Secondary Essay Prompts Database

Washington University in St. Louis – School of Medicine (St. Louis, MO)

These are the secondary application essay prompts for Washington University St. Louis 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

Washington University in St. Louis – School of Medicine (St. Louis, MO)

Secondary Deadline
October 29, 2026
Secondary Fee
$100
FAP Waiver
Yes
Casper Required
No
Screens Applications
Yes
Accepts Application Updates
Yes
Mission
Washington University School of Medicine will lead in advancing human health through the best clinical care, innovative research and the education of tomorrow’s leaders in biomedicine in a culture that supports diversity, inclusion, critical thinking and creativity.

Vision

In leading the advancement of human health, Washington University School of Medicine will:

  • Cultivate excellence and collegiality within an inclusive community
  • Attract and develop a diverse, talented, academic workforce
  • Lead the revolution in biomedicine
  • Enhance our intellectual and technological environment to foster exceptionally creative research and education

Values
  • Develop and maintain excellent clinical programs to provide outstanding care
  • Observe the highest standards of ethics, integrity and compassionate care
  • Apply advances in research and medicine to the betterment of the human condition locally and global

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

1. Have you already completed your undergraduate education, have you had your college or graduate education interrupted, or do you plan not to be a full-time student during your application year?
If yes, describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (2000 characters)

2. Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. (3000 characters)

3. Optional: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions? Some applicants use this space to describe their unique backgrounds, lived experiences, obstacles and/or challenges they faced in their journey to medical school. (3000 characters)

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

1. Have you already completed your undergraduate education, have you had your college or graduate education interrupted, or do you plan not to be a full-time student during your application year?
If yes, describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (2000 characters)

2. Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. (3000 characters)

3. Optional: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions? Some applicants use this space to describe their unique backgrounds, lived experiences, obstacles and/or challenges they faced in their journey to medical school. (3000 characters)

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

1. Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. (3000 characters)

2. Is there anything else you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions? (optional)

Some applicants use this space to describe unique experiences, obstacles, and/or challenges they faced in their journey to medical school. (3000 Characters)

3. Have you been out of school for more than a year? (yes/no)

If yes: Describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (2000 characters)

Additional Essay for MSTP Applicants:

MSTP Essay: Briefly describe the area of research you would like to explore in graduate school (1800 Char)

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

1. Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. (3000 characters)

2. Is there anything else you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions? (Optional) Some applicants use this space to describe unique experiences, obstacles, and/or challenges they faced in their journey to medical school. (3000 characters)

3. Are you still a full time student? If no, describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (Optional) (2000 characters)

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