(1) Describe the extent and source of your knowledge of ********** University School
of Medicine (*****). (750 characters max)
Through online research, conversing with my premedical advisor, and speaking with
alumni, I have developed a strong interest in the unique and remarkable aspects that make
********** University so special.
Fortunately, I have had the opportunity to speak with a former dental student about his
experiences at *****. I have gained an insider’s perspective on the academic environment,
student lifestyle, and opportunities offered by *****.
Unlike any other university, ***** develops Christian physicians who are motivated and
dedicated to providing exceptional medical care combined with compassionate spiritual
healing. I find this combination offered by ***** exceptional and am eager to develop this
same approach for my future career in medicine.
(2) What makes ***** particularly attractive to you? (750 characters max)
Many aspects contribute to my desire to pursue a medical education at *****. I am eager to
learn how to not only respond to the medical needs of my future patients, but also their
spiritual needs. *****’s Christian perspective is guaranteed to provide me with these skills.
In addition, because I have a particular interest in family medicine, I feel *****’s substantial
production of primary care residents is a testament to the University’s ability to develop
and foster exceptional family care providers.
Living in ********** will also allow me to take advantage of two of my favorite activities—
snow skiing and hiking. Most importantly, however, attending ***** will keep me relatively
close to what I value most in my life: my family.
(3) What qualities make you a desirable candidate for admission to *****? (750
characters max)
Having been raised nine miles from the Mexico border and having lived with a host family
in Barcelona, I believe my appreciation and understanding of various cultures have
provided me with the insight to effectively practice medicine in our diverse nation.
In addition, my extensive undergraduate research experience demonstrates my ability to
apply my understanding of science in a practical lab setting. I feel this is a vital building
block to my foundation as a future physician.
I have been active in the Catholic Church my entire life. My spirituality has even led me to
earn a Religious Studies minor. I feel my eagerness to understand the balance of the mind,
body, and spirit will allow me to be a major contributor to the ***** community.
(4) Discuss how your spiritual experience has influenced your life and how you
integrate it into your daily life. (750 characters max)
I have attended Catholic mass every week since I was born. I have learned each day is truly
a blessing and that God wants to see me serving my fellow brothers and sisters. I am
thankful my apptitude for science, combined with my passion for people, has placed me on
a path of healing others both physically and spiritually.
As a Catholic, I feel compelled to thoughtfully share my high ethical and moral standards
with others. Entering into the medical field will allow me to wholeheartedly contribute to
the physical and spiritual well-being of humanity. I am confident that living a faithful life
everyday will continue to enhance my altruistic mentality, influence my life decsions, and
help me become a more compassionate and loving indivdual.
(5) What experiences in your life would illustrate your perspective on service to
others? (750 characters max)
I firmly believe people have not truly lived until they have selflessly given to another
individual. I did not fully grasp the importance of this concept until becoming a mentor
with Big Brothers Big Sisters. While mentoring I had the opportunity to work with a boy
from a very different background than my own.
My greatest desire was to devote my time and energy to this young man in the hopes that I
would be able to share with him some of the joy and opportunities I had as a child. I wasn’t
sure what to expect from my mentoring experiences, but after spending more than two
years with my Little Brother I knew the smiles he gave, the conversations we shared, and
the learning and growth we both experienced left me feeling proud and fulfilled.
(6) As a Christian educational institution the medical curriculum integrates spiritual,
ethical, and relational issues from a Christian perspective into the practice of
medicine. Weekly chapel services and religion courses are part of this program.
Please respond to the above as it relates to your personal educational and career
goals. (750 characters max)
From kindergarten to high school, religion was an integral aspect of my education. I
attended catechism each week, my mother taught catechism for fifteen years, and my father
was—and continues to be—a euchuristic minister in our church. Once in college, I
furthered my religious knowledge by minoring in Religious studies. Given this, religious
instruction has consistently been interwoven with both my home and school life.
I am extremely eager to also have these Christian values and perspectives integrated into
my academic future as a medical student. I believe the mulitfaceted education offered by
***** will allow me to develop the necessary skills for providing thorough healing
experiences by working with both the body and the spirit.
(7) ********** University is a ******** institution that has lifestyle expectations that
include abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs/substances in all forms. In
the past year, have you used any of these substances? If so, which one(s)? (250
characters max)
I have never, nor will I ever, use tobacco or illicit drugs. I occasionally drink wine with my
father over dinner. During the past year, I have engaged in minor alcohol intake at social
events, but I normally commit to a sober lifestyle.
(8) If accepted to *****, are you willing to abide by the lifestyle policies of **********
University School of Medicine? (250 characters max)
Absolutely. I am proud to say my lifestyle almost completely parallells the expectations set
by *****. The minor changes I will be making will only further my ability to become a
happier, healthier, and more balanced and devoted individual.
Describe your involvement with your religious group (750 characters max)
On entering college, my academic demands left me minimal time to devote myself to
spiritual contemplation; I decided to make room for religion in my schedule by pursuing a
minor in Religious Studies. This granted me frequent opportunities to read and study the
Bible while also expanding my knowledge of numerous religious ideologies and systems of
belief.
As a busy and hardworking college student, my strongest involvement with the Church is
my weekly attendance at Mass where I am able pray, keep my mind clear of all thoughts
and worries, and stay close to God by participating in my religious traditions. Beyond Mass,
I frequently connect with God through prayer and engage in religious discussions with my
parents, siblings, and friends.