By Elizabeth LaScala, MD, PhD
One of the most common questions for medical schools to ask in their secondaries is, “Why Us?” How they ask this question will vary, but each school is looking for specific reasons why you are a good fit for their school and why they are a good fit for you. Here are some helpful hints for approaching the “Why Us” question to maximize your chances of admission.
Find a common thread
The goal of a “Why Us” response is to identify a common thread between the school, your experiences, and your goals. One of my favorite ways to coach my clients to approach these responses is to construct a three-part rough draft. This is especially useful when word or character counts are quite limited. First, identify a part of the school’s mission, curriculum, or vision that attracts you or aligns with your aspirations. Second, explain a previous personal experience that has informed this specific interest or goal, and, if applicable, how you plan to incorporate this experience into your role as a physician. End by identifying a particular opportunity at the school that will allow you to pursue this goal or learn more about its value.
For example, “I am attracted to [insert medical school]’s philosophy of encouraging students to tailor the medical program to their academic interests. My undergraduate experience in an open curriculum showed me how the flexibility to explore my passions through independent research and advanced coursework was integral to promoting my intellectual growth and an intellectually diverse community. As such, I am excited by [insert medical school]’s competency-based medical program, particularly the Differentiation and Integration segment, to continue learning through a self-tailored curriculum that fosters a cohort of thoughtful, unique perspectives.”
This initial formulaic approach, which should be supplemented with explanations, when necessary, allows you to demonstrate how you and the school are a good match and how you will utilize their opportunities to promote their mission.
If you are especially constrained by word or character size limits, a simpler approach is to connect an experience with a goal and what part of the school will help you continue this experience or meet this goal. For example, “My experience as a teaching assistant (or mentor) has informed my goal of incorporating teaching (or mentoring) into my career. Thus, I am excited by opportunities like Community Service Learning and Students-as-Teachers that will further hone my clinical teaching skills.”
Look for opportunities to talk about the school
If a school asks, ‘Do you wish to include anything else,’ and you have not already done a “Why Us” response, use the space to explain exactly why you wish to attend that medical school. For example, Tufts University SOM asks, “Do you wish to include any comments (in addition to those already provided in your AMCAS application) to the Admissions Committee at Tufts University School of Medicine?” This medical school does not have a specific “Why Us” secondary, so use the space to tell them everything that excites you about Tufts.
Be Specific
One common pitfall in “Why Us” responses is that students describe aspects of clinical training that are ubiquitous across medical schools. While it is tempting to copy and paste responses when writing so many secondaries, applicants should tailor each “Why Us” response to its respective school. Never let a school believe your answer could apply to any other medical school.
Additionally, don’t just say this school will make you the best physician you can be. I like to think of “Why Us” secondaries as opportunities to show off the research you have done on a medical school. When you have looked through their website, curriculum, and student affairs, what items caught your eye? You could mention a specific class, a specific mentor, a unique student group, a research opportunity, an outreach program, the geographic setting, and much more.
Don’t miss the question!
As mentioned, each school has its own way of asking “Why Us”. Harvard, for example, says, “Please describe how your interests, experiences, and aspirations have prepared you for Harvard Medical School.” Icahn School of Medicine asks, “Tell us why you have chosen to apply to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.” Both prompts are just different versions of “Why Us” questions. No matter the phrasing, ensure you are offering specific reasons why THIS medical school attracts you, rather than why medical school and the pursuit of medicine generally attracts you. Make sure you recognize “Why Us” questions in disguise.
Finally, ensure you answer all parts of the prompts. For example, Boston University asks, “Why are you specifically interested in beginning your medical education in this environment, and how do you feel that your previous experiences will prepare you for this unique learning environment?” Do not just respond with what you like about BU, you have to remember the second half the question! Ensure your answers are complete and thoughtful. You might address both parts of this question in this manner: “After shadowing physicians in Boston, I believe the city’s diversity provides a rich education with extensive exposure to a variety of patients and medical conditions. Having witnessed the healthcare disparities that afflict uninsured communities through my work in the Rhode Island Free Clinic, I am committed to creating opportunities for accessible healthcare as a physician. Thus, I will continue these efforts through the clinical service activities hosted by BUSOM, including Bridging Gaps in Care.”
Final Thought
If you are having trouble identifying reasons you truly like the school, you may want to step back and contemplate your school choice. If you can’t convince yourself, how will you convince an admission committee? Don’t be afraid to make some hard choices because this process is about you achieving your dreams.
