Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine Secondary Essay Prompts

(All prompts have a 2,000 character limit):

1. What is the nature of your interest in the Lewis Katz School of Medicine?*

The first strategy to answering this question is doing some research on the program website to understand some of its nuances. Is it very strong in a particular field of research, or perhaps in community clinical work for the underserved? If one of these aspects aligns with your strengths or interests, explain how you are a great fit for this reason. Be aware of the missions statement of the school and tie your strengths into that. The mission statement is as follows:

Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University is dedicated to excellence in education, research and patient care, achieved by faculty, staff and learners who represent and serve our diverse society.

The School provides:
– Education that is patient-centered, instilling in learners the School’s ethic of human service and lifelong learning
– Research that advances and integrates basic and clinical science
– Patient care that is administered with compassion and understanding, utilizing contemporary knowledge and techniques

2. How do you plan on contributing to the Lewis Katz School of Medicine Community?*LKSOM seeks an engaged student body with a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and interests to enhance the medical school experience for everyone. Please use the space below to describe what makes you unique as an applicant, an obstacle that you had to overcome, or how you will contribute to the LKSOM community. 

Brainstorm what is unique about your background. Is it your place of birth, your family, your culture, or your path to medicine? Also consider prior adversity you have had to overcome and how that has shaped your values. Consider 1-2 of these experiences and weave a story about them which show your unique characteristics. Specifically answer how this can contribute to your medical school class; consider the effect you might have on your peers, professors and patients.

3. Tell us about your special interest in the campus you selected.

**There are 2 campuses: 1. North Philadelphia and 2. St. Luke’s campus in Bethlehem, PA. The one you select is the one where you will be considered for admission.**

The following link to the Temple LKSOM website describes the options students have for different regional and clinical campuses for their training. Discuss your preference and why. Do some research on the differences in location between populations served, strengths of the hospitals, etc. and make an informed decision.

4. What are your plans for the current year – June 2022 until June 2023? 

This question requires having a plan in place for the application year. Be honest and describe what your goals are. Make sure you include something medically related that will help you grow and prepare to become a physician: reading and learning, some volunteer work, a research project, another professional job. It does not have to be grand, but some connection the medical field is probably prudent. Feel free to be honest with other pursuits for personal growth in other areas.

5.The Coronavirus pandemic has affected all of us.
Please use this space to describe to us how you were impacted academically, personally or professionally by COVID-19.