worry, “I was unsure of what to expect,” but by the final sentence, the writer concludes with satisfaction, “I needed to travel to Heidelberg, Germany, to confirm my interest in clinical medicine.” With this framing, we appreciate the essay’s theme.
  • Reflections on and contrasts about varied experiences in medicine The writer’s reactions to various encounters reveal a maturing mind-set: the “unenlightening and uninspiring” experience volunteering in a New York hospital versus the feeling of being “needed and wanted” in the nursing home in Heidelberg; the “disconcerting . . . constant cost-benefit analysis required in applied biomedical research” versus the “broader view of basic research and . . . how it can expand knowledge – even without the promise of immediate profit” at the University of Heidelberg. These reflections demonstrate a thoughtfulness born of experience.
  • How traveling has expanded his potential as a physician Of the five tightly constructed paragraphs in this substantial essay, the final two paragraphs home in on how travel has had an “intrinsically broadening impact” and stimulated an “open mind” to people and situations. This kind of sophisticated view is a desirable trait to adcoms.
  • Out-of-the-box theme Although this essay’s foundation is built on the writer’s sincere and dedicated aspirations for a medical career, they allowed themselves the space to write about the broadening intellectual benefits of travel, linking those benefits to professional potential. Even when writing about children working in a factory in Egypt, this applicant brings an expanded mind-set and greater cross-cultural understanding that will no doubt benefit them in their career.

Medical School Personal Statement Example #3: The Non-Traditional Applicant

"Modest one-room houses lay scattered across the desert landscape, their rooftops a seemingly helpless shield against the intense heat generated by the mid-July sun. The steel security bars that guarded the windows and doors of every house seemed to belie the large welcome sign at the entrance to the ABC Indian Reservation. As a young civil engineer employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, I was far removed from my cubicle in downtown Los Angeles.

However, I felt I was well-prepared to conduct my first project proposal. The project involved a $500,000 repair of an earthen levee surrounding an active Native American burial site. A fairly inexpensive and straightforward job by federal standards, but nonetheless, I could hardly contain my excitement. Strict federal construction guidelines laden with a generous portion of technical jargon danced through my head as I stepped up to the podium to greet the twelve tribal council members. My premature confidence quickly disappeared as they confronted me with a troubled ancient gaze. Their faces revealed centuries of distrust and broken government promises.

Suddenly, from a design based solely upon abstract engineering principles, an additional human dimension emerged – one for which I had not prepared. The calculations I had crunched over the past several months and the abstract engineering principles simply no longer applied. Their potential impact on this community was clearly evident in the faces before me. With perspiration forming on my brow, I decided I would need to take a new approach to salvage this meeting. So I discarded my rehearsed speech, stepped out from behind the safety of the podium, and began to solicit the council members’ questions and concerns. By the end of the afternoon, our efforts to establish a cooperative working relationship had resulted in a distinct shift in the mood of the meeting. Although I am not saying we erased centuries of mistrust in a single day, I feel certain our steps towards improved relations and trust produced a successful project.

I found this opportunity to humanize my engineering project both personally and professionally rewarding. Unfortunately, experiences like it were not common. I realized early in my career that I needed a profession where I could more frequently incorporate human interaction and my interests in science. After two years of working as a civil engineer, I enrolled in night school to explore a medical career and test my aptitude for pre-medical classes. I found my classes fascinating and became a more effective student. Today, I am proud of the 3.7 GPA I have achieved in competitive post-baccalaureate courses such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, and genetics.

Confident of my ability to succeed in the classroom, I proceeded to volunteer in the Preceptorship Program at the Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Medical Center. I acquired an understanding of the emotional demands and time commitment required of physicians by watching them schedule their personal lives around the needs of their patients. I also soon observed that the rewards of medicine stem from serving the needs of these same patients. I too found it personally gratifying to provide individuals with emotional support by holding an elderly woman’s hand as a physician drew a blood sample or befriending frightened patients with a smile and conversation.

To test my aptitude for a medical career further, I began a research project under the supervision of Dr. John Doe from the Orthopedic Department at Big University. The focus of my study was to determine the fate of abstracts presented at the American Society for Surgery of the Hand annual meeting. As primary author, I reported the results in an article for the Journal of Hand Surgery, a peer-reviewed publication. My contribution to medicine, albeit small, gave me much satisfaction. In the future, I would like to pursue an active role in scientific research.

My preparation for a career as a medical doctor started with my work as a professional engineer. From my experiences at the ABC Indian Reservation, I realized I need more direct personal interaction than engineering offers. The rewarding experiences I have had in my research, my volunteer work at the Los Angeles County Hospital, and my post-bac studies have focused my energies and prepared me for the new challenges and responsibilities that lie ahead in medicine."

Lessons From Med School Sample Essay #3: The Non-Traditional Applicant

Here, an older applicant takes advantage of their experience and maturity. Note how this engineer demonstrates their sensitivity and addresses possible stereotypes about engineers’ lack of communications skills.

What works well in this essay?

  • A compelling lead This story begins in a hot desert landscape, an unexpected and dramatic starting point. Can’t you just feel the heat and sense the loneliness of the remote Indian reservation? Equally powerful in this first paragraph is when the writer faces the need to suddenly and completely rethink their carefully planned approach to address the tribal leaders. Their excitement is dashed. Their confidence has plummeted. They are totally unprepared for the mistrust facing them and their plan, and they need to improvise –quickly. Who wouldn’t want to read on to see how they resolve this dramatic turn of events?
  • Solid storytelling that leads to a satisfying conclusion This nontraditional med school applicant reinvents themself in this essay. After realizing that they want more human involvement and interaction in their work, they take this self-knowledge and show us the steps they took to achieve their new goal. The steps are logical and well thought out, so the writer’s conclusion that they are well prepared in every way for med school makes perfect sense.
  • Evidence to support their theme Through taking prerequisite courses in medicine (and achieving high grades) to bedside hospital volunteering (which provides emotional satisfaction) to helping write a medical research paper (which provides a feeling that they are making a meaningful contribution), the writer offers evidence that they are well suited for their new goal of a career in medicine. Each experience shared is relevant to the writer’s story. Any reader will agree that the applicant’s future as a physician is promising.
  • A thoughtful perspective From the opening paragraph, the writer shows their ability to adapt to new situations and realities with quick thinking and psychological openness. They assess each stage of their journey, testing it for intellectual value and emotional satisfaction. Journeys of reflective self-discovery are something adcoms value.

Medical School Personal Statement Example #4: The Anthropology Student

"Crayfish tails in tarragon butter, galantine of rabbit with foie gras, oxtail in red wine, and apple tartelettes. The patient had this rich meal and complained of “liver upset” (crise de foie). Why a liver ache? I always associate indigestion with a stomach ache. In studying French culture in my Evolutionary Psychology class, I learned that when experiencing discomfort after a rich meal, the French assume their liver is the culprit. Understanding and dealing with the minor – sometimes major – cultural differences is a necessity in our shrinking world and diverse American society. Anthropology has prepared me to effectively communicate with an ethnically diverse population. My science classes, research, and clinical experience have prepared me to meet the demands of medical school.

I first became aware of the valuable service that physicians provide when I observed my father, a surgeon, working in his office. I gained practical experience assisting him and his staff perform various procedures in his outpatient center. This exposure increased my admiration for the restorative, technological, and artistic aspects of surgery. I also saw that the application of medical knowledge was most effective when combined with compassion and empathy from the health care provider.

While admiring my father’s role as a head and neck surgeon helping people after severe accidents, I also found a way to help those suffering from debilitating ailments. Working as a certified physical trainer, I became aware of the powerful recuperative effects of exercise. I was able to apply this knowledge in the case of Sharon, a 43-year-old client suffering from lupus. She reported a 200% increase in her strength tests after I trained her. This meant she could once again perform simple tasks like carrying groceries into her house. Unfortunately, this glimpse of improvement was followed by a further deterioration in her condition. On one occasion, she broke down and cried about her declining health and growing fears. It was then that I learned no physical prowess or application of kinesiology would alleviate her pain. I helped reduce her anxiety with a comforting embrace. Compassion and understanding were the only remedies available, temporary though they were.

To confirm that medicine is the best way for me to help others, I assisted a research team in the Emergency Room at University Medical Center (UMC). This experience brought me in direct contact with clinical care and provided me with the opportunity to witness and participate in the “behind-the-scenes” hospital operations. Specifically, we analyzed the therapeutic effects of two new drugs – Drug A and Drug B – in patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke. The purpose of this trial was to determine the efficacy and safety of these agents in improving functional outcome in patients who had sustained an acute cerebral infarction. My duties centered around the role of patient-physician liaison, determining patients’ eligibility, monitoring their conditions, and conducting patient histories.

I continued to advance my research experience at the VA Non-Human Primate Center. During the past year, I have been conducting independent research in endocrinology and biological aspects of anthropology. For this project, I am examining the correlation between captive vervet monkeys’ adrenal and androgen levels with age, gender, and various behavioral measures across different stress-level environments. I enjoy the discipline and responsibility which research requires, and I hope to incorporate it into my career.

Anthropology is the study of humans; medicine is the science and art of dealing with the maintenance of health and the prevention, alleviation, or cure of disease in humans. From my work at UMC and my observation of my father’s practice, I know medicine will allow me to pursue an art and science that is tremendously gratifying and contributes to the welfare of those around me. My anthropology classes have taught me to appreciate cross-cultural perspectives and their relationship to pathology and its etiology. Firsthand experience with exercise therapy and nutrition has taught me the invaluable role of prevention. Medical school will now provide me with the technical knowledge to alleviate a crise de foie."

[ Click here to view an excerpt from the original draft of this essay. ]

Lessons From Medical School Sample Essay #4: The Anthropology Student

With a diverse background that includes anthropology studies, work as a certified physical trainer, and experience in clinical medical research, this applicant builds a strong case for their logical and dedicated choice of a medical career.

  • An engaging opening that frames the storyline This writer cleverly uses an example from anthropology class, linking the description of a heavy, gourmet French meal to an appreciation for cross-cultural understanding that will be an asset during their medical career. Notice that the writer is not describing their own personal experience here but piggybacked on a class lesson to create a colorful, engaging opening.
  • A solid variety of relevant experiences In this six-paragraph essay, the writer links their lessons from anthropology studies to a firsthand understanding based on observing how their surgeon-father related to patients, to becoming a physical trainer directly helping others, and then to two different kinds of medical research. Each experience builds logically and chronologically on what came before, adding to the substance of the applicant’s preparation for medical school.
  • A powerful personal experience with a client In the third paragraph, the writer’s experience working with a patient with lupus is particularly strong and memorable. Their initial success with Sharon is followed by an almost immediate and radical decline in her condition. This is a moving anecdote that shows the applicant’s understanding of the limitations of medicine – and the power of compassion.
  • An excellent summary paragraph that ties everything together The final paragraph isn’t the place to offer new information, and this one doesn’t. Instead, it reminds the reader about the strong foundation the writer built from academics to career and medical research. Readers will be persuaded that after these experiences and reflections, the applicant truly appreciates “cross-cultural perspectives and their relationship to pathology and its etiology,” as well as the “firsthand experience with exercise therapy and nutrition teaching the invaluable role of prevention.”

Don’t Write Like This!

As the time approached for me to set my personal and professional goals, I made a conscientious decision to enter a field which would provide me with a sense of achievement and, at the same time, produce a positive impact on mankind. It became apparent to me that the practice of medicine would fulfill these objectives. In retrospect, my ever-growing commitment to medicine has been crystallizing for years. My intense interest in social issues, education, and athletics seems particularly appropriate to this field and has prepared me well for such a critical choice...

I’ve been asked many times why I wish to become a physician. Upon considerable reflection, the thought of possessing the ability to help others provides me with tremendous internal gratification and offers the feeling that my life’s efforts have been focused in a positive direction. Becoming a physician is the culmination of a lifelong dream, and I am prepared to dedicate myself, as I have in the past, to achieving this goal.

Lessons from Don’t Write Like This

This is an excerpt from the original draft of the Anthropology Student’s AMCAS essay. We are not including the whole thing because you can get the idea all too rapidly from just this brief portion. Note the abundant use of generalities that apply to the overwhelming majority of medical school applicants. Observe how the colorless platitudes and pomposity hide any personality. Can you imagine reading essays like this all day long? If so, then imagine your reaction to a good essay.

More sample essays

The Dental School Applicant Sample Essay >>

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APPLICATION STRATEGY / PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ESSAY REVIEW / INTERVIEW PREP

Med school personal statement FAQs

1. when should i start writing my personal statement for medical school.

Typically, traditional applicants who have a goal of submitting their AMCAS or AACOMAS application in June write their personal statement after they take the MCAT in March. Starting the prewriting for the personal statement earlier than that is fine too; however, if an applicant plans to sit for the MCAT in the early spring, writing a compelling personal narrative while preparing for the MCAT can often be too much. Both require very different kinds of thinking. The intensity of studying for the MCAT, and the empirical thinking it requires, can interfere with the imaginative brainstorming needed to find your topic and develop it.  

Before focusing on the personal statement, look at all the elements of the primary application. As a whole, the personal statement, activities, MMEs, MCAT, transcript, biographical information and letters, will portray you. One element alone is not enough to bring out the whole you. It might help to strategize about how (and where) to highlight different elements of your background, experience, and character in the different parts of the primary application. Then work on the personal statement knowing what aspects of you are already represented in the other sections of the application. This way, each element adds value to the application and contributes to a more complete picture of you.

It makes sense to compartmentalize completing different parts of the application. Many applicants take the time they need to focus on one application component at a time, which seems to help them be thorough. 

Don’t underestimate how much time it takes to write well. Exploring ideas in writing, developing those ideas, showing rather than telling a story, staying clear, writing fluidly, surmising maturely and insightfully, takes much more time than most people anticipate. So, don’t wait until Memorial Day to write your essay and intend to submit on June 1. Give yourself the churn time writing well needs. Also, give yourself time to put a draft down for a day or two and return to it when you’re able to read it afresh. Sometimes, we revise over and over again in one sitting to the point that we can no longer hear the story or its sense because we have been rehearsing and revising a draft to beat the clock. Doing this is a risky way to go about the personal statement. Remember, this essay should be a very impressive part of your application, not merely one more part of the application to finish. At the end of the day, the medical school personal statement is a window that allows others to see you, know you as a person, know you better and beyond your achievements.

2. How do I find the perfect personal statement topic? Does one exist?

Certainly, some ideas are better than others, and one idea might work better for one person and not so well for someone else. However, there is no “perfect” topic. In fact, writing an essay with the approach of trying to out-psych this important application requirement is likely not the strongest way to find your best topic, nor is it the best way to engage your readers. 

Instead, consider the following approach. What is an experience you’ve had that matters greatly in helping others understand who you are as a future physician? Why medicine, not in general, but for you, demonstrated by way of a story about an experience that directly ties to being a physician or indirectly demonstrates your sound character as it corresponds with human qualities medical schools desire. When we read what kinds of people medical schools seek, it’s easy enough to identify quite a few character traits that appeal to many schools: compassion, resiliency, adaptability, selflessness, inclusivity, and altruism among them. What experience, when written with key details and description, reveals who you really are?

3. How do you choose the right amount of personal qualities to list?

A strong medical school personal statement should not replicate other parts of the application, with the exception of it being a specific story that stems from a particular experience associated with one of your activities. Otherwise, there’s no listing in this essay. Unfortunately, some applicants do treat the personal statement as an opportunity to list awards, accolades, and experiences, paragraph by paragraph. Meanwhile, medical school admissions officers can see these awards and experiences in the Experiences section of the application. Rarely, if ever, does this kind of writing bring out voice, vision and identity. Instead, tell a true story, revised with care and precision, that shines with voice, vision and identity.

4. Are there any topics I should avoid for my medical school personal statement?

Certainly, one idea might work better for one person and not so well for someone else. So, there’s a subjectivity in what to write and what not to write. Generally, however, there are some topics to avoid. Don’t write about a time you felt cheated, inconvenienced, frustrated or angry. Sometimes, secondary essay prompts will ask you about a struggle or a mistake, and for these answers, it’s best to show how you turned the situation around or keenly learned from it. Don’t get too caught in childhood. Many applicants do write about a time when they were not yet grown; however, don’t get swallowed by it. Write the scene and then stay in the present to demonstrate your maturity and worthwhile hindsight.

Remember -- no matter what the topic, tone matters. 

5. What kind of experience should I include in my personal statement?

6. can the experience i use on my med school personal statement be from outside of college.

Absolutely. It is relatively common for applicants to only portray themselves as students, and this can be a problem. Sometimes, when applicants write about themselves as excellent students the tone of such a personal statement can sound boastful or pleading. Neither quality is advantageous. 

Seeing oneself in any other light can result in a stronger “snapshot” of who you are, as long as the theme or topic of your personal statement still suits the intention of the application in the first place – demonstrating who you are as an appealing candidate for medical school. When we consider the writing task for the personal statement to be much more story-driven, readers go on a descriptive journey. What journey would you like to share?

7. Should I talk about challenges I’ve faced?

If other parts of your medical school application suggest a struggle – whether a lower MCAT score or a notable weak semester on a transcript – it might be advantageous to explain what happened and how you turned that situation around. Whether writing about a challenge in the personal statement or secondaries, the key is to demonstrate resilience. Applicants with physical or cognitive disabilities may choose to write about seeking assistance -- whether a doctor, therapist or a tutor -- and how learning alternative strategies helped them figure out how to attain higher academic achievement. 

Sometimes challenges are circumstantial. Sometimes families face financial hardship (did the family breadwinner become unemployed and therefore everyone else had to work more hours, including you?), emotional stress (due to an ongoing illness, Covid-19, or a divorce?) or trauma (a death of a loved one, a house fire, a veteran/sibling returning home with PTSD). Sometimes an applicant has been a caregiver for someone in the family. Sometimes an applicant has taken a leave from school because of someone else’s struggles, or the emotional fallout on the applicant from someone else’s struggle – the loss of a childhood friend, for instance. Self-care is reasonable. We might need to share a life moment in order to frame the context of a life struggle, showing it in the context of responsibility rather than recklessness or immaturity. Showing how you stepped up in a challenging time can show that you are accountable and caring, as long as the story is told to these ends, rather than suggesting resentment or self-pity. Again, neither of these tones is advantageous, nor is blame. 

Occasionally applicants have been challenged by a course or by a professor, a classmate or teammate and feel unduly subjected to bias. If there’s discrimination involved, that might be a story to tell. If there’s a personality clash, that might not be a good story to tell. 

Finally, as any story of challenge moves along, it’s important to demonstrate what you did, what you learned, how you adapted, or what you now value from having had this life experience that you did not understand before. 

Being a doctor is rife with challenges. In the end, your readers may come to understand how you are an insightful leader with great resilience or a compassionate, problem-solver.

8. How do I focus my personal statement to show that I want to go into medicine and not another field in healthcare?

Great question. On the one hand, it’s a good idea to demonstrate your compassion for others and empathy for people suffering from illness. On the other hand, these are favorable attributes for nearly all healthcare workers -- not only doctors -- but for physician assistants, nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers and psychologists too. Since most applicants have done some shadowing of physicians, it’s not unusual for these experiences to contain moments of learning about being a physician through shadowing or through work in a clinic. However, the more clinical the story, the better especially if you’re applying to osteopathic schools of medicine. If you’re applying to allopathic schools of medicine, it’s possible you have some interest in being a researcher, so telling a story about working in a physician’s lab might demonstrate your insights into the value of research in light of disease or patient care. If you already have an affinity for a specialty, telling how you came to know this could be the way to go.

9. Do I introduce my desired field of healthcare in my personal statement?

Maybe. If you’re very committed and have demonstrated a trend in your activities from general volunteer work (older listings) to more specialized experience in a field of medicine (more recent listings), it may be a good idea to write up how you came to know one field of medicine was really your passion. 

Bear in mind that announcing a deep interest in a particular field of medicine may make you “a good fit” or “not a good fit” for some schools. So, if you do write up a story about your desired field of medicine for your personal statement, be sure your list of schools corresponds with this. For instance, if you want to be an obstetrician and you convey this in your personal statement, be certain your schools have clinical exposure or better yet offer specializations in obstetrics, or a required rotation through a hospital for women, for instance.

Lastly, by no means must you announce a desired field of healthcare in your personal statement. You may be asked about your specialized interests in medicine in a secondary or in an interview, so it’s a good idea to think this through, but no, you don’t have to tackle this in the personal statement.

10. What should my character limit be? 

The AMCAS and AACOMAS character limit for the personal statement is 5,300 characters with spaces. The TMDSAS character limit for the personal statement is 5,000 characters with spaces. It’s a good idea to use most if not all of this space for your personal statement. Also, try to avoid the temptation to use the same personal statement for AMCAS and AACOMAS. The osteopathic schools seek applicants who know and prefer an osteopathic orientation to medicine, so the AACOMAS personal statement should demonstrate your fit with osteopathic medicine, based on what story you choose to tell and how you tell it, or at the very least, in the conclusion.

11. How do I know when I’m ready to submit my med school personal statement?

I highly recommend getting feedback about this from a strong mentor, advisor or consultant. Accepted offers comprehensive consultation for every part of the writing process, from brainstorming, to outlining, to mentoring on ideas, and editing until a client has a solid final draft in hand, ready for submission. You can review these services here: Initial Essay Package

Generally speaking, when you’ve accomplished FAQ #2 and #3, avoided the pitfalls in #4, revised for clarity and quality of ideas, developed ideas engagingly, and meticulously revised for quality of writing, then, you may be done.

12. What if I don’t have enough space to discuss everything?

Then your topic is too large or unfocused, in which case you need to focus and narrow the scope of your essays. Or you have a bit of editing to do to eliminate wordiness, digressions, or overstatement Ultimately, you want your essay to be focused, clear, and engaging.

13. Should I personalize my personal statement to the med school I am applying to?

Only if you’re applying to one medical school. Otherwise, your personal statement will reach all schools listed in your AMCAS application or AACOMAS application. It is okay, however, to speak toward the ideals of your first choice, aspirational schools on your list. Other times, applicants choose to write toward the schools that are their safest bets. 

Your secondary/supplemental essays will give you plenty of opportunity to show you belong at an individual school.

14.  Can I talk about mental or physical health in my statement?

15. should i address any bad grades that i got in school.

Generally yes, as long as bad grades are truly bad grades. It’s likely that you do not need to address a rogue grade of B on a transcript. If you had a bad semester or two, the question becomes how and where to address them. The answer is an individual one dependent on the context. The one certainty: You definitely don’t want your entire application to be a rationalization of those bad grades. 

See FAQ #7. 

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Sign up to our newsletter, everything you need to know about update letters for medical school.

sample cover letter for medical school admission

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 10/11/23

Thinking about writing an update letter? We’ll break down how to craft the perfect one for med school.

Applying to medical school is a long, complicated, and involved process. By now, you have completed your primary application, secondary application, and medical school interview . Just getting this far is a huge accomplishment in itself, so you should feel proud of your journey. 

Now comes what may be even more stressful and worrisome than all of the work and preparation you have completed over months and months: waiting to hear about your acceptance to your dream medical school. 

This is where the update letter for medical school comes into play. Writing an update letter for medical school alleviates some of the stress of waiting because it allows you another opportunity to let medical school admissions committees know that you are still interested in their medical school and that you are continuing to work on your professional growth.

In this blog, we will discuss the purpose of the update letter for medical school, when to send an update letter, and topics to include in a strong update letter. We will also review a sample of a medical school update letter and go over what makes it effective.

Infographic explaining the purpose of update letters, when to send it, and how to write them.

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Purpose of the Update Letter for Medical School

The purpose of the update letter for medical school is multifaceted. At its core, an effective update letter accomplishes the following:

  • It reminds medical schools that you still exist.
  • It mentions any new and relevant professional achievements since submitting your application.
  • It makes clear and concise connections between your new activities and the medical school’s mission.

With that said, it is important to note that not all medical schools will accept additional correspondence like update letters from applicants outside of the required and requested application materials. Some medical schools explicitly state that they will discard additional correspondence that isn’t required or directly requested.

It’s a good idea to check with the medical schools to which you have applied to make sure you follow all medical school application requirements, including their guidelines for best practices after you apply.

After all, you don’t want to irritate admissions committees by not following their specified directions regarding their medical school application process.

Knowing the difference between update letters, letters of interest, and letters of intent is essential as you write your med school letters. The update letter is unique in that it primarily focuses on your self-improvement, your growth mindset, your major accomplishments, and your involvement in professional development that were not included in your primary and secondary applications or your interview.

The key takeaway is that the update letter for medical school focuses on you and your professional accomplishments since applying. It does not heavily go into the medical school’s programs and opportunities. 

When to Send an Update Letter for Medical School

Assuming your medical schools will accept an update letter, it is generally sent in the following scenarios:

  • You have already interviewed at the medical school.
  • You have been waitlisted by the medical school.
  • You have not yet received a rejection from the medical school.

In other words, you are in limbo awaiting their final decision. (Please keep in mind that if you have received a rejection, you cannot send an update letter to reverse the decision. A rejection is a final decision by the medical school.)

What to Include in Your Update Letter for Medical School

An effective update letter for medical school addresses what you have been doing since applying to medical school that furthers your professional development. This can include activities such as research projects, new honors and awards, any publication accolades, progress or status updates with extracurriculars, a new job, or additional responsibilities you have undertaken at work.

Medical school admissions committees like to see students continuing to pursue their goals. In other words, it is in your best interest to remain proactive in your development and maintain a growth mindset.

Because getting into top medical schools is highly competitive, you will increase your chances for acceptance if you diligently move forward with your activities and avoid becoming stagnant. 

For your update letter, be sure that the information you are including is new and relevant to the medical school’s mission. You can certainly draw upon the information you already included in your application and/or interview, but make sure that your update letter focuses on new developments and updates.

You don’t want your update letter to rehash the same information that can be found in your application. Rather, think of the update letter as a supplemental document that adds important news about your recent activities.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about your update letter for medical school:

  • Be confident and enthusiastic about your recent activities and professional development.
  • Balance your confidence with humility and grace. For example, avoid being boastful or arrogant, and don’t embellish your activities. Be humble about what you have recently learned and what you have left to learn.
  • Be gracious to the medical school admissions committees. You don’t have to gush over them taking the time to read your update letter, but do be mindful of your overall tone and language. 
  • As a courtesy, keep your update letter short—no longer than one page in length—and simple.

Ultimately, your update letter should convey your dedication to your medical career, demonstrate your achievements, personal growth, and alignment with the institution's values and mission.

Sample of an Update Letter for Medical School

Now that we have established some preliminary guidelines to keep in mind for your update letter, let’s go over a sample of an effective update letter for medical school. We will then review the qualities that make this update letter truly stand out.

Dear Stanford University School of Medicine Admissions Committee:
My name is First-Name Last-Name [AMCAS ID: 123456789] and I am a medical school applicant who interviewed at Stanford University School of Medicine on [XX/XX/XXXX]. I would like to provide you with an update on my ongoing research, recent publications, and latest activities.
My goal is to become a skilled physician-investigator in biomedical research and patient care. Since my interview, I have continued my position as a research assistant and have had several articles accepted in peer-reviewed publications:
Publication #1 - Follow APA format when citing your publication.
Publication #2 - Follow APA format when citing your publication.
Publication #3 - Follow APA format when citing your publication.
I have also begun to volunteer at my local homeless shelter, where I have gained a newfound passion for health equity for underprivileged and impoverished patient populations. Working at the homeless shelter has taught me that the disparity in public health and treatment based on socioeconomic status must be addressed, and I am driven to pursue biomedical research that will help decrease global human suffering.
Additionally, I trained to compete in a semi-professional bodybuilding competition, and ranked third in my region. This activity has cultivated my self-sufficiency and discipline, traits that are important to establish early on and continue for medical students and physicians. 
Thank you for your time and consideration in reading this letter. I appreciate your continued interest in my candidacy at Stanford University School of Medicine.
First-Name Last-Name
AMCAS ID: 123456789

What makes this an effective update letter? Let’s break it down from beginning to end.

The Salutation

Specifying the medical school by name and addressing the admissions committee extends common courtesy and shows professionalism. Avoid the generic and overused “To Whom It May Concern” as that can convey a lack of interest and disregard of the medical school. In other words, if you genuinely want to be accepted by that medical school, take the care and extra step of personalizing your salutation.

The Introduction

Right away, the introduction includes the applicant’s name and AMCAS ID number. The introductory paragraphs immediately connect the applicant with the medical school. The applicant ties in relevant research experience with the medical school’s program.

The Body Paragraphs

Notice how the body paragraphs focus on the applicant’s ongoing and new professional developments. The applicant also includes personal hobbies and endeavors that clearly and concisely show the desirable qualities of a strong candidate and physician.

When writing your update letter, we suggest that the majority of the letter focuses on your professional growth. You can include a couple of personal achievements in your update letter, but just like in the sample, keep your personal achievements concise and only include them if they are relevant to the medical school’s mission.

The Closing/Signature

The closing neatly wraps up the applicant’s interest and goals. The signature includes the applicant’s AMCAS ID number, which is helpful to the admissions committee as they receive thousands of applications.

Overall Comments

The tone of this sample update letter is gracious, professional, and humble. It strikes just the right balance of confidence and humility. It highlights the applicant’s continued interest in the medical school and links that to the applicant’s trackable progress. It provides concrete, specific examples of the applicant’s recent and new activities. It is just the right length that results in effective communication—longer than a few vague lines, but no longer than a page. 

Med School Update Letter FAQs

Still have questions about update letters? Take a look at our answers to these frequently asked questions.

1. What If I Don’t Have That Many New Professional Activities to Discuss in an Update Letter?

Your update letter shouldn’t be long at all. Stick to one page in length or just under one page. Medical school admissions committees have many primary and secondary application materials to read, so be courteous of their time. After all, an update letter is not an application requirement. 

It is simply a gesture on your part to reach out to medical schools that have not yet given you their final decision. Furthermore, an effective update letter will prioritize quality over quantity. Specify the activities that are relevant and detail how they connect to the medical school. Sticking with this formula will ensure that your update letter includes all of your pertinent talking points.

2. How Do I Send My Update Letter to Medical Schools?

Again, please verify with the medical schools to which you have applied that they accept update letters. If they do, you can find instructions for sending your update letter on their website or secondary portal. 

If you have the option of uploading the update letter using their secondary portal, we suggest that the file type is a PDF to keep formatting consistent. Always follow each medical school’s specific application requirements. For example, The University of Colorado Boulder has application tips for sending update letters .

3. How Many Med School Update Letters Can I Send?

You don’t want to annoy the admissions committee by sending excessive correspondence outside of their required application materials. We recommend sending one update letter when applicable (remember, in the cases where you are in limbo, and the medical schools allow update letters).

There are some medical schools that allow up to three update letters. Some medical schools allow letters of interest and letters of intent in addition to update letters. Please check with the medical school to which you have applied to ensure that you follow their application instructions.

4. Is There Anything I Should Avoid in My Med School Update Letter?

Avoid discussing the medical school’s admissions timetable or long passage of time. For example, you don’t want to say something like, “It has been several months since I interviewed at XYZ Medical School.” This sounds negative and slightly accusatory that they are taking too long with their final decision. It is best to be gracious and patient. Furthermore, you don’t want to waste your limited space (one page) on irrelevant or unhelpful topics.

Avoid sounding too casual and vague. Your update letter should maintain the same level of professionalism and detail that was in your primary and secondary applications. Your update letter is a supplemental document in addition to your application, so it should be regarded with the same attention and care.

Avoid listing too many hobbies. It is acceptable to include one or two as long as they are relevant, but you don’t want the entire update letter to consist of hobbies and personal endeavors rather than concrete and trackable progress in your professional growth.

Avoid sending an update letter that’s too short. It is better to send no update letter at all than just a few disinterested and vague lines.

Avoid sending an update letter that’s too long. Your update letter should be one page maximum. Remember, an update letter is supplemental to your primary and secondary applications and interview. It should not be written like a major component of your medical school application. 

5. Do Update Letters Really Make a Difference for Getting Into Med School?

This is really hard to definitively judge, and certainly this is on a case-by-case basis, but let’s take a step back and consider some key things. First, if medical schools indicate that they indeed accept update letters, then you can be assured that admissions committees will read them and take them into consideration when they make their final decision.

At the very least, an update letter can reinforce your interest well after your interview , and may while renew their interest in you as a candidate. It can encourage them to review your application more closely. Secondly, if your update letter lists professional achievements that are of value and in alignment with the medical school’s program, then coupled with your primary and secondary applications, it may just be enough for admissions committees to move forward with you.

You can research real examples of prospective medical students receiving invitations to another interview, or offers of acceptance, based on what they achieved in their update letters.

6. How Can I Get Help Writing My Update Letter to Medical Schools? ‍

If you are struggling with things like grammar, sentence structure, or tone, have another set of eyes look over it. This can be a trusted colleague, mentor, teacher, or friend. Proofreading will ensure that you are sending an update letter that is free of errors. 

If you need assistance with knowing what content to include to make your update letter effective and concise, get in touch with us today to help with all of your medical school admissions consulting needs. We are here for you every step of the way!

Final Thoughts

You are so close in getting into your dream medical school. Sending an effective update letter may help in getting you closer. With our guide on writing an update letter for medical school, you will succeed in communicating your continued excellence. 

sample cover letter for medical school admission

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Medical Cover Letter Samples: Access Our Well-Edited Examples

This document is as important as your GPA and MCAT scores when it comes to getting accepted into a med school. Given that level of significance, as a med school applicant, you must learn how to craft it well.

We provide you with medical cover letter samples to use as learning resources. You can access our examples 24/7/365 and learn how to craft the perfect request document for various top US universities. If you need professional editing of your cover letter besides the samples, our editing service is here to help.

How You Can Use Our Medical Cover Letter Samples

Now that you know the benefits of using a medical assistant cover letter example is important, how can you utilize our samples to succeed? Given that it is probably your first time writing an application to med school, you are prone to make numerous mistakes. But you can leverage a sample cover letter for medical assistant to study the structure and writing style you should use. An example will help you figure out how to begin your essay, keep it going, and end it. And of course, what length to adhere to.

You can also use our example to get a better idea of what information the med admission committees look for. Given the limited space you have to sell yourself, you could use an example to figure out what to include or leave out in your application. All in all, our samples can help you understand what makes a picture-perfect piece beyond the structure and formatting. Using a sample cover letter for resume medical assistant as a reference will give you a better idea of even the tone and language to use.

The key thing to note is that our samples are meant to be used as a reference. That is, a guide to help you navigate through writing your own unique admission request document. As such, copying what’s in a template and pass it on as your own will definitely lead to a rejected application.

Medical Cover Letter Example: Why Are Samples Important?

A medical cover letter example is an essential document for several reasons. For one, it helps you learn how you can communicate your intention to join a particular med school unequivocally. Samples will show you how you can customize your attributes with the following aspects of a specific institution:

  • Academic life
  • Student fraternity

Besides, a template will prove invaluable in helping you explain the negative aspects of your application. For instance, if your undergraduate GPA was average, a template on our site will teach you how to show this score as a positive learning experience. This way, you can showcase essential attributes such as determination and resilience to the admission panel.

Last but not least, our examples and medical assistant cover letter samples will teach you how to be concise. See, you do not want to craft an application with a lot of words but no meaning. Most of the time, doing this will get your application ignored over those that go straight to the point. Importantly, if you struggle with brevity, use any example to learn how to be good at it.

Get Your Well-Crafted Samples Quick & Easy

If you are looking for inspiration, guidance, or just a general idea of what to put in your med school application, our samples can help. Review any example here and get inspired to create your own. Want your essay to look as good as the samples you’ve seen here? Try our professional editing service to polish up your application.

A cover letter is a vital document that can help you showcase why you are the perfect fit for the program. A well-structured cover letter should highlight your strong points, significant career and life accomplishments. A cover letter is an exclusive and personal summary of your achievements and goals. Make sure it has a catchy introduction, specific body paragraphs and succinct conclusion. Check our sample and perfect your own cover letter.

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Cover Letter for Admission to Medical School/ College

Sample Cover Letter for Admission to Medical School/ College/University. Application letter for medical school sample. Cover letter for medical school application.

Cover Letter for Admission to Medical School

To, The admission office, Kings medical college

Respected sir,

With due respect, I am writing this letter to inform you that I have successfully completed college with A+ grades, and my subjects were Sciences. I have applied to your college, and keeping in mind the previous merit I expect a seat in this year’s batch. Please find attached documents along with my result card.

I shall be highly overwhelmed to be a part of your prestigious college as it is my dire wish to become a doctor and serve the community. Thanks

Yours sincerely,

Mr. Foley Sam

Cover Letter for Admission to Medical College

To Cent Marry High School/ collage, New York, USA

I wanted to be a doctor. I was looking for admission to medical college, so I wanted to choose the best college in town. I read in the newspaper that this institute has an opening spot for medical students.

I have just completed my high school in sciences with biology, chemistry, and physics. I have achieved an A grade in all my subjects. I have won gold medals in my school and in all education departments.

It will be an honor for me to take admitted to your medical college. I have attached all my necessary documents at the end of this letter.

Hope you will find it achieve, and will also allow me to take admitted to this medical college.

Thank you for your time.

Sarah Mathew.

Application Letter for Admission into Medical School

Dear Head of School,

I am writing to you because I would love to be a student at your medical school. Your medical school is the best in the country, and I have the passion to become a doctor. I have just finished my medical course at my college, and I want to go into the science of medicine, and medical procedures in more depth, and detail.

Just like my mother, and my older sister became a doctor, and nurses it is in my blood. I like helping people, and what is better than helping people than saying to them “You are going to live” because you saved their life? I want to help, and if I could make a difference in one person’s life then I am happy.

So please give me the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in your school. Many thanks

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Medical Internship Cover Letter Example

Get invited for more job interviews & pick up more ideas for your cover letter with our free, editable Medical Internship cover letter example. Copy-paste this cover letter example as it is or edit it directly using our HR-approved cover letter maker.

Milan Šaržík — Certified Professional Résumé Writer

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Medical Internship Cover Letter Example (Full Text Version)

Dear Sir/Madam,

Please accept my application for the Medical Internship within Brando Hospital in High River, Canada as I believe that the combination of my previous experience, field education, and developed skills set makes me a perfect candidate for the role. Moreover, if given the opportunity, I will be coming to you with a pro-active approach, an excellent work ethic, and a strong determination to meet all your goals and expectations.

As stated in my enclosed resume, I am a third-year Medicine student at the Swansea University, where I am among the top 2% of students with the best academic results. On top of academia, I also participate in multiple extracurricular activities, for instance, Medical Society, Psychology Society, and Riding Club. The involvement in these activities has helped me to become an effective team player and taught me how to work with people from various countries, cultures, and backgrounds. As a part of my studies, I also served as a Medical & Health Volunteer in Ethiopia for three months. This tremendous experience has allowed me to work with various field professionals and experts and gave me a great opportunity to focus more on helping others.

Additionally, I worked as a Medical Intern at High River General Hospital for more than four months. There, I was mainly in charge of communicating with patients, scheduling appointments, and maintaining and organizing confidential files and records. Besides that, I assisted in the patients' assessments, collected their blood pressure and temperature, and prepared examination rooms. For constantly executing perfect work, I was awarded Intern of the Month.

Last but not least, I am a native Portuguese speaker with a proficiency in English and a basic knowledge of Chinese. Offering a strong attention to detail and accuracy, great manual dexterity and physical stamina, and the ability to remain calm under pressure, I am certain the I would execute the role successfully. Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing back from you in the near future.

Kind regards,

Milan Šaržík — Certified Professional Résumé Writer

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

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Student Internship Medical Doctor University Student Social Sciences Student Nurse Veterinary Mental Health Therapist Humanities Student High School Student Formal Sciences Student Natural Sciences Student Physical Therapist

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Nursing School Application Cover Letter Example

Nursing school cover letter

Need a nursing school application cover letter example? Look no further. Nursing school applications can be tough and writing a formal cover letter requires a bit of guidance. Nursing school application cover letters can be a great way to emphasize your professional work experience or volunteer work as you apply for nursing school. But unlike a personal statement, cover letters are bit more structured and formal writing. Nursing admissions consulting services can certainly help coach students on writing cover letters but reading nursing school application cover letter examples is a good place to start, too! In this blog, we’ll look at what a nursing school cover letter is and how to write a strong cover letter. At the bottom, we’ve also included some samples of nursing cover letters.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 7 min read

What is a nursing school application cover letter.

A nursing school application cover letter works almost the same as a cover letter for any job application. For prospective nursing school students, a cover letter is the introduction to your application package, and a way of introducing yourself on paper to the admissions committee of a school. It is similar to a nursing school letter of intent or nursing school personal statement , but there are some key differences.

Firstly, a cover letter is typically shorter and more formal than a personal statement. It also tends to focus on your professional work experience, volunteer experience and skillset. A nursing school cover letter is designed to demonstrate why you are a good fit for a nursing program and how you will be an excellent future medical professional. A letter of intent or personal statement usually examines your personal motivations, experiences and reasons for wanting to become a nurse. It’s your way of answering the question ‘ why do you want to be a nurse ?’.

A nursing school application cover letter is a formal letter, typically no more than one page long. Or about 200-400 words maximum. Since the word count is low, you’ll need to be fairly concise and get to your point. You’ll also need to limit yourself to only a few points and keep things relevant. Like other formal letters, such as letters of intent, they include several important sections, which we’ve outlined below.

Restate why you are an ideal choice for the program and what you bring to the table. Invite them to get in touch if they have any questions about your application. Use a formal, polite salutation to close your letter. "}]">

Writing a good cover letter means convincing the admissions committee that you are a prime candidate or a nursing program and to give you a chance to interview with them. To do so, you want to provide evidence of your candidacy by sharing key experiences or skills you have. Then align those experiences to the nursing school’s program values. The cover letter allows you an opportunity to highlight the most important sections of your application package and demonstrate how you will become an excellent future nursing professional. There are many different kinds of experiences you can emphasize in your cover letter, even if you don’t have much work experience in health care or related jobs. Read some physician cover letter examples or MBA cover letter examples to get a better idea of what kind of experiences to include. You can also look at some ERAS experience section examples to see what kind of professional and personal experiences admissions committees like to see.

Next we’ll look at what kind of experiences to include in your nursing school cover letter—and what to leave out!

If you have any nursing certifications such as a CPR course, or have achieved anything noteworthy in your academic or personal life, such as a lifeguarding save at the community pool, definitely include these in your cover letter! These can be excellent examples of what you have to offer the nursing profession, and your dedication to living by the values of the profession. ","label":"Certifications or achievements","title":"Certifications or achievements"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

What not to include

Your cover letter is relatively short, so avoid using too many details or launching into extensive personal anecdotes or stories. Avoid getting lost in the weeds or using irrelevant examples. Be sure to show why your chosen examples are relevant to the nursing school’s values or the nursing profession. It’s also important not to repeat too much information from your resume or other parts of your application. Elaborate and expand, but don’t just rehash old information.

Here we’ve included some samples of nursing school cover letters for your reference. Use these examples to help you write your own cover letter for nursing school!

Dear Director Higgins,

I am writing today as part of my application to your program at [Nursing School]. I am a recent graduate of [Pre-med university] and I am excited to take this next step in becoming a nursing professional. In my application you will see that I exceed the stated qualifications for your program intake, but first allow me to share with you why I believe I will be an excellent nursing student.

Throughout my undergraduate years, I have worked as a server at a family restaurant. In my years of working there, I have cultivated many desirable soft skills that make a good professional nurse, such as strong communication skills, diplomacy and conflict management. In interacting with the customers and other staff, I have developed an ease in managing all kinds of different individuals. Working alongside a restaurant team has also been very rewarding for my personal skill development, as it is a fast-paced and sometimes chaotic environment. It is challenging, but strong teamwork and collaboration is essential, and I have learned effective ways to work as part of the team.

I am also proud to have some experience in caring for patients. Although I have not had the opportunity to provide for human patients, I volunteer my free hours at an animal shelter, helping to care for sick animals, do routine cleaning and medication administration. I am consistently recognized for my strong work ethic, my compassion for the animals we help and my steady hands when helping the staff vet administer injectable medications. I have found working with these animals to be incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to an opportunity to work with human patients as a professional nurse.

I believe my experiences have give me a solid introduction to the work of a nurse, and I am excited to continue my education in health care. I will be an enthusiastic student in the classroom and no doubt an excellent example of the kind of nurse [Nursing School] can produce. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding my application. I look forward to your reply.

Sanjay Deepa

  Writing a letter of intent instead? Read this infographic.

Free Webinar: How to Make Your Nursing School Application Stand Out ","buttonText":"Register Now!","buttonColor":"#ffffff","bannerUnderText":" Limited Spots Available ","trustpilot":false}" :url=""https:\/\/bemoacademicconsulting.com\/nursing-app-webinar-registration"" code="banner2" background-color="#000066" button-color="#ffffff" banner-image> Sample #2

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing this letter to share my qualifications for admission at [Nursing School] in this application cycle. I am a graduate of [University] and I have dedicated myself to gaining the needed experience in healthcare for the past several summers. My goal is to enter a career as a nurse in a women’s health centre or health clinic.

In pursuit of this goal, I have been gaining shadowing experience with several nurses at the [Name] Women’s Health Clinic in [City]. It was important to me to have multiple shadowing experiences so I could get some insight into my future career from actual practicing nurses and see firsthand what treating patients was like. I have found these experiences incredibly rewarding, as I have been able to assist with patients and earn valuable experience interacting with them in a clinical setting. Shadowing has shown me what I can realistically expect from a career in women’s health, and it has solidified my decision to enter this field of medicine. I have also been fortunate to meet a team of dedicated and talented nurses who have shared with me their insights on working in women’s health. Their advice and guidance on my burgeoning clinical skills has been a valuable teaching experience for me. Several of these nurses have also agreed to write letters of recommendation for me which you will find in my application package.

My shadowing experiences have given me a solid foundation of nursing and I am looking forward to starting my journey to becoming a women’s health care nurse. Please feel free to contact me at the email address or phone number on my application. I look forward to enrolling in the fall semester.

Kind Regards,

Alexandra Clopin

To write a cover letter for nursing school, use a formal letter format with the addressee’s name and title, an introduction, body and conclusion, followed by a formal salutation and closing. You should also include your contact information and details. 

While a cover letter for nursing school is not always required, it can be a good idea to include one anyways. A good cover letter can help your application by providing some context or expanding on the information in your application.

To write a strong cover letter for nursing school, include the best and most meaningful of your professional or volunteer work experiences. Highlight the skills and abilities you have that relate to the nursing profession and provide clear, relevant examples.

Cover letters use a formal letter structure, as well as the familiar introduction, body and conclusion for the main sections of the letter. 

A nursing school cover letter might include examples of your work experience, any skills, achievements or certifications you have that relate to your ability to become a good nursing professional, or how your personal values and commitment align with the nursing school’s mission and values. 

No, a cover letter is not always a requirement for nursing school applications. Some nursing programs may ask for one, or they may state it as an optional part of your application. 

Begin a cover letter for nursing school with a “Dear [Name and Title]. Try to address your letter to a specific person. If you’re not sure who will be reading the letter, use “Dear Admissions Committee” or similar. Avoid using “To Whom it May Concern.”

Cover letters are used to “pitch yourself” and secure an interview opportunity. They are an admission committee’s first impression of who you are and what you bring to the table. To pitch yourself in a cover letter means convincing the admissions committee that you have the experience, drive and skills to succeed in a nursing program. Essentially, you sell them on the idea that you are a prime candidate.

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sample cover letter for medical school admission

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