How to Write Strong Secondary Essays Without Burning Out
Once you submit your primary application, it might feel like the hardest part is over. But for many students, the real challenge begins when the secondaries start rolling in. Within a few weeks, you may be asked to write 20 to 40 more essays, each with different prompts, word counts, and tones. The pressure adds up quickly.
Secondary essays are your chance to show how you align with each school's values, but rushed or recycled responses can tank an otherwise strong application. Here’s how to approach them with a strategy that saves time and improves quality.
1. Understand What Schools Are Really Asking
Although prompts vary, most secondaries fall into a few common categories: diversity, adversity, why our school, ethical dilemmas, and future goals. Even if the wording changes, the core question remains the same.
Tip: Create a bank of responses to these themes ahead of time. Then, when the prompts arrive, you can revise rather than start from scratch.
2. Avoid Copy-Paste Temptation
Reusing content is smart—but only if it’s carefully tailored. Admissions committees can spot generic essays instantly. If your “Why our school” answer could apply to five other schools, it’s probably too vague.
Tip: Reference specific programs, student groups, curriculum features, or mission statements. Show that you’ve done your research and that your interests genuinely match what the school offers.
3. Stick to the Word Limit and Answer the Prompt
One of the fastest ways to lose credibility is to ignore the prompt or go over the word count. Be concise and focused. Avoid restating your personal statement or trying to squeeze your entire resume into every answer.
Tip: Draft your response, then cut 20 to 30 percent on revision. Trimming forces you to tighten your ideas and stick to what matters.
4. Watch Your Timeline
Some students wait until they have every secondary before writing. Others try to finish each one perfectly before moving on. Both approaches can backfire. Schools review applications on a rolling basis, so late submissions can mean lost opportunities.
Tip: Set a goal of submitting each secondary within 7 to 10 days. Use a spreadsheet to track deadlines, word counts, and submission dates to stay organized.
5. Get Outside Feedback
It’s easy to miss unclear language, weak examples, or tone issues in your own writing. A second pair of eyes can help catch those issues before you submit.
Tip: Ask someone who understands the med school process to review your drafts. If you need professional support, our team of current med students offers fast, affordable secondary essay editing with honest, targeted feedback based on what worked in our own successful applications.
Final Thought
Secondary essays are not just busywork—they are a key part of how schools decide who gets invited to interview. With the right preparation and strategy, you can avoid burnout and turn your secondaries into compelling arguments for why you belong at each program. Start early, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The payoff is worth it.
