Our medical school values diversity in all forms. How will your life experiences and background contribute to this important focus at our program?
Medical schools strive to create a culturally diverse environment for students to thrive. They have admissions goals to ensure that their student base is represented well by a diverse student body. Because the school you are interviewing with prioritizes this, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you will be able to embrace and succeed in a diverse environment during your four years with their program.
For medical schools that utilize a multiple mini interview format, you can expect one essay station. At the station, you will read the prompt and be given a set amount of time to write a response. Practice writing your response in a format that includes an introduction, a body, and a conclusion before your interview. It's also important to know that essay stations can run a wide range of topics, so practicing a few different responses will help you prepare for success in the moment of the MMI.
"Joining a culturally diverse medical school program and institution is very high on my priority list, and I'm confident that I found that here in your program. But beyond just having a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement, I love that this institution goes further to having a solid vision and strategies for how you will ensure that your current and future students have the chance to learn, grow and develop in a rich atmosphere.
Having been born and raised in southern California to parents that immigrated from South Korea, my life experiences have fully prepared me to succeed in any environment I find myself in. The neighborhood I grew up in was filled with families of many different cultural backgrounds. Some of my best friends growing up were African American, white, and Hispanic. What I appreciate now about my upbringing is that I wasn't secluded to only the cultural values, traditions, beliefs, and ways of life of just my parents, and I have a profound respect for these beliefs and traditions of others. Just like I expect they have of me. As I grew up through elementary, middle, and high schools in the area, it was great to be in an actual learning environment with the same blend of cultures. I love that your program actively seeks in ensuring that you have a diverse staff beyond your student base, including faculty. This is an environment I see myself thriving.
I'd love to help improve the coordination and implementation of DE&I efforts at the school I join because of my own experiences. I would one day look forward to being on student interview panels and helping to promote the wonderful atmosphere I am experiencing today!"
Thinking quickly while having a plan, open up your essay by reiterating the DE&I philosophy of the institution you are interviewing with based on what you learned as you researched the school. Then, as you dive into your upbringing and experiences that have exposed you to people from various backgrounds and cultures, keep ensuring the school that your values align with their vision of a diverse and equitable student body. As you conclude the essay, briefly summarize the life events that will help you thrive in the diverse environment the program you are interviewing with offers.
