Secondary Essay Prompts Database

University of Texas Houston McGovern Medical School (Houston, TX)

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

University of Texas Houston McGovern Medical School (Houston, TX)

Secondary Deadline
October 15, 2026
Secondary Fee
$70
FAP Waiver
Yes
Casper Required
Yes
Screens Applications
Yes
Accepts Application Updates
No
Mission
To educate a diverse body of future physicians and biomedical scientists for a career dedicated to the highest ideals of their profession; to provide outstanding patient-centered care; and to conduct innovative research that benefits the health and well-being of the population of Texas and beyond.

Vision
  • Support leadership and innovation in teaching, research, and service
  • Advocate for excellent care for the underserved and for the reduction of health care disparitiesYes

Values
  • Deliver compassionate patient care focusing on effectiveness, quality, safety, and service
  • Provide a competency-based curriculum emphasizing integrity and professionalism
  • Embrace a culture of lifelong learning, evidence-based practice, open inquiry, and scholarship
  • Cultivate professional and respectful communication
  • Foster a diverse and inclusive learning community
  • Support the health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff
  • Promote interprofessional collaboration

Application Cycles
2026-2027
Application Cycle
All questions have a 250-word limit.

Question 1: (2500 character limit)
Please discuss one of the following:

  • A challenging situation or obstacle you have faced in the past
  • Any academic road bumps in your academic career (low academic performance, failing course, dropping/retaking of courses)

In your answer include: Why was it challenging? How did you handle it? Knowing what you know now, would you do anything differently? What did you learn?

Question 2: (2500 character limit)
Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. What did you learn from this experience and how have you applied this learning to your work and/or life?

Question 3: (2500 character limit)
From what you understand about the rigors of medical school, what do you think will be the biggest challenge for you? How do you think you are prepared for these challenges?

Question 4: (2500 character limit)
What advice would you give to a friend who is falling behind academically?

2025-2026
Application Cycle
All questions have a 250-word limit.

Question 1: (2500 character limit)
Please discuss one of the following:

  • A challenging situation or obstacle you have faced in the past
  • Any academic road bumps in your academic career (low academic performance, failing course, dropping/retaking of courses)

In your answer include: Why was it challenging? How did you handle it? Knowing what you know now, would you do anything differently? What did you learn?

Question 2: (2500 character limit)
Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. What did you learn from this experience and how have you applied this learning to your work and/or life?

Question 3: (2500 character limit)
From what you understand about the rigors of medical school, what do you think will be the biggest challenge for you? How do you think you are prepared for these challenges?

Question 4: (2500 character limit)
What advice would you give to a friend who is falling behind academically?

2024-2025
Application Cycle
All questions have a 250-word limit.

Question 1: (2500 character limit)
Please discuss one of the following:

  • A challenging situation or obstacle you have faced in the past
  • Any academic road bumps in your academic career (low academic performance, failing course, dropping/retaking of courses)

In your answer include: Why was it challenging? How did you handle it? Knowing what you know now, would you do anything differently? What did you learn?

Question 2: (2500 character limit)
Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. What did you learn from this experience and how have you applied this learning to your work and/or life?

Question 3: (2500 character limit)
From what you understand about the rigors of medical school, what do you think will be the biggest challenge for you? How do you think you are prepared for these challenges?

Question 4: (2500 character limit)
What hesitations or reservations, if any, do you have about joining the medical profession?

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

All prompts have a 2,500 character limit.

1. Please discuss one of the following

  • a challenging situation or obstacle you have faced in the past
  • any academic road bumps in your academic career (low academic performance, failing courses, dropping/retaking of courses)

Why was it challenging? How did you handle it? Knowing what you know now, would you do anything differently? What did you learn?

2. Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed.
What did you learn from this experience and how have you applied this learning to your work and/or life?

3. What would you like to contribute and be remembered for in medicine?

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