Secondary Essay Prompts Database

Duke University School of Medicine (Durham, NC)

These are the secondary application essay prompts for Duke University School of Medicine. To put your best foot forward and maximize your chance of an interview invitation, visit our secondary application editing page.
Program Overview

Duke University School of Medicine (Durham, NC)

Secondary Deadline
November 16, 2026
Secondary Fee
$100
FAP Waiver
Yes
Casper Required
No
Screens Applications
No
Accepts Application Updates
Mission

The mission of Baptist Health Sciences University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (BUCOM) is to provide an exemplary model of education that prepares physicians who integrate the art and science of healing with their faith, calling, and pursuit of excellence.

BUCOM will prepare future physicians and scientists who are committed to improving the health of the diverse populations in the Mid-South region of Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi with a special emphasis on primary care in underserved urban and rural areas. To advance this mission, BUCOM will develop clinically skilled, compassionate, and culturally competent physicians from diverse backgrounds who are grounded in osteopathic philosophy and practices, and who are ready to meet future health care workforce needs. BUCOM will advance research, innovation, and discovery to improve health, and solve current and future medical challenges.

Vision

The Vision of BUCOM is to be distinguished regionally, nationally, and globally for excellence and innovation in osteopathic medical health education, which prepares graduates to transform health care through exceptional patient-centered care.

Values

BUCOM shares the values of our larger learning community at Baptist Health Sciences University such as integrity, professionalism, continuous improvement, and service as an expression of our Christian values. We foster a Christian environment where servant leadership is modeled in all aspects of learning, teaching, service, and business.

Application Cycles
2026-2027
Application Cycle
All questions have a 250-word limit.
  1. Share with us your story. This is your opportunity to allow us to know how you wish to be addressed, recognized, and treated. (400 words)
  1. Trust and rapport are essential in your day-to-day interactions with people. How do you cultivate a relationship with a person who may be very different from you? (400 words)
  1. Describe a situation in which you chose to advocate for someone who was different from you or for a cause or idea that was different from yours. Define your view of advocacy. What risks, if any, might be associated with your choice to be an advocate? (400 words)
  1. Not achieving a goal or one’s desire can sometimes be disheartening. What have you discovered from your setbacks and disappointments and how does this translate to your current way of thinking? (400 words)
  1. What do you value most as a leader and as a contributor? What attributes do you possess as a leader and as a team member and how do you apply them on a daily basis? (400 words)
  1. Critical thinking involves a number of characteristics. Research experience enhances critical analysis skills. Describe any research experience or similar experience in which you utilized critical thinking. How will critical thinking be important in your future career? (400 words)
  1. Potential sources of health inequities exist. Duke’s Moments to Movement (M2M) is a collective stand to address these issues. Discuss your experience with disparities in health, health care and society. (400 words)
  1. Drawing from your clinical experiences, how have you fostered a connection with people? (400 words)<br><br>
  1. Optional: Please let us know any additional information that you would like us to consider while reviewing your application (400 Words).
2025-2026
Application Cycle
All questions have a 250-word limit.
  1. Share with us your story. This is your opportunity to allow us to know how you wish to be addressed, recognized, and treated. (400 words)
  1. Trust and rapport are essential in your day-to-day interactions with people. How do you cultivate a relationship with a person who may be very different from you? (400 words)
  1. Describe a situation in which you chose to advocate for someone who was different from you or for a cause or idea that was different from yours. Define your view of advocacy. What risks, if any, might be associated with your choice to be an advocate? (400 words)
  1. Not achieving a goal or one’s desire can sometimes be disheartening. What have you discovered from your setbacks and disappointments and how does this translate to your current way of thinking? (400 words)
  1. What do you value most as a leader and as a contributor? What attributes do you possess as a leader and as a team member and how do you apply them on a daily basis? (400 words)
  1. Critical thinking involves a number of characteristics. Research experience enhances critical analysis skills. Describe any research experience or similar experience in which you utilized critical thinking. How will critical thinking be important in your future career? (400 words)
  1. Potential sources of health inequities exist. Duke’s Moments to Movement (M2M) is a collective stand to address these issues. Discuss your experience with disparities in health, health care and society. (400 words)
  1. Drawing from your clinical experiences, how have you fostered a connection with people? (400 words)<br><br>
  1. Optional: Please let us know any additional information that you would like us to consider while reviewing your application (400 Words).
2024-2025
Application Cycle
All questions have a 250-word limit.

First prompt, listed “before” the other essay list:
Share with us your story. This is your opportunity to allow us to know how you wish to be addressed, recognized and treated. (500 Words)

1. Trust and rapport are essential in your day-to-day interactions with people. How do you cultivate a relationship with a person who may be very different from you? (400 words)

2. Describe a situation in which you chose to advocate for someone who was different from you or for a cause or idea that was different from yours. Define your view of advocacy. What risks, if any, might be associated with your choice to be an advocate? (400 words)

3. Not achieving a goal or one’s desire can sometimes be disheartening. What have you discovered from your setbacks and disappointments and how does this translate to your current way of thinking? (400 words)

4. What do you value most as a leader and as a contributor? What attributes do you possess as a leader and as a team member and how do you apply them on a daily basis? (400 words)

5. Critical thinking involves a number of characteristics. Research experience enhances critical analysis skills. Describe any research experience or similar experience in which you utilized critical thinking. How will critical thinking be important in your future career? (400 words)

6. Potential sources of health inequities exist. Duke’s Moments to Movement (M2M) is a collective stand to address these issues. Discuss your experience with disparities in health, health care and society. (400 words)

7. Your career in medicine may place increasing demands for your time. While in medical school, how will you balance your educational commitment and your outside interests? (400 words)

Additional Considerations (Optional)
Please let us know of any additional information that you would like us to consider while reviewing your application. (No word limit)

2023-2024
Application Cycle
All questions have a 250-word limit.

1. Tell us Who You Are: Share with us your story. This is your opportunity to allow us to know how you wish to be addressed, recognized and treated. (500 words)

2. Working with Others: Trust and rapport are essential in your day-to-day interactions with people. How do you cultivate a relationship with a person who may be very different from you? (400 words)

3. Advocacy: Describe a situation in which you chose to advocate for someone who was different from you or for a cause or idea that was different from yours. Define your view of advocacy. What risks, if any, might be associated with your choice to be an advocate? (400 words)

4. Coping with Disappointment: Not achieving a goal or one’s desire can sometimes be disheartening. What have you discovered from your setbacks and disappointments and how does this translate to your current way of thinking? (400 words)

5. Leadership: What do you value most as a leader and as a contributor? What attributes do you possess as a leader and as a team member and how do you apply them on a daily basis? (400 words)

6. Critical Thinking: Critical thinking involves a number of characteristics. Research experience enhances critical analysis skills. Describe any research experience or similar experience in which you utilized critical thinking. How will critical thinking be important in your future career? (400 words)

7. Understanding the Need for Healthcare Changes: Potential sources of health inequities exist. Duke’s Moments to Movement (M2M) is a collective stand to address these issues. Discuss your experience with disparities in health, health care and society. (400 words)

8. COVID-19 Implications: How has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced your journey to medical school? Have these events changed your outlook on medicine’s role in society? (400 words)

9. Further Information: Please let us know of any additional information that you would like us to consider while reviewing your application

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