how to write a medical essay prize

Medical School Expert

Medicine Essay Prizes (7 Competitions For Year 12 and 13’s)

Every article is fact-checked by a medical professional. However, inaccuracies may still persist.

Having a medical essay prize on your CV looks absolutely fantastic when it comes time for you to apply to medical school.

In such an overcrowded marketplace, anything that sets you apart from the crowd in a positive manner is sure to drastically increase your chances of getting an offer.

Although when I was applying to medical school I hadn’t managed to win an essay competition (despite my best efforts!) hopefully you’ll have more luck than me!

To save you some research time, I’ve compiled a list of 7 medicine essay competitions that you can enter this year.

Competitions that if you win will skyrocket your chances of application success.

INCLUDED IN THIS GUIDE:

The Libra Essay Prize

The Libra essay prize is an annual essay prize for all students in years 12 and 13 looking to prepare for university.

Libra Education themselves describe it as:

“An excellent way for 6th-form students to demonstrate that they have the makings of a scholar, the Libra Essay Prize offers a chance to prepare for the academic rigour required by university assignments and provides a great accomplishment to discuss on a personal statement or at an interview.”

Students are free to choose any subject from a list of categories (one of which being science) and then have to write an essay with a title containing a chosen word.

The small pool of words you can choose from change each year but are all generally quite abstract so you can connect and use them in creative ways.

The essay has to be between 1,500 – 2,000 words, with Harvard style referencing which isn’t included in the word count.

Libra accept entries from all over the world, but the essays must be written in English.

First prize wins £50, second prize £30, and third £20, all paid out in book vouchers. There’s also Commended and Highly Commended entries for each category.

Minds Underground Essay Competition

Minds Underground is an online learning platform, designed to support and enhance the learning and problem-solving of determined young students.

Every year they run a medicine essay competition, primarily aimed at year 12’s (although they do say younger or older students are also welcome to apply).

To enter, you have a choice of three questions, to which you need to write a 1,000 – 1,500 word answer.

“Should all healthcare be free? Discuss.” “What goes wrong for cancers to develop?” “Tell us about a key development/invention that you think has been most influential to medicine.” – Past Minds Underground medicine essay questions

If you’re feeling ambitious, students are permitted to enter an essay for more than one subject- so you could have a crack at the psychology or science one too!

Helpfully, under each question Minds also give you a few pointers to get your creative juices flowing.

Newnham Essay Prizes

Newnham College of the University of Cambridge runs a medicine essay competition with a twist:

Only female students are allowed to enter.

Again, students have a choice of three differing questions.

For example, the questions in the 2021-22 competition were:

• How realistic is it to develop a small molecule therapy for Covid-19? Could such a therapy be rolled out in a timeframe that it could have an impact on the current pandemic?
• Sleep deprivation in clinical health settings. Does it matter?
• Looking to the future. Will stem cell therapies be outpaced by machine-brain interfaces for the treatment of retinal disease?

Newnham do give you a bit more of a range when it comes to the word count, accepting anything from 1,500 to 2,500 words.

There’s a generous £400 prize for first place, £200 for second and £100 for third.

Unfortunately for you as an individual though, prize money is split 50:50 between the essay prize winner and the funding of resources for their school…

John Locke Institute Essay Competition

“The John Locke Institute encourages young people to cultivate the characteristics that turn good students into great writers: independent thought, depth of knowledge, clear reasoning, critical analysis and persuasive style. “

The John Locke Institute arguably gives away the most generous prize out of any competition on this list.

You get a scholarship worth $2,000 towards the cost of attending any John Locke Institute program, as well as an invitation to their prize-giving ceremony in Oxford.

The essay questions for each subject are published in January, with the deadline for submission generally being in late June.

As well as the opportunity to secure the prize for medicine, the candidate who submits the best essay overall will be awarded an honorary John Locke Institute Junior Fellowship- which comes with a $10,000 scholarship to attend one or more of their courses!

American Society Of Human Genetics Essay Contest

Although this next essay competition comes from America, it’s open to students worldwide.

The American Society Of Human Genetics supports national DNA day through its annual DNA day essay contest: commemorating the completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003 and the discovery of the double helix of DNA in 1953.

The contest is open to students in grades 9-12 worldwide and asks students to “examine, question, and reflect on important concepts in genetics.”

With a limit of only 750 words, not including reference lists, this is a short but sweet chance to bag yourself a considerable cash prize for your efforts.

In addition to the personal prize money, the ASHG will also provide you with a $1,000 grant towards genetics research or teaching materials.

Although it is a worldwide contest, so undoubtedly will have plenty of entries, there are also 10 honorable mentions up for grabs (in addition to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place) that all come with a $100 prize too.

Immerse Education Essay Competition

Immerse Education run summer programs for over 20 different subjects in Oxford, Cambridge, London and Sydney.

The reason why students get so much value from these courses is because they’re immersed in centers of academic excellence whilst learning from experts in their chosen field.

The good news for you is that their essay competition gives you the chance to attend one of their summer school programs for free.

10 winners receive a 100% scholarship and runners up are awarded partial scholarships of up to 50% to study their chosen subject.

According to Immerse, around 7% of entrants receive scholarship funding to attend a program- which is pretty good odds if you ask me!

“There is no downside to entering the competition. If you win, it is awesome. If you don’t win, you gained an experience. Entering the competition and working as hard as I did for it was one of the most gratifying experiences.” – Pedro L (100% scholarship winner)

You can find the full list of essay questions, in addition to top tips for writing academic essays (as well as the terms and conditions for the competition), simply by signing up via Immerse’s website.

The RCSU Science Challenge

The Royal College of Science Union (RCSU) is a student union at Imperial College London and run an annual science challenge open to both home and international school students.

The focus of the challenge is communicating scientific concepts in a non-technical manner, so that people without a science background could still understand and enjoy the content.

The big twist with this essay competition is that you don’t actually have to enter an essay!

The idea is to produce a ‘short piece of science communication’ which can be an essay or can be a short video in answer to one of the four questions set by the judges.

Written entries must be less than 1,000 words, whilst video entries must be less than 3 minutes and 30 seconds long.

For this competition, it’s really all about short and snappy responses that will captivate the reader whilst answering the question in a precise but easy to understand manner.

We hope to inspire those who take part in the Science Challenge to explore, develop and use their scientific skills along with their passion for their corner of science to help others see what all the excitement is about.

Why You Should Enter Medicine Essay Competitions

I think it’s fair to say that competition to get into medical school in the UK is insanely high- and it’s only getting worse.

With such large numbers of incredibly qualified candidates, medical schools have to find some way of differentiating them.

One way to make it easy for a university to pick you is to stand out from the crowd by having a medical essay prize on your application.

An essay prize demonstrates your dedication to the subject, scientific knowledge and an ability to write expressively and persuasively- all ideal qualities when it comes to being a doctor.

You may surprise yourself.

Often, not as many people as you might think enter these competitions.

Simply by writing the essay, you’re also going to greatly increase your knowledge about that particular topic, which can still come in really handy at interview.

Even if you don’t win, just discussing the fact you entered still looks good in the eyes of an interviewer.

It shows that you’re willing to go above and beyond your school curriculum, to explore subjects you’re interested in and that you’re a highly motivated candidate.

How To Increase Your Chances Of Winning An Essay Prize

Although when I was applying to medical school I didn’t manage to win an essay prize, there are a couple of things I did that would have greatly increased my chances of doing so.

First and foremost, I think you’ve got to cast your net wide.

Don’t limit yourself to just one shot at the target: if you’ve got the time then I’d recommend trying to enter at least a couple of different competitions.

More entries will mean more chances for you to have your essay officially recognised.

Secondly, if you have the choice between entering a local or national competition, I’d always go with the local one.

Although a national prize would look slightly better on your CV, simply due to the number of entries, you’ll have a much higher chance of winning the more local competition.

By local I mean this could be a more regional charity, nearby hospital or university, or even your school.

Even better yet, you could always enter both!

Lastly, I think one of the best ways you can increase your odds of winning a prize is by entering a competition around a topic that you’re genuinely passionate about.

If you’ve no interest in genetics, then I wouldn’t enter the American Society Of Human Genetics’ contest!

Your interest in the subject will come through in your language, depth of knowledge and motivation to go above and beyond for your essay- all of which will put you in a much better position for winning.

Where You Can Find Further Essay Competitions

In addition to the essay prizes described above, there are tonnes of other opportunities available for you to distinguish yourself as a medicine applicant.

Loads of the Royal Colleges run an ever changing variety of prizes and competitions, usually to encourage interest in their specialty.

The opening dates and deadlines for these prizes are always changing so it’s worth keeping an eye out for the perfect essay question or new prize that’s just been announced.

Some of these organisations that run their own competitions include:

• The Royal Society of Medicine
• Royal College of Emergency Medicine
• British Orthopaedic Association
• British Society for Haematology
• Royal College of Pathologists
• Royal College of Psychiatrists
• British Association of Dermatologists

But there are many more out there. If you have a particular interest in one specialty or area of science then I’d definitely recommend doing a bit of digging to see if there’s a society or organisation related to that field that runs their own competitions!

Final Thoughts

There really aren’t many downsides to entering one of these competitions.

You get a shot at winning, gain a talking point at interview and develop your scientific knowledge (not to mention technical writing skills).

Although you might feel that some of the smaller prizes aren’t worth your time and effort to write the essay, the real value comes from the boost one of these prizes would give your medicine application.

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School Competitions And Prizes For Aspiring Medics

Learn about all of the competitions and prizes you can enter at school to boost your Medicine application.

If you’re an aspiring medic at school, you can boost your Medicine application by entering competitions and prizes. Regardless of whether you win or not, you’ll be able to include the experience in your Personal Statement and talk about it at Med School interviews . Here are some Medicine competitions you can enter to be proactive and make your application stand out.

Imperial College London – Science in Medicine School Teams Prize

Imperial College London has three team competitions to choose from:

• The British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Prize – Submissions should focus on a topic with interactions between the cardiovascular system and the nervous system.
• The Lung Prize – Submissions can focus on any aspect of the prevention or treatment of respiratory disease.
• The Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK Prize – Submissions should focus on promoting the health and wellbeing of individuals with Scleroderma and/or Raynaud’s.

For each competition, the challenge is to design an ePoster. A team can have up to six members (they recommend assembling a team with varied interests) and schools can enter one team per prize.

The top ten shortlisted teams in each contest will be invited to present their ePosters at an online finals event. In each stream, first, second and third prizes of £3,000, £2,000 and £1,000 will be awarded to schools in order to support science-related activities.

Deadline – midnight on 30th June 2023.

University of Cambridge – Robinson College Essay Prize

The Robinson College Essay Prize is open to Year 12 students in the UK, providing an opportunity to develop and showcase independent study and writing skills. It also allows students to experience the type of work that they might be expected to do at Cambridge.

Entrants submit an essay (no more than 2,000 words) answering a question from various options. Last year, one of the possible titles was ‘Can science tell us how we should live?’. Up to three entries can be submitted per school, so you should discuss your application with your school before entering.

Five prizes are awarded, with each winner receiving book tokens to the value of £50. Winners will also be invited to Robinson College for a prize-giving ceremony.

The 2023 prize will open with more info in June.

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Medic Mentor – National Essay Competition

Medic Mentor’s National Essay Competition requires students to write an essay (up to 1,500 words) from the perspective of a medical professional.

There are essay titles available for Medicine, Dentistry , Veterinary Medicine and Allied Health .

For 2023, the essay questions are:

• Medicine – Should the patient be viewed as part of the multidisciplinary team?
• Dentistry – How can the holistic approach minimise periodontal disease in patients?
• Veterinary – What is the importance of a holistic approach when caring for livestock?
• Allied Heath – How can the multidisciplinary team optimise the care of the older person in hospital?

Deadline – midday on 1st May 2023.

Minds Underground Medicine Essay Competition

Minds Underground Medicine Essay Competition is aimed at students in Year 12, but younger students are also welcome to enter, and there are various essay title options to choose from. For the 2023 competition, one of the possible titles was ‘Should all healthcare be free? Discuss.’

The competition is designed to give students an opportunity to engage in research, hone their writing and argumentative skills, and prepare for university interviews. Minds Underground also runs essay competitions for other science subjects like Psychology and STEM.

The submission deadline is typically around March/April. Get more info here.

The Libra Essay Prize

The Libra Essay Prize is for students in Years 12 and 13 who are looking to prepare for university. Inspired by the admissions process at All Souls College, Oxford, entrants write an essay (1,500-2,000 words) responding to a single-word title.

For the 2023 prize, the single-word options were: Control, Collaboration, Exchange, Freedom, Claim.

Entrants are encouraged to use imagination in their essays to build interesting links between their chosen title and their school learning. There are prizes available of £50 for first place, £30 for second place and £20 for third place.

The deadline has varied from year-to-year: it was June in 2022 and April in 2023, so keep an eye on their website for more details.

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Wakley Prize Essay 2020: medicine and plain truths in a pandemic year

Niall boyce.

b The Lancet Psychiatry , London EC2Y 5AS, UK

Bianca Brandon

a The Lancet , London EC2Y 5AS, UK

Gabriella Merry

Joanna palmer, jonathan pimm, maneet virdi.

“Sorrow and Truth, sit you on either side of me, whilst I am relieved of this deadly burden…Lend me art, without any counterfeit shadowing, to paint and delineate to the life the whole story of this mortal and pestiferous battle.” 1 When London-based Renaissance author Thomas Dekker came to write his account of the 1603 plague outbreak, he renounced the “silver-tongued muses”, feeling that only plain words and plain truth could do justice to the moment. Four centuries on, the COVID-19 pandemic demands a similar response. It has been a year like no other; COVID-19 has left few parts of medicine, and life, unchanged. How have these pandemic times affected your clinical work, research, or studies? Perhaps the pandemic has shown you the importance of enduring clinical truths or the need to challenge injustices? We would like you to tell us what has been most important to you in this pandemic year by entering The Lancet's annual Wakley Prize Essay competition.

This pandemic has highlighted the fault lines in our societies. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected low-income and marginalised communities. Entrenched health inequities have been exposed, including the health impacts of structural racism. There has been an increase in domestic violence towards women during lockdown, and the needs of some populations, including older people, individuals with disabilities, and people with mental health problems, have not been adequately addressed in the COVID-19 response. This pandemic has cast a disturbing light on injustices and inequities, both globally and locally.

Meanwhile, on the front lines of the COVID-19 response, health-care personnel at all career stages have responded to unprecedented demands and cared for patients in difficult, exhausting, agonising, and sometimes unsafe conditions. Yet, despite the circumstances, each patient is always what matters most. As physician Rachel Clarke wrote: “here in the hospital, the pandemic is a matter of flesh and blood. It unfolds one human being at a time.” 2

So what has mattered most to you in this pandemic year? Perhaps it has been the need to continue to provide routine medical care and services despite the demands of the pandemic. Perhaps the solidarity, support, grace, and humour of your colleagues are what has helped get you through. Perhaps it is an encounter with a particular patient that has been transformative. Has a moment of connection, understanding, compassion, or humour been important? Or do you feel now is the time to challenge long-standing injustices and inequities that have been laid bare by this pandemic? For each of you, what matters most in this pandemic year will be different. Tell us your truth by writing an essay of 1600–2000 words for the Wakley Prize Essay 2020.

The discursive, intimate, and versatile form of the essay brings together emotions and ideas, illuminating truths and raising questions. Named for The Lancet 's founding editor, Thomas Wakley, the Wakley Prize is awarded to the best essay on any clinical topic of importance to health. Essays should be original and provocative, challenging us to think about medicine in fresh, unexpected ways. The competition is open to anyone who works in a health-related field—you could be a student or in training, established in your specialty, or coming to the end of many years of service or research.

Wakley Prize Essay submissions should not have been previously published elsewhere in print or online and must be original. Only one submission per author is allowed and essays should not contain any information that might identify individual patients. Submit your essay through The Lancet's online submission system with Wakley Prize selected as the article type. The deadline is Oct 12, 2020. Entries will be anonymised and judged by Lancet editors. The winner of the Wakley Prize Essay 2020 will receive £2000, and the essay will be published in the final issue of the year. Enlighten, inspire, and entertain us by entering the competition and sharing your plain truths about this pandemic year.

Acknowledgments

We declare no competing interests.

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National essay & art competitions.

Prepare to unleash your creativity and make a lasting impression in the medical world. We invite you to take part in the highly esteemed national medical essay and art competitions, held four times a year. This is your chance to showcase your unique talents, whether through captivating essays or awe-inspiring artworks. As a winner, your outstanding work will be published in the national Mentor Magazine, reaching a wide audience of prospective healthcare students across the UK. Imagine the impact of seeing your name in print, alongside other talented individuals, as your ideas and artwork inspire others on their medical journey. Participating in these competitions not only allows you to express your creativity but also provides a platform for personal growth, skill development, and increased confidence.

Join Medic Mentor For Free and start your journey!

Why is it important to participate in medical competitions.

By securing a prize in these competitions, you showcase a range of desirable qualities that are highly sought after in the medical field. Firstly, it demonstrates your ability to think critically and articulate complex ideas effectively, whether through a well-crafted essay or an impactful piece of artwork. Medical schools recognise the value of participating in extracurricular activities that go beyond academic requirements, and these competitions exemplify your passion for medicine and your commitment to personal and professional growth.

Winning a prize in these competitions highlights your dedication to research, innovation, and staying abreast of the latest developments in healthcare. It showcases your willingness to go the extra mile, delve deeper into medical topics, and contribute meaningful insights to the field. This ability to engage in research and critical analysis is an essential skill for doctors, as they are constantly challenged with solving complex medical issues and staying updated with the latest advancements.

Moreover, the recognition and publication of your work in the esteemed Mentor Magazine provide invaluable exposure and credibility. It demonstrates that your ideas and artistic creations have been acknowledged by experts in the medical community, establishing you as a promising candidate in the eyes of medical school admissions committees. These achievements speak volumes about your potential as a future doctor and your ability to make a lasting impact in the field.

Medical Essay Competition!

We are thrilled to announce our current essay competition, centered around thought-provoking topics that are shaping the landscape of modern healthcare.

Theme : Incision

Essay competition titles:

Medicine: Does surgery have an image problem? How stereotypes about surgeons affect the profession and patient care

Dental: How has the integration of lasers influenced the field of dental surgery?

Allied Health: How do healthcare students influence the operating theatre environment?

The deadline for submission is 1st August 2024 at 11:59pm, giving you ample time to craft a compelling essay that reflects your unique perspectives and critical insights. As a prospective doctor, dentist, or healthcare professional, this competition provides the perfect opportunity to enhance your reflective skills for your university application. It’s your chance to stand out and demonstrate your commitment to making a positive difference in the field of healthcare

With a maximum word count of 1500 words, including the title and subheadings, you have the freedom to delve into your chosen topic with depth and clarity. Feel free to draw upon references to support your arguments, as we value evidence-based insights. Remember, the use of personal experiences and your own thoughts is encouraged, as it adds a unique dimension to your essay.

Our expert panel will be looking for essays that deliver a powerful message, offering critical insights into the chosen topic. We value creativity, originality, and a fresh perspective. By structuring your essay with clear paragraphs and utilising appropriate headings, you can effectively present your ideas and engage readers. Please use Calibri font size 12 for the main body of text, and feel free to experiment with larger font sizes for headings to make them stand out. And remember, your references are not a part of the 1500 word count.

We eagerly await your compelling essay submissions!

Medical Art Competition!

Get ready to showcase your creative flair and make a lasting impact through the National Artwork Competition. If you possess artistic talent and a passion for healthcare, this is the perfect opportunity for you to shine. Imagine having your artwork featured on the front page of our prestigious national wider reading magazine, reaching countless healthcare enthusiasts and professionals across the country. 

The theme for our upcoming issue is “Incision, ” providing a fascinating and thought-provoking subject for you to explore and express through your artwork. We invite you to submit Artwork on ‘Incision’ for September’s front cover. Whether you prefer paintbrushes, pencils, or digital mediums, let your creativity soar as you create an A4 masterpiece that resonates with the theme. We encourage you to unleash your imagination, captivate our judges, and leave a lasting impression.

Please do not submit AI art.

The deadline for submission is 1st August 2024 at 11:59pm, giving you ample time to channel your artistic vision and produce a piece that truly embodies the essence of the theme. Don’t forget to scan your artwork at the highest possible quality to ensure its full glory is captured.

Participating in this competition is a fantastic opportunity for applying students in any healthcare-related specialty. By entering, you not only have the chance to have your artwork featured on the front cover but also to appear on the back cover, receive a certificate of recognition, and have your work showcased on the Medic Mentor website and social media platforms. It’s an incredible way to gain exposure, build your portfolio, and connect with a wide audience of healthcare professionals and enthusiasts.

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Senior dental editor, meet the whole editorial team, let's get that medical school, application sorted.

Medic Mentor is an all-in-one solution to your medical school application.  We bring only the best resources for tackling every single component of your medical school application to one place.  We are here to help you work efficiently, by balancing the UCAS application process alongside your school work and extracurricular activities.  One of the best ways to save you time is to direct you to the best advice and resources so that you do not have to waste time searching for them yourselves.

We know what you are going through, as doctors and medical students who were in your position!  By combining application knowledge, extracurricular opportunities, platforms to up-skill and boost confidence, it is not a surprise that Medic Mentor students are successful.  Will it be difficult? Yes, applying to medical school is not easy.  But through Medic Mentor it will be less stressful, and even fun.  Let’s get started!

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Essay competitions, awards and prizes

If you have a flair for essay writing, then look out for competitions run by the Royal Colleges and many other professional medical associations, usually to encourage interest in their specialty. Closing dates for submission fall throughout the year so keep your eyes open!

Some organisations that run competitions include:

British Association of Dermatologists

• British Association of Forensic Medicine
• General Medical Council
• Medical Women’s Federation
• Pain Relief Foundation
• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
• Royal College of Ophthalmologists
• Royal College of Pathologists
• Royal College of General Practitioners
• Royal College of Radiologists
• Royal Society of Medicine (for members only, costs £25 a year to join)
• Institute of Medical Ethics (for F1 & F2 UK doctors)

Project Funding

Some organisations and Trusts offer funding for research projects, vacation research work experience and intercalated degree year research. We’ve compiled a list of these, again it isn’t exhaustive so we do encourage further research.

Some of these applications may require a supporting statement from a member of academic staff. Check criteria carefully before applying.

The Biochemical Society

Grants are available for stipends of £200 per week for 6 – 8 weeks, and up to £1,600 in total, to support a summer placement in a lab for an undergraduate student. Applications must be made on behalf of and in association with a named student.

Website: www.biochemistry.org Email: [email protected]

The British Association of Dermatologists offer a range of awards between £250 and £3,000 towards fees and living expenses for an intercalated year project related to dermatology and skin biology. It also offers £500 undergraduate project grants.

Website: www.bad.org.uk Email: [email protected]

Association for the Study of Medical Education

The Association for the Study of Medical Education offers awards related to the development of excellent medical education. Applications are welcomed from anyone on the continuum of medical education (UG, PG or qualified and studying professional development) and will be assessed against their criteria. They also have a number of other essay prizes available and awards so it is worth researching their website.

Tel: 0131 225 9111 Website: www.asme.org.uk Email: [email protected]

The Genetics Society

The Genetics Society Summer Studentship scheme offers grants of up to £3,000 for undergraduate students interested in gaining research experience in any area of genetics by carrying out a research project over the long vacation ( more information ). They also have a range of competitions and awards that you can look into on their website.

Website: https://genetics.org.uk/grants/summer-studentships/  Email: [email protected]

The Institute of Medical Ethics

The Institute of Medical Ethics (IME) offers grants, student elective bursaries, and scholarships (covering the next academic year) for students wishing to do an intercalated degree in medical ethics or an allied subject.

Website: https://ime-uk.org/grants-and-competitions/ 

The Physiological Society

Vacation Studentships offer undergraduates the opportunity to undertake a research project on an area of physiology over their summer break. Working under an academic supervisor, they can get to experience day-to-day life in the laboratory first-hand. Funding of £150 a week, to cover living costs, is on offer for up to eight weeks.

Website: www.physoc.org Email: [email protected]

The Pathological Society

Funding for students wanting to intercalate a BSc in Pathology but who do not have LEA or other government support. Also offer awards to fund electives and vacation studies in pathology.

Website: www.pathsoc.org

The Paget’s Association

The Paget’s Association awards Student Research Bursaries of up to £6,000 to promising UK medical or science students (MRes, MSc, BSc or equivalent higher degree) to pursue research into any aspects of Paget’s Disease of Bone.

Tel: 0161 799 4646 Website

Other resources

The list above is not exhaustive so we do encourage further research.

A good place to start is RD Learning , a database of health-related research funding opportunities.

Please contact us if you notice any broken links, of any other funding opportunities or if any options are no longer running.

• Dec 11, 2018

Demystified: Essay competitions

Entering an essay competition may not be the first thing you think of whilst in medical school. You come home exhausted from lectures, or being used as a doorstop on placement and all you want to do is stare mindlessly at Netflix.

But essay competitions are surprisingly fun and easy - with the added reward of a possible cash prize and a bump on your CV. Medical students are open to a wide range of essay competitions and not only are they not as competitive as one might initially think, they also give you the opportunity to improve upon your writing, research and critical analysis skills. If you enjoy writing or are interested in a certain area of medicine, or perhaps just want to bulk up your CV a bit, you might want to enter an essay competition.

You can find a list of websites which hold annual essay competitions for UK medical students here . This is by no means a comprehensive list. Almost every medical society will offer essay competitions: Google is your friend.

How do I decide which competition to enter?

1. There are typically two types of essay competitions you can enter.

The first type require you to ‘ discuss ,’ ‘ explore ’ or ‘ argue ’ a statement. This requires you to first read through the literature to gain knowledge and understanding of the topic, and then to use your critical analysis skills to argue your point for or against the statement.

The second type of essay prize is more clinical in nature. These essays may ask you to write about your experiences in certain specialties or to offer a suggestion about how you think a certain specialty could be improved, or perhaps may change in the next decade. These essays tend to require more original and creative thought and some students may find these easier.

2. How much time you are willing to spend researching and writing your essay?

Most people make this judgement based on the value of the essay prize. For example, you might be willing to spend more time writing an essay for a competition that offers a prize of £1000 compared to one that offers £300. Remember, whichever prize you win, they will both look good on your CV.

The other main factor which will determine how much time you spend upon your essay will be the word count. This will give you a general idea of the amount of depth and research that will be expected from you. On the other hand, some people may struggle with smaller word counts as it can be difficult to condense your writing and still make it good.

How do I start planning my essay?

So, you’ve found an essay competition which you want to enter and are ready to go. Before you start, you should consider making a rough outline of what your essay will cover and how it will start and finish. This may be difficult if you are writing about a topic which you first need to research, in which case you may wish to go back to your framework and build upon it as your research expands. It is always best to start with a basic framework which you can then build upon.

As with any essay, it is best to start with a Introduction , Main Body and Conclusion .

Your introduction should contain a brief synopsis of what your essay is planning to cover, or perhaps a question which it aims to answer. A short , succinct and thought-provoking introduction is always best; this is how you grip your readers’ interest. Some people prefer to write their introduction once they have finished the rest of their essay. You can expand upon what your main body will contain once you do some reading. Your conclusion , as with your introduction, needs to be short and concise. It should condense the main points of your essay into a way that is easy for the reader to read and understand. You could end on a question or suggestion of where you think this topic should go next, or what you think the future holds.

Once you have this basic Introduction -> Main Body -> Conclusion framework, you may wish to jot down some ideas that instantly come into your head when you read the essay title . Essay titles as a whole tend to be stimulating and emotive; they ask for an argument or a point of view from the writer. Undoubtedly when you first read the essay title, hundreds of thoughts will race through your mind about what you could write about and how you feel about this topic. Write them all down on a blank piece of paper. This will help you later both when you start researching your essay and when you start writing it. An example of this framework with ideas pre-research can be found at the end.

Lastly, remember to read the essay title. If it asks you to discuss certain topics, then only discuss those. If it asks you to argue, use your skills or critical analysis to argue your point across. Do not go into unchartered territories and lose your foundation.

How do I research my essay?

Every person is different when it comes to writing essays. This brief outline is just a way to get you started if you are struggling or haven’t written an essay in a long time. Do what works best for you.

Many people write their essays using this approach:

Basic Framework & Ideas (click here for a detailed example.)

Edit/clarify direction of essay based on research

Condense research accordingly into set topics for Main Body

Write, argue and analyse

1. Research

Before you write an essay you need to know what you’re writing about. This is particularly relevant if you are offering an an opinion, argument or commentary. Your Essay Title will cover a specific topic. e.g. instead of the Management of Mood Disorders, it may specifically ask you about ECT. If it does open up a very general and wide-ranging topic, it is best to choose one specific area rather than try to cover everything: depth over breadth. This will also help to condense your research. It is easy to begin researching one thing and then end up in a completely different direction. It’s helpful to continually look back at your essay title throughout your research to keep you grounded.

Firstly, choose the area of interest which you will be researching. This may be given by the essay title (e.g. specifically around ECT) or one that you need to think of if the essay is particularly broad. Try to think of something that genuinely interests you; this will make your writing come across as more passionate and you will find it easier to research your essay and later write it.

Secondly, you want to get an idea of the recent debate around your area of interest. What do academics think about this? Have there been any recent controversies? Some people find it helpful to start by looking into systematic or literature reviews to get a general idea before diving deeper.

For most clinical and scientific essays, the databases listed below should help you find what you need. You should be able to gain access through an OpenAthens account provided by your medical school. If not, you can go to the librarian in one of your university libraries and ask about getting access to these databases.

Examples of Databases for Research

1. Cochrane Library (good for systematic reviews)

4. NHS Evidence

5. PsychINFO (good for Psychiatry/Psychology essays)

8. Web of Science

Once you’ve searched your topic in a couple of the databases, you will find numerous articles appear. One of the important skills that essay writing teaches you is how to sift through research to find what you need. You can do this by narrowing your search skills e.g. only for certain topics, or by sifting through abstracts and identifying the articles that are relevant from the ones which are not. At times you may come across a journal article which offers a new perspective or information which you wish to learn more about or are particularly interested in. In this case, references from that particular article can be very useful.

You’ve now found some articles related to your topic. You’ve read these articles and have found some themes emerging. You are beginning to get your own ideas about what your essay should be about and the direction it will take. Perhaps reading one of the articles has made you particularly passionate about a certain point of view. Start making a list of these themes and your thoughts around them. Also make sure you keep a note of the articles in a separate document; this will help with references later.

2. Edit/clarify direction of essay based on research

You’ve got some information together and hopefully are beginning to get an idea of what your essay will look like. Now, have a read through all the information you’ve gathered and you will begin to see the direction that your essay is taking. You can almost see your essay growing in front of your eyes. Hopefully you’ll feel a bit more confident now in writing your essay.

Remember that basic framework you created at the beginning? You might find it helpful to add into the Main Body what themes you intend to cover. For example, for the essay about ECT:

Main Body - What is ECT? Cover history & clinicians accounts based on books.

- Why is ECT so stigmatised? Talk about Media (give examples of One Flew over the Cuckoo Nest), lack of public knowledge - mention survey around public’s attitudes to ECT.

- Why do we still use ECT? Covers statistics, effectiveness compared to other treatment options.

- Past or Future? ECT as one of the best treatments in Psychiatry.

3. Start writing your essay.

Some people find it helpful to write for each theme separately using the research they have collated, and then bring all these themes together to flow nicely into an essay. This way you are breaking your essay down into manageable chunks.

Remember, don’t just copy and paste the information you have gathered from research articles. Not only is this plagiarism, it is also unlikely to get you that essay prize. Instead, think about the research you have read - what are some of the arguments against what you’re writing? Can you think of the flaws in your own arguments? Where has this research come from? Is it backed up with evidence or is it just someone’s opinion? What makes this person’s opinion more important than anyone else’s? This type of critical analysis is what makes a good essay.

To wrap this guide up: what makes a good essay?

Answers the question/title - does not go off tangent.

Wide range of research using literature/systematic reviews, original research and academic commentaries - clear understanding of the topic.

Offers an opinion or argument i.e. not just descriptive.

Critical analysis: Suggests how current research is flawed, problems with current ways of thinking etc.

Creative/Original thought: Offers a new perspective, not just based on research. Offers insight into what the future may look like, what needs to change.

For a list of essay competitions targeted towards medical students, click here .

For our example framework (and initial ideas) of an essay, click here .

Article by Dr Gunjan Sharma; prizewinner of: 1. Royal Society of Medicine Student & Trainee Prize, Psychiatry Section 2016-2017 2. Medical Student Prize of the Faculty of Spiritual Psychiatry of the Royal College of Psychiatrists 2016 3. Medical Student Essay Prize of the Faculty of Forensic Psychiatry of the Royal College of Psychiatrists 2016 4. Careif Suicide Prevention Essay Prize 2014

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The BSANZ Medical Student Reflective Essay Competition

The balint society of australia and new zealand has announced the winners from the 2023 medical student reflective essay competition..

There were a record 89 entries this year, with a very high standard of writing covering a wide range of topics.  After several rounds of reviewing, the reviewers are pleased to announce the top 12 essays as listed in the table below.

Congratulations to Megan Torpey and Taneka Tezak who received The Lawrence Gilbert Memorial Prizes.  Runners up were Geetika Malhotra, Alisha Sethi, Dikshya Parajuli and Tuyen Pham.  Links to all these essays will be listed in due course.

Our thanks go to the local and international group of essay reviewers who did an amazing job this year.

Results and essays from previous competitions can also be accessed through the links listed below.

Essay requirements for the next competition in 2025 are listed as well, with a submission date expected to be in July 2025.  We look forward to hearing from you then.

Hamish Wilson (Dunedin, NZ) and Alexa Gilbert-Obrart (Sydney Australia) Conveners on behalf of the BSANZ

2025 Essay Requirements for Medical Student Writing Prize

Medical Student Writing Prize 2021 Results

There were 45 entries in 2021, with a very high standard of writing. Congratulations to Madison Booth and Stephanie Lee who received The Lawrence Gilbert Memorial Prizes.

We would like to congratulate all the students for their perceptive essays about their interactions with significant patients, as well as for their insights about the nature of clinical training and medical practice. Four essays from the 2021 competition were published in medical journals (Journal of Primary Health Care (NZ) and The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine (US)).

Many thanks to students and our reviewers who have made this essay competition such a success.

Alexa Gilbert-Obrart and Hamish Wilson On behalf of the BSANZ.

Winning essays from 2021

Too Momentous for Words , by Madison Booth (University of Queensland)

Beyond the Medical , by Stephanie Lee (Bond University)

An unexpected journey , by Thomas Swinburn (Auckland Medical School)

Homecoming , by Rebecca Gandhi (Auckland Medical School)

Further information about past winners of the Medical Student Reflective Essay Competition is available here.

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National Essay Competition for FY Doctors

For this annual competition, FY 1 & 2 UK doctors are invited to submit an essay about an ethical issue raised by an experience they have had as a foundation year doctor. Up to five cash prizes of £300 each are awarded. Besides this, the Robert Hillman Essay Prize of an additional £250 is awarded to the best overall entry. All winners will receive 12 months complimentary IME membership.

The next round of the competition will open autumn 2024.

2024 winners

The Robert Hillman Prize, for the best overall entry in the Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors National Essay Prize 2024, has been awarded to:

Zachary Chan  for Defying the Inevitable: The Battle for Autonomy in the Face of Death

The other Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors National Essay Prize winners 2024 are:

Grainne Breslin for Would you risk it for a chocolate biscuit? The decision to eat and drink in palliative care patients with swallowing issues who lack capacity

Kathryn Greenslade for Duty Deferred: Barriers to Communicating a Medication Error

Amy Jones for Ethical dilemmas surrounding ReSPECT forms in complex geriatric inpatient care

Surammiya Vasanthakumar for Mandatory vaccinations and lasting hesitancy – the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic

Congratulations to all our winners!

2023 winners

The Robert Hillman Prize, for the best overall entry in the Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors National Essay Prize 2023, has been awarded to:

Ali El-Rhalibi  for White lies matter: An examination of lying for good in clinical practice

The other Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors National Essay Prize winners 2023 are:

Sheema Chaudhry for Patient vs Team – Who Should Decide?

Josephine Do for The weight of a medical error

Naveen Goddard for Patient Safety Incidents in the National Health Service: The Boundaries of Corporate Versus Individual Culpability for Failing Institutions

Antonia Mentel for Better safe than sorry? The struggle of doing less

Victoria Yang for Defining a life worth living: Capacity and Best Interests in a patient with Personal Disorder

2022 winners

The Robert Hillman Prize, for the best overall entry in the Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors National Essay Prize 2022, has been awarded to:

Gauri Saxena for Slipping through the cracks: mental capacity in the context of coercion

The other Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors National Essay Prize winners 2022 are:

Jun Yu Chen  for Upholding professional values of honesty, integrity and accountability as a new doctor in the NHS

Charlotte Galvin for  ‘Let me find someone else who can help you with that’ – Conscientious Objection in Healthcare

Elias Jamieson for Assessing capacity in the detoxing patient  

Arham Sahu for A shock to the system: ECT in severe depression

Ryan Wolff for Is Age Really Just a Number? Admission to ICU in Times of Scarcity 

Congratulations to this year’s winners!

2021 winners

The Robert Hillman Prize, for the best overall entry in the Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors Essay Prize 2021 has this year been jointly awarded to:

Joe Berry  for  Capacity in the aftermath of trauma and Denise Tan  for Disclosing a near-miss ‘Never Event’: A retained surgical swab

The other Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors Essay Prize winners are:

Madeline Charles-Rudwick  for   The Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing but the Truth? The Use of Deception in the Care of Patients with Dementia

Alexander Miller  for  Prescribing; More than Meats the eye

Emma Pearson  for  Considering the Importance of Relatives in End of Life Decisions

Kaif Qayum  for  Are we playing God? Do we need to revise the abstinence mandate for alcoholic liver disease patients to be eligible for liver transplantation?

Akanksha Thumbe  for  Suicidal ideation and the capacity to self-discharge 

Joshua Winton  for  Confidentiality Issues from the Heart of the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 winners

Essay prizes awarded for 2020.

The Robert Hillman Prize winner for best overall entry in the Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors Essay Prize 2020 is:

Duranka Perera – Resisting data fabrication in neurosurgical academia

Natasha Grace – What a girl wants: the ethical implications of an elective amputation in a minor

Nicholas Heng – To resuscitate or not to resuscitate – that is the question

Anna Hutchins – Patients and placebos: an ethical, professional and legal analysis of the response to patients requesting antibiotics for viral upper respiratory infections

Tumbi Otudeko – Prison health – you have the right to remain healthy

2019 winners

Essay prizes awarded for 2019.

The Robert Hillman Prize 2019 for best overall entry in the Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors Essay Prize is:

Caitriona Cox – Unwise or misunderstood? The challenges of judging patient understanding

The other Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors Essay Prize 2019 winners are:

Natasha Grace – The other side of the glass: An ethical analysis from the patient’s perspective

Harry Heath – Dear Dr Google: The influence of search engines on consultations

Priya Khetarpal – The Doctor’s Narrative – Should it be shared?

Eunice Xing – With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility: Responsible Use of ‘Evidence’ Based Medicine

2018 winners

Essay prizes awarded for 2018.

The Robert Hillman Prize 2018 for best overall entry in The Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors Essay Prize is:

Kishen Patel – “I’m sorry there is nothing more we can do.” A closer look at the most final of statements

The other Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors Essay Prize 2018 winners are:

Anita Chithiramohan – Patient-centred care and the learning experience of the medical student. The ethics of pedagogy in a teaching hospital

Peter Johnstone – Decisions, decisions: Searching for the chimera of autonomy

Christine Bolton – Battery or Negligence: Calling it Oncall

Michael Houssemayne du Boulay – The buck stops with you

Congratulations to all our winners.

2017 winners

Essay prizes awarded for 2017.

Robert Hillman Prize 2017 for best overall entry in the Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors Essay Prize

Joshua Parker – Junior Doctors & Moral Exploitation

The Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctor Essay Prize 2017 

Alistair Wardrope – Of amputation & autonomy

Jennifer Hall – A tortured mind: Self harm in psychiatric care

Matthew Stone – Cardiac Arrest: Is there any role for placebo resuscitation?

James van Oppen – Giving medical treatment against a patient’s wishes

2016 winners

Essay prizes awarded for 2016.

Robert Hillman Essay Prize 2016 for best entry in the Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors Essay Prize

Joshua Parker – War and Peace: Conflicts of Conscience in the Junior Doctors’ Strike

The Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors Essay Prize 2016 

Yanrong Jiang – Sundowning and DoLS: Ethical Dilemmas in Managing an Acutely Delirious Patient as a Junior Doctor

Lucy Michael – Stumbling in the Dark

2015 winners

Essay prizes awarded for 2015.

Robert Hillman Essay Prize 2015 for best entry in the Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors Essay Prize

Bryony Coupe – The four principles or the four pillars? Reflecting on and learning from ethical issues as a junior doctor.

The Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors Essay Prize 2015 

Anngona Ghosh – Not to Add Insult to Injury: Honesty is the Best Policy

Julia Harrington – Capacity Assessment in the Emergency Department: 50 Shades of Grey?

James Morgan –  A Junior Doctor’s Duty To Inform

Laura Pugh –  What the Patient Needs When the Relative Wants

2014 winners

Essay prizes awarded for 2014.

Robert Hillman Essay Prize 2014 for best entry in the Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors Essay Prize

Frances Butcher – A Hard Sell: Admitting a patient to the ICU

The Institute of Medical Ethics Foundation Doctors Essay Prize 2014 

Johanna Andersson – An Exploration of compassion through narrative and reflection

Priyanka Chadha – Undocumented Migrants’ Access to Healthcare: Why Are We Still Having The Discussion?

Michael Newman – Confidentiality: A juxtaposition of medico-legal and ethical perspectives in a case of HIV

Hilary Thornton – Where hearts may break: the conflict of best interests

2013 winners

Essay prizes awarded for 2013.

The Robert Hillman Prize winner for best overall entry 2013 is:

Aime e Rowe – Reflective Practice

The other Essay Prize winners are:

Rebecca Sherlock – Withholding information from patients: A junior doctors experience

James McGowan –  The Liverpool Care Pathway in a 21st Century National Health Service: Old Ethics, New Challenges

Rammina Yassaie –  How much should we tell our patients and who are we to decide?

Sophie Newton –  A patient refusing lifesaving treatment

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• Discover pathology

The Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize: in conversation with the 2023 winner, Dr Sally Ashton

19 March 2024

The College runs 2 annual essay prizes for undergraduates and foundation doctors – the Paola Domizio Undergraduate Essay Prize and the Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize. They present a unique opportunity to discover more about pathology and hone your writing skills.

Both essay competitions are currently open for 2024 submissions . The winning essays will be published on our website and in our membership magazine, the Bulletin.

The winning essay for the 2023 Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize was written by Dr Sally Ashton, exploring how pathologists will shape healthcare over the next 75 years. Sally was formally presented her award at the most recent New Fellows’ Ceremony in February. We caught up with her to find out some more about her background, why she entered the competition and her thoughts on the award.

Can you tell me a little bit about your background and what drew you to pathology?

I am a graduate medic, and previously worked as a translator before studying medicine. I am currently an FY2 doctor in paediatrics in Swansea, but during my FY1 year I took part in the Longitudinal Integrated Foundation Training (LIFT) programme. This enabled me to spend 1 day a week for the entire year in histopathology. I was drawn to this programme because at medical school there was not much exposure to pathology and I wanted to find out more.

Can you tell us what inspired you to write the essay?

I think that, as with the NHS and many medical and surgical specialties, pathology is at a turning point. This is largely thanks to developments in technology and changes in demand to the service. With this in mind, it was interesting to imagine where we would be in the coming years.

One of the things that draws me to pathology is the wide range of specialties and subspecialties that it encompasses, so it was a lovely excuse to explore all these areas and think about where they might be in the future.

Can you tell us a couple of your main points from your essay?

In my essay, I explore the future of preserving and modifying blood products so that they can be used in areas without good supply chains, and/or can be given to any patient regardless of their blood type. I find the idea of this so interesting as it could revolutionise healthcare in developing countries and remote areas.

I also looked at how we are researching the effects of nanoplastics on the human body using histopathology. This piqued my interest, as it ties in with concerns about how environmental changes may affect humans.

How did it feel to find out that you had won the Hugh Platt Essay Prize?

I was very surprised to win but was also really happy. I spent a lot of time researching and writing the essay, so it was really motivating to find out I had won.

And lastly, what are your hopes for your future time at the College?

I am still not 100% sure which specialty I would like to pursue in the future but I am interested in histopathology, infectious diseases and haematology, as well as a few other medical specialties. I hope to continue engaging with the College to enhance my knowledge of pathology, and hopefully to clarify the route of my future career.

Are you an undergraduate or foundation doctor and want to try your hand at the College's essay competitions? Please see below for more information on the prizes and how to enter:

Essay competitions

The deadlines are Monday 8 April 2024 for the Paola Domizio Undergraduate Essay Prize and Wednesday 8 May 2024 for the Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize.

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Medical School Examples

Craft a Winning Medical School Essay with Examples and Proven Tips

Published on: May 8, 2023

Last updated on: Jul 19, 2024

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Are you dreaming of becoming a doctor or a health care professional? 

The first step towards achieving that goal is to get accepted into a top-tier medical school. 

But with so many other qualified medical students competing for the same spot, how do you stand out from the crowd? 

It all starts with your medical school essay. 

Your essay is your opportunity to your unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations. 

In this blog, we'll provide you with examples that will help you catch the attention of admissions committees. 

From purpose to common mistakes to avoid, we'll cover everything you need to get accepted into the medical school of your dreams. 

So, let's dive in!

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Types of Medical School Examples 

Medical school essays come in many different forms, each with its own unique requirements and purpose.

In this section, we'll discuss some of the most common types of medical school essays and what you need to know to write them successfully.

Personal Statements 

Personal statements are the most common type of medical school essay. They are usually a one-page essay that introduces you to the admissions officers. 

It explains why you want to pursue medicine as a career. Personal statements should be engaging, and memorable, and show off your unique qualities.

An outline offers a framework to help you craft a compelling narrative that showcases your strengths and experiences.

Check out this personal statement example that can help future physicians getting into the schools of their dreams.

Medical School Personal Statement Examples pdf

Secondary Essays 

Secondary essays are additional essays that some medical schools require in addition to the personal statement. 

They often ask specific questions about your background, experiences, or interests. They give you an opportunity to show off your future patient care and problem-solving skills.

Here is a brief example of a secondary application medical school essay:

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Diversity Essays 

Diversity essays ask you to write about your experiences with diversity and how they have influenced you to pursue a career and your interest in medicine. 

These essays are becoming increasingly common in medical school applications as schools strive to build a more diverse and inclusive student body.

Good Medical School Essay Examples 

Are you struggling to write a standout medical school essay? They say that the best way to learn is by example. That's especially true when it comes to public health school essays. 

We'll provide you with some of the best examples to help you craft an essay that will help your career in medicine.

Medical College Essay Examples

Personal Statement Medical School Examples Pdf

Medical School Covid Essay Examples

Challenging Medical School Essay Examples 

Writing a medical school essay is more than just telling a story about yourself. It's an opportunity to demonstrate your critical thinking and analytical skills. 

In this section, we'll highlight some of the challenging medical school essay examples. This will give you a sense of what admissions committees are looking for. You can learn how to exceed those expectations by writing a successful medical school essay.

Greatest Challenge Medical School Essay Examples

Successful Medicine Personal Statement Examples

Medical School Scholarship Essay Examples

Medical School Essay Examples for Different Schools 

Each medical school has its own unique mission, values, and admissions criteria, and your essay should reflect that. 

In this section, we'll explore how to tailor your medical school essay for different schools and showcase some examples of successful essays.

Let’s explore these Stanford and Harvard medical school essay examples:

Medical School Personal Statement Examples Harvard

Medical School Personal Statement Examples Stanford

Tips on Crafting an Excellent Medical School Personal Statement 

The medical school personal statement is your opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and experiences. 

Here are some tips to help you craft an excellent personal statement:

Start Early 

Don't wait until the last minute to start writing your personal statement. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, write, and revise your essay. Starting early also allows you to get feedback from mentors, professors, or peers.

Focus on Your Story 

Your personal statement should tell a story that showcases your journey to medicine. Highlight the experiences and qualities that have led you to pursue a career in medicine. Tell them how you plan to use your skills to make a difference.

Be Specific 

Use specific examples to illustrate your experiences and achievements. Don't just list your accomplishments, but show how they have prepared you for a career in medicine. Use concrete details to make your essay more engaging and memorable.

Show, Don't Tell 

Instead of simply stating your qualities, show them through your experiences and actions. For example, don’t say you're a team player. Describe a time when you worked effectively in a team to achieve a goal.

Tailor Your Essay to the School 

As mentioned earlier, each medical school has its own unique mission and values. Tailor your personal statement to each school to demonstrate your fit with their program and values.

Mistakes to Avoid in a Medical School Personal Statement 

When it comes to your medical school personal statement, there are some common mistakes you should avoid:

Avoid using cliched phrases and ideas that are overused in personal statements. Admissions committees want to see your unique perspective and experiences. They do not want generic statements that could apply to anyone.

Negativity 

Don't focus on negative experiences or aspects of your life in your personal statement. Instead, focus on your strengths and how you have grown from challenges.

Lack of Focus 

Make sure your personal statement has a clear focus and theme. Don't try to cover too many topics or experiences in one essay. Instead, focus on one or two experiences that are meaningful to you and illustrate your journey to medicine.

Too Formal or Informal Tone 

Make sure your personal statement strikes the right tone. Avoid being too formal or using overly complex language. Also, avoid being too informal or using slang.

Plagiarism 

Never copy someone else's personal statement or use a template to write your own. Admissions committees can easily spot plagiarism, and it will result in an immediate rejection.

Grammatical and Spelling Errors

Proofread your personal statement thoroughly for grammatical and spelling errors. Even a few small errors can detract from the overall quality of your essay.

Lack of Authenticity 

Be true to yourself in your personal statement. Don't try to present an image of yourself that is not authentic or that you think the admissions committee wants to see. Be honest and genuine in your writing.

In conclusion, crafting a winning medical school essay is a crucial step toward securing admission to the medical school of your dreams. 

This blog has provided examples of essays along with tips to craft an excellent medical school personal statement. By avoiding mistakes, you can increase your chances of standing out from the crowd and impressing the admissions committee. 

Struggling with your medical school essays or college papers? Look no further!

Our college paper writing service specializes in crafting exceptional papers tailored to your academic needs, including medical school essays. And for an extra boost in your writing tasks, don't forget to explore our AI essay generator .

Elevate your academic performance with our medical school essay writing service and unlock the potential of our AI essay tools.

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Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

What is the ideal med school personal statement word limit.

There is no set length for a medical school personal statement, but most schools typically require a personal statement of 500-800 words.

How do I choose a topic for my medical school essay?

Choose a topic that showcases your unique perspective and experiences, and illustrates your journey to medicine. Consider what makes you stand out and what you are passionate about.

Should I mention my grades and test scores in my medical school essay?

It is not necessary to mention your grades and test scores in your medical school essay as they are already included in your application. Instead, focus on showcasing your unique qualities, experiences, and perspective.

Can I get help with writing my medical school essay?

Yes, there are various resources available to help you with writing your medical school essay. Consider seeking help from a writing tutor, career services office, or professional writing service like ours.

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Entries Open: Medical Student Essay Prize

Attention all UK Medical Students!

We are thrilled to announce that entries are now open for the BSPRM Medical Student's Essay Prize.

The winner of the prize will receive £250 and will also have a prestigious platform to showcase their innovative ideas in the medical field.

To read the award criteria and to submit your entry, please click HERE.

Entries will close on 2 September 2024

Best of Luck!

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Medical Student Essay Award

Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology.

This award seeks to stimulate interest in the field of neurology as an exciting and challenging profession by offering highly competitive awards for the best essay in neurology. Essays are judged based on the quality of the writing, clarity, and readability. It should be an engaging, original essay that is suitable for an audience of general neurologists. Please note: This award description has changed from previous years. Research manuscripts or personal statements will NOT be considered for review.

• Applications open: June 25, 2024
• Applications close: October 31, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. CT

Essay Topics

Essay is defined as an original, lucid, written piece targeted to general neurologists. It must be well-written and concise for all readers in English. Grammar and spelling will be considered when reviewed. All essays should be focused within topics of neurology. The best essays would be worthy of publication. A maximum of 5 references may be used, no abstract required.

Suggested formats can include:

• Historical Discussion
• Reflections

Suggested topics can include:

• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
• Famous researcher or neurologist (living or deceased)
• Innovations in neurology
• Community service
• Global health
• Commentary on current or historical research

Presentation

Recipients are expected to give a poster presentation based on the selected essay at the 2025 AAN Annual Meeting.

There are four recipients of this award each year. One recipient will receive the Medical Student Essay Grand Prize of $1,000 and three winners will receive $350.00 each.

Recipient will receive: 

• Certificate of recognition and $1,000 for Grand Prize or $350.00 prize 
• Complimentary registration for the 2025 AAN Annual Meeting 
• One-year complimentary subscription to Neurology ® journal 
• Reimbursement for 2025 Annual Meeting travel (coach airfare) and two nights housing*
• $100/day per diem for expenses (up to two days) 
• Essay will be showcased on the AAN website

*Travel, housing, and per diem benefits are dependent on the ability to execute an in-person portion of the Annual Meeting

Eligibility

• Must be enrolled and in good standing at a North American medical school
• Must not have submitted the same essay previously

Application Requirements 

Applicants must apply online and submit one complete set of the following materials: 

• Completed application form  
• Letter from faculty stating student is enrolled and in good standing in medical school
• Essay using the following guidelines:
• Must be typed, double-spaced using a standard font 
• Maximum length of 1,500 words
• Must be in one of the formats and contain the topics listed above
• There is no formatting style requirement (ex. MLA, Chicago)  

Nominations

This award accepts both self-applicants and nominations. Nominators should complete the submission form and select the option "I wish to nominate someone". The nominee will receive an email with a link to complete the award application and upload their application materials. Nominators do not need to provide application materials for the nominee.

Judging Criteria

All project entries received by the deadline date will be judged by physician and scientist members of the American Academy of Neurology based on the following criteria: 

• Essay Quality of Writing: Demonstrate the following qualities: clarity and readability, narrative flow, grammar and spelling, cohesive theme, and proper use of writing format.
• Creativity: Creativity will be based on the originality of essay.
• Relevance to Neurology: Judges consider if the essay has relevance for neurologists and give voice to the trainee’s perspective.

For more information or questions, please contact the Scientific Awards Team at  [email protected] .

Medical Student Essay Prize

Twice a year the BSDS sets and essay title on a topic related to dermatological surgery and offers a prize for the winning essays.

The BSDS Medical Student Essay Prize (previously titled Undergraduate Essay Prize) is open to anyone who has medical student status at the time of application or who graduates that year.

The title for the next Essay Prize is:

“ Use your creativity to show us how you would safely and efficiently train a medical student to perform an ellipse excision”

This could take the form of:

• A PowerPoint lesson plan (maximum 3 slides)
• An instructional video (real life or computer animated – maximum 5 minutes)
• An artistic presentation (drawings/photographs/combination of) (No PDF please)

The prize for the winning essay will be £300.

BSDS Medical Student Essay Prize Application Form – July 2024

Deadline for submissions:  31st July 2024

Previous Essay Prize Winners

Click to view previous essays.

• 2024, January – “ Crea te a PIL on Mohs Micrographic surgery” – (concept design) by Talia Patel, University of Nottingham Medical School.
• 2023, July –      “How can we ensure valid consent in dermatologic surgery in the era of teledermatology and one-stop clinics? ” –  Zoe Hemsley, Cambridge University.
• 2023, January –  “What are the most important priorities for skin surgery and skin cancer research and why?”   –  Mohammed J Ali, Hull York Medical School  
• 2022, July – “ You’re on mute! – Potentials and pitfalls with remote teaching in skin surgery” – Jessica McKeever, University of Dundee
• 2022, January –  “What beneficial changes has the pandemic made to dermatological surgery?” Sukhmunni Johal Oxford University
• 2021, July – “Will artificial intelligence and automated technology replace the need for Dermatologists to diagnose skin cancer in the future?” Laura Leeves, Kings College London.
• 2021, January –   “How do we optimise operator safety during dermatological surgery?”   Mahaveer Singh Sangha University of London Medical School
• 2020, July –  “How do we optimise patients experience of dermatological surgical procedures?”   Anastasia Constantinou, University of Cambridge
• 2020, January –   “How can dermatological surgery become more environmentally friendly?”   Chaplin Catriona, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry
• 2019, July –       What will dermatological surgery look like in 2050?  For this submission, the essay format had been changed to a 5-minute long video.  Outcome Details coming soon.
• 2019, January  –  “Which doctors would make the best skin surgeons? Can we predict ability prior to training?”  Pimentel-Velazquez Diana, Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London
• 2018, July  –  “Will artificial intelligence and automated technology replace the need for Dermatologists to diagnosis skin cancer in the future? ” Selvendran Sara, Imperial College London
• 2018, January  –  “Skin cancer and patients’ use of Dermatology apps – a cause for concern or the future of healthcare provision?”  Yi Jia Teo, University College Cork School of Medicine, National University of Ireland
• 2017, July –  “Should NHS patients have access to scar management?”   Kelsey Aimar, University of Nottingham
• 2017, January –  Two prizes awarded: “If Mohs skin surgery is the ‘gold standard for non-melanoma skin cancer treatment’, why doesn’t eveyone have it?”  Ali Ansaripour , Kings College London GKT School of Medical Education and  Antonio Ji Xu , Oxford University Medical School
• 2016, July –  “Discuss the technological advances in dermatological and reconstructive surgery that have had the greatest impact on skin cancer patients”  Joseph Jayasundera, King’s College London
• 2016, January –  “Discuss the impact of targeted molecular skin cancer therapies on dermatological surgery” Anna Ascott, Barts and The London
• 2015, July –  “How should we measure the “best” outcomes for skin cancer surgery?” Mahdi Saleh, Keele University
• 2015, January  –  “There is no need to treat any skin cancer with Mohs surgery – discuss “ Monty Lyman, University of Birmingham
• 2014  –  “How can patient expectations relating to skin cancer surgery be assessed and addressed?” Joseph Colclough, University of Glasgow 2014  –  “How can patient expectations relating to skin cancer surgery be assessed and addressed?”  Katherine Farquhar, University of Glasgow
• 2013  – “ Skin Cancer and Vitamin D “ Verity Williams, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London.
• 2012  – “ Skin cancer surgery: who should do it and why? “ James Womersley, Peninsula College of Medicine & Dentistry, Universities of Exeter & Plymouth.
• 2011  – “ Rising skin cancer incidence: current and future impact on dermatological surgery “ Sarah Gentry, University of Exeter and Plymouth College of Medicine.
• 2010  – “ The role of technology in dermatological surgery “ George Coltart, Oxford University.
• 2009  – “ What is the role of the dermatologist in the management of Skin Cancer? “ Justice Reilly, Glasgow University Medical School.
• 2008  – “ The impact of climate change on skin cancer “ Laura Thomas, Imperial College. 2008  – “ The impact of climate change on skin cancer “ Rory Honney, Oxford University.
• 2007  – “ Discuss aspects of healing in skin surgery “ Faisal Ali, Oxford University.
• 2006  – “ Surgical and emotional scars of skin cancer “ Daniel Todkill, Warwick University

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Medical student and junior doctor prizes

How to succeed in your ST3 Dermatology Application – Part 2

Before reading further, make sure you’ve read Part 1 !

Scoring top marks at medical school to be awarded Merit or Distinction is no mean feat. Unless you’re blessed with an otherworldly memory (or are a top blagger), getting these honours is no mean feat. This means working hard, consistently all through the course. The key difference between those who achieve these awards and those who don’t is those that do, REALLY work hard. We’ve all heard the tales of that random guy or girl, who claims to not have worked AT ALL and yet gets a top score. Ignore them – and work hard!

This isn’t the place to discuss how to develop a monster work ethic and sail through medical school. There are some well-known resources that you might have seen, not least Dr. Abdaal’s YouTube channel . If this is still under your control, it’s worth putting in the work. Scoring an Honours classification for your undergraduate degree will get you 6 valuable points on the form.

Don’t despair if you’ve slacked (join the club) , or have already graduated. There are still plenty of opportunities to score points in this section. One option is to submit for any of a number of annual medical student and junior doctor essay prizes. There is a wide range available, each with differing degrees of competition. All you need is to win one and you’ll get four points. I’ve listed a variety of options below:

Association for Palliative Medicine – undergraduates can submit clinical audit reports or a palliative medicine-themed essay for a £250 prize

British Geriatric Society – don’t knock the oldies. They are very generous with a selection of prizes available to junior doctors and medical students.

British Society for Clinical Neurophysiology – bit of a longshot, but the organisation hosts an essay competition. Worth a go if you don’t mind writing a 3000 word essay.

Royal Society of Medicine – Student Prizes – the RSM has a range of Sections – these may be areas to focus your efforts.

Royal Society of Medicine – Trainee Prizes – there are a whole range available to junior doctors to bolster your CV.

British Association of Dermatologists Prizes – the Essay Prize is probably the most prestigious undergraduate prize a dermatology aspirant can win

British Society for Dermatological Surgery – twice a year, the BSDS hosts an essay prize. The £300 prize doesn’t hurt too. Perhaps start your essay with “If in doubt, cut it out.” (and prepare to not win)

British Holistic Medical Association – a left-field choice which is usually slightly less competitive than some of the other better known prizes. This being said, the forms treat all national prizes as equivalent. Points are points!

ENT UK – another essay prize worth £500

HealthWatch – a nice test of those critical appraisal skills that you’ve developed – a win equals a national prize and £500

Medical Council on Alcohol – an annual essay competition focusing on topics relating to alcohol and society. Perhaps you could use the £500 prize to buy a nice bottle of wine (but not White Lightning).

Pathological Society – an essay prize run by the Pathological Society. Why it couldn’t be known as the Pathology Society, I do not know. Would YOU want to be known as a member of the PATHOLOGICAL SOCIETY?

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists – this may be a good one to consider on the basis that they offer first, second and third prizes. The first prize of £750 isn’t too shabby either.

Royal College of Ophthalmologists – these folk run an annual undergraduate exam on eye stuff. I figured that my own shambolic knowledge of ophthalmology would not give me a shot at this as an undergraduate but hey, you might have actually turned up for your rotation.

Royal College of Paediatrics – this is a bit of an unusual one: if you can manage to convince the named person at your medical school to nominate you for the prize, you have a good shot at winning this prize (one is awarded per medical school). This is a pretty solid way to score a prize without even needing to write an essay.

Royal College of Physicians – this is a treasure trove or prizes for medical students and junior doctors alike. One highlight is the RCP Regional Poster Competition which can provide an opportunity for prizes without massive competition.

Royal College of Radiologists – those folk in dark rooms have ventured out with some sweet temptations for you. They run an impressive selection of prizes which can be seen on this page.

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Essay Competitions & Prize Opportunities

The BSIR Essay Competition

The BSIR Essay Scholarship runs every year in the Summer/early Autumn. Open to medical students and foundation doctors. Winners receive free registration to the BSIR ASM!

The SRT Essay Competition

The Society of Radiologists in Training (SRT) runs an annual essay competition for medical students and junior doctors, with winners being offered a book prize & complimentary registration to the SRT Annual Conference. Takes place around Summer.

RCR: Steven Carstairs Essay Prize

The essay prize is for an essay either on a topic relevant to clinical radiology or describing a personal experience of working in a department of clinical radiology during an elective period or vacation. 

BIR Future of Radiology Essay Prize

The BIR Future of Radiology Essay Prize runs each year and is open to medical students and junior doctors. Winners get registration to the BIR Conference. 

BSNR Prof Iain Wilkinson Essay Prize

The BSNR have launched their new essay competition in 2022. This is open to undergraduate* medical students in UK Medical Schools. 

Hexarad Scholarship Essay

In previous years, the teleradiology startup has run an essay competition for students

Apply for a prize

Enter our competitions to win cash prizes and travel bursaries and more.

The RSM has a number of prizes, awards and bursaries that are open to medical students and trainees as well as other healthcare professionals.

By entering for a prize, you will strengthen your career opportunities and enhance your CV with a chance to present your work in front of leading consultants and senior healthcare professionals.

Generally prizes, awards or travel grants must be claimed before the end of the academic year in which they are gained (30 September).

For students

The RSM has a number of awards and prizes aimed specifically at students. Submit an application and get the opportunity to present at an RSM meeting as well as add to your CV.

For trainees

There are over 70 prizes available for trainees. Enter for a prize and you could be shortlisted for the next Trainee of the Year prize.

Travel grants and bursaries

We have a number of travel grants and bursary places available to RSM events to help fund your studies and electives.

Other ways to get involved

Attend an event

The RSM offers one of the most extensive programmes of healthcare education in the UK. Find your next event.

Join a Section Council

If you are an RSM member, you can join a Section Council within your specialty and shape the future of our education programme.

Join the RSM

Take advantage of members' discounts and offers for educational meetings and prizes by joining the RSM as a member. 

For working doctors and consultants (FY1 to ST8), retired doctors, and those holding senior management positions in medicine or healthcare.

For scientists and other professionals with a proven interest (or role) in the healthcare sector, but who do not hold a medical qualification.

For those studying medicine, dentistry or another healthcare-related subject, who are on their way to becoming a qualified medical or healthcare professional.

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How to Write a Medical Essay

Medical essay overview.

Medical essays are some of the most common course requirements in medical school. As regular assignments, they can be given out as mid-semester evaluation tests or end-semester exams.

Scholars are required to demonstrate various learning skills, including understanding of various concepts, theories, bodies of knowledge, and their application in real world scenarios.

With the requisite skills, writing such essays can be quite an interesting endeavor. Writing a good medical essay demands an in-depth understanding of the relevant expectations.  

Key Expectations on how to Write a Medical Essay

When writing a medical essay, you have to consider various expectations. These expectations encompass critical guidelines on  how to write an essay .

They are usually the difference between a superior and a low quality essay. Such expectations are a discussed below.  

a) A proper understanding of factual evidence : the medical essays seek to examine your understanding of all relevant scientific evidence acquired in theory and practice.

In the essay, you must demonstrate that you possess the right knowledge about the medical field.

b)   Effective communication : communication is extremely important. Having extensive factual knowledge without adequate communication skills will always result into a poor essay.

Your facts must be well articulated to ensure that the reader fully understands your argument(s). This requires you to ensure that your grammar, punctuation, and syntax reflects adequate proficiency levels in English.

As well, it is critical to ensure that your sentences and paragraphs are fluent enough to allow fluidity in thoughts and arguments.  

c)   Accurate analysis of problems : medical essays require that you consider different and voluminous bodies on knowledge to help solve a particular problem.

Most of the topics explored by such essays are controversial and therefore require a thoughtfully considered opinion.

To achieve this, you should be able to dissect the essay problem into different basic components to find out which of the component weighs more consequently requiring more priority.

In this, in all your points/arguments, you must explain why one thing should be done and not the other.

d) Effective identification of relevant issues : medical essays in most cases encompass convoluted question(s). Therefore, you must accurately identify what issues you are supposed to address in the essay.

Inability to do this will result into failure in answering the correct question or addressing it sufficiently. As such, you should ensure that you understand and answer the right question.

This can only be realized through accurate identification of essay topic area(s) and topic scope.

e)   Proper time management : whether it is a sit in or a take away essay, time management is a critical factor when writing a medical essay.

The essay generally requires adequate research, analysis of different sets of facts, and proper compilation of evidence. This is a time consuming process and proper time management comes in handy.

Late submission is usually punishable and you are therefore required to demonstrate your ability to manage time effectively. 

Steps on how to Write a Medical Essay

Writing a medical essay could assume numerous steps. These steps are critical in helping realize work that resonates with all elements of a good essay. These steps are as elaborated below.

a) Conducting a basic research on essay topic:  This step encompasses examining the essay topic/question to help comprehend the expected answers, scope, and standards.

You must adequately explore the requirements of the essay provided in the instructions. Such requirements could be explicit or implicit in the essay instructions.

You are required to respond adequately to both set of requirements.

b) Generating essay thesis:  An appropriate thesis is one of the major elements of a good essay. The thesis should clearly put forward an argument that will be advanced in the essay.  

It should appear in the introduction part, and in most cases, as the last sentence. The thesis statement must be concise and all-encompassing.

It is essential to keep on referencing the thesis in the essay body to ensure that the essay remains on course.

c) Listing down the main points:  This entails developing a rough draft based on the essay's key arguments to support the thesis.

You are supposed to note down numerous points and conduct a research to find out which of these points can be supported with adequate evidence.

Then continue to select the points with adequate evidence, focusing more on supportive data and examples.

d) Developing a rough draft:  This step entails developing your argument from the selected points. The argument should be developed around paragraphs, with each point being covered in a separate paragraph.  

These paragraphs and the whole essay should assume the correct essay structure. Such structure looks at key aspects such as topic sentences and transitions.

e) Re-writing the essay:  This step involves finalizing the essay. It encompasses developing the essay introduction and conclusion. In following good essay writing practices, you should ensure that these two parts are written last.

You should start with the introduction, highlighting all the key points to be covered in the essay. The conclusion should then follow and summarize the main points in the essay. 

f) Proofreading the essay:  This is an essential step in medical essay writing. It is meant to eliminate all errors and enhance coherence.

It is important to note that however good an essay could be, errors and mistakes significantly lower its quality.

You should therefore go through the essay at least twice to ensure that it is devoid of grammatical errors and it effectively answers the question asked.

Carey Business School blog

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Jul 17, 2024

Admissions tips: How to write a graduate admissions essay

An admissions essay is a standard part of the admissions application. To help, we’ve curated our top tips on how to write a standout graduate admissions essay.

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Everyone has a unique narrative, and we firmly believe that your qualifications go beyond what can be captured on your resume. But the question is, how will you distinguish yourself from the competition when applying to Johns Hopkins Carey Business School?

What to consider when writing a graduate school application essay The essay portion of the application is your opportunity to broaden our admissions team’s understanding of your abilities beyond what they can see on your transcript and resume. Writing an essay is your chance to share your unique strengths, personal history, journey of growth, and any additional qualities that show you are a strong candidate.

Preparing to write your essay Prior to starting your essay, read all prompts carefully. Take a moment to reflect on your reasons for pursuing a graduate business degree. It may be beneficial to have a pen and notepad at your disposal for this reflective exercise. Think about your personal journey and pinpoint pivotal moments in your growth and learning, then take note of how those moments have shaped you and your experiences, and how they could help guide you through your business school journey. Be sure to also use the correct formatting and avoid adding lists and bullet points to your essays.

Outline your thoughts Once you have a solid understanding of how to convey your personal journey within the context of the essay prompts, the next step is to construct an outline. As you shape the direction and flow of your essay, always keep your audience in mind. Our admissions team reviews thousands of application essays, so it’s crucial to find a creative hook that will make your story stand out.

Don’t overthink As you begin to write your first draft, allow your ideas to flow freely. Don’t fixate on grammar or finding the perfect words at this stage–simply capture your thoughts on paper. You can refine your essay in the second draft.

Step away After finishing your first draft, set it aside for a day or two before returning to edit it. Revisiting your work with a fresh outlook allows for a new perspective. During this second review, tackle the details of grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary. You might find it helpful to read your essay in reverse order to catch any typos.

Ask for feedback Once you feel your essay is in good shape, it’s highly recommended that you share your draft with an advisor, professor, trusted colleague, friend, or even your recommender. Gaining insights from a trustworthy source can enhance the quality of your essay and assist in identifying any typos or minor adjustments. While editing is an important step, it should not cut out your authentic voice and tone. When identifying a proofreader, make sure to find someone who knows your authentic voice and tone and can edit your paper while still preserving your natural voice and tone.

Finalize and submit You’re almost done! Before finalizing your essay submission, do one last review. Run a spell check and read your essay out loud to yourself. This approach can help you pinpoint areas that might require clarification or fine-tuning. As you review your final draft, be sure that you thoroughly addressed the question on the application.

Keep in mind that the essay portion of the application is your chance to set yourself apart Admissions team members want to hear your authentic voice, with a style that sounds natural and genuine. By sharing your authentic self, and your transformative experiences, passions, goals, and voice, you can leave a lasting impression.

Best of luck with the rest of your application journey!

Upcoming Carey application deadlines

The Fall 2025 Full-time MBA application is now open. Applications for all other Fall 2025 programs will open this fall. Please visit our upcoming deadlines webpage to view all application, decision, and deposit deadlines.

Full-time MBA Fall 2025: Early action application deadline

September 11, 2024

Part-time programs Spring 2025: Round 1 application deadline

October 9, 2024

Full-time MBA Fall 2025: Round 1 application deadline

October 23, 2024

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'Imagination'

The topic for this year’s Philosophy Essay Prize competition is ‘Imagination’.

Each year the Royal Institute of Philosophy holds the Philosophy Essay Prize competition. The winner will receive £2,500 and their essay will be published in Philosophy .

Previous winners include ‘The Emptiness of Naturalism’ by Thomas Raleigh and ‘Scorekeeping in a Therapeutic Language Game’ by Stefan Rinner (2023 joint prize winners), ‘Fitting Diminishment of Anger: A Permissivist Account’ by Renee Rushing and ‘Empathy and Psychopaths’ Inability to Grieve’ by Michael Cholbi (2022 joint prize winners), Jonas Faria Costa’s ‘On Gregariousness’ (2021 prize winner), Lucy McDonald’s ‘Please Like This Paper’ and Nikhil Venkatesh’s ‘Surveillance Capitalism: A Marx-inspired Account’ (2020 prize winners), Georgi Gardiner’s ‘Profiling and Proof: Are Statistics Safe?’ (2019 prize winner), and Rebecca Buxton’s ‘Reparative Justice for Climate Refugees’ (2018 prize winner).

The topic for this year’s prize is ‘ Imagination ’. We intend this topic to be understood broadly, so as to include related issues in any area of philosophy and from any philosophical tradition.

The winner will receive £2,500 and their essay will be published in  Philosophy . The submission deadline is 30 November 2024  23:59 GMT. Entries will be considered by a panel of judges and the winner announced in spring 2025. All entries will be deemed submissions to  Philosophy .

In assessing entries priority will be given to originality, clarity of expression, breadth of interest, and potential for advancing discussion.

In exceptional circumstances the prize may be awarded jointly, in which case the financial component will be divided. The winning entry/entries will be published in the October 2025 issue of  Philosophy . Please submit entries by email to  [email protected] , with the subject line ‘Prize Essay’. The word limit for the Essay Competition is 8,000 words.

Instructions for contributors can be found here: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/philosophy/annual-essay-prize .

Entries should be anonymised and suitable for blind review. (Please note that Essay Prize submissions should be sent to the email address above and should not be submitted through the ScholarOne portal).

Nursing aide turned sniper: Thomas Crooks' mysterious plot to kill Trump

BUTLER, Pa. – Donald Trump and would-be assassin Thomas Crooks started on their violent collision course long before the former president's political rally ended in gunshots and death.

Crooks, 20, was a one-time registered Republican, a nursing home worker with no criminal record, shy in school, and living in a decent middle-class neighborhood in suburban Pennsylvania with his parents. Trump, 78, was eyeing Crooks' state as a key battleground – but not in the way that anyone envisioned on Saturday.

Riding high on polls showing that he's got a strong chance of toppling President Joe Biden, the former president had been campaigning for reelection in swing states, and Pennsylvania is a key prize. Trump won the state in 2016 but lost it four years later.

And on July 3, Trump's campaign announced he would hold a rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds, about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh.

"Pennsylvania has been ravaged by monumental surges in violent crime as a direct result of Biden’s and Democrats’ pro-criminal policies," Trump's campaign said in announcing the event, noting that when he's elected, he'll "re-establish law and order in Pennsylvania!"

The Saturday attack on Trump turned the heated rhetoric of the 2024 presidential campaign freshly violent. Authorities said bullets fired from Crooks' AR-15 style rifle about 150 yards away grazed Trump's ear, killed a rally attendee as he dove to protect his family, and critically wounded two others. Secret Service agents killed Crooks moments later.

Attack planned well in advance

Investigators are still seeking Crooks' motive – despite his Republican leanings, he had donated recently to a progressive voter-turnout campaign in 2021 – but indicated he'd planned the attack well in advance.

The shooting marks the first assassination attempt against a former or current U.S. president since President Ronald Reagan was injured in a March 1981 shooting at a Washington, D.C., hotel. 

There are many questions about why Crooks turned into a would-be presidential assassin, firing indiscriminately into hordes of political supporters.

FBI special agent Kevin Rojek said on a call with media that law enforcement located "a suspicious device" when they searched Crooks' vehicle and that it's being analyzed at the FBI crime lab.

"As far as the actions of the shooter immediately prior to the event and any interaction that he may have had with law enforcement, we're still trying to flesh out those details now," Rojek said.

None of Crooks' shocked neighbors or high school classmates described him as violent or that he in any way signaled he was intent on harming Trump. Sunday morning, reporters and curious locals swarmed the leafy streets of the home where Crooks lived with his parents in Bethel Park, about 50 miles from the shooting scene.

Those who knew him described a quiet young man who often walked to work at a nearby nursing home. One classmate said he was bullied and often ate alone in high school.

Sunday morning, neighbor Cathy Caplan, 45, extended her morning walk about a quarter mile to glimpse what was happening outside Crooks’ home.“It came on the morning news and I was like ‘I know that street,’” said Caplan, who works for the local school district. "It feels like something out of a movie.”

Dietary aide turned deadly killer

Authorities say they are examining Crooks' phone, social media and online activity for motivation. They said he carried no identification and his body had to be identified via DNA and biometric confirmation.

Although no possible motive has yet been released, Crooks nevertheless embodies the achingly familiar profile of an American mass shooter: a young white man, isolated from peers and armed with a high-powered rifle. His attack was one of at least 59 shootings in the United States on Saturday, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

According to records and online posts of the ceremony, Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School, about 42 miles from Butler County, on June 3, 2022. That same day, Trump met briefly with investigators at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida as they examined whether he improperly took classified documents with him when he left the White House.

A classmate remembered Crooks as a frequent target of bullies. Kids picked on him for wearing camouflage to class and his quiet demeanor, Jason Kohler, 21, said. Crooks usually ate lunch alone, Kohler said.

Crooks worked as a dietary aide at the Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, less than a mile from his home. In a statement provided to USA TODAY on Sunday, Marcie Grimm, the facility's administrator, said she was "shocked and saddened to learn of his involvement."

Neighbor Dean Sierka, 52, has known Crooks and his parents for years. The families live a few doors apart on a winding suburban street, and Sierka’s daughter, who attended elementary, middle and high school with Crooks, remembers him as quiet and shy. Sierka said they saw Crooks at least once a week, often when he was walking to the nursing home from his parents' three-bedroom brick house.

"You wouldn’t have expected this," Sierka said. "The parents and the family are all really nice people."

"It's crazy," he added.

Secret Service role: Did they do enough?

Founded in 1865, the Secret Service is supposed to stop this kind of attack, and dozens of agents were present Saturday. As the former president and presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Trump's public appearances are managed by the Secret Service, which works with local law enforcement to develop security plans and crowd-management protocols.

In the days before the event, the agency's experts would have scouted the location, identified security vulnerabilities, and designed a perimeter to keep Trump and rally attendees safe. Congress and the Secret Service are now investigating how Crooks was able to get so close to the former president, and several witnesses reported seeing him in the area with the gun before Trump took the stage.

As the event doors opened at 1 p.m., the temperature was already pushing close to 90, and ticketed attendees oozed through metal detectors run by members of the Secret Service's uniformed division. Similar to airport security screenings, rallygoers emptied their pockets to prove they weren't carrying guns or other weapons.

Media reports indicate the Secret Service had in place, as usual, a counter-sniper team scanning the surrounding area for threats.

In an exclusive interview, former Secret Service Director Julia Pierson told USA TODAY that maintaining such a sniper security perimeter is part of the agency's responsibility for safeguarding protectees like Trump from harm. She said agents typically consider 1,000 yards to be the minimum safe distance for sniper attacks.

The Secret Service has confirmed that it is investigating how Crooks got so close to Trump, who took the stage shortly after 6 p.m. Officials say Crooks' rifle was legally obtained but have not yet released specifics.

Outside the venue at that time, Greg Smith says he tried desperately to get the attention of police. He told the BBC that he and his friends saw a man crawling along a roof overlooking the rally. Other witnesses said they also saw a man atop the American Glass Research building outside the official event security perimeter, well within the range of a 5.56 rifle bullet.

"We noticed the guy bear-crawling up the roof of the building beside us, 50 feet away from us," Smith told the BBC. "He had a rifle, we could clearly see him with a rifle."

Smith told the BBC that the Secret Service eventually saw him and his friends pointing at the man on the roof.

"I'm thinking to myself, why is Trump still speaking, why have they not pulled him off the stage?" Smith said. "Next thing you know, five shots rang out."

From his nearby deck, Trump supporter Pat English watched as the former president took the stage to Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the U.S.A.," and attendees raised their cell phones to record.

English had taken his grandson to see the rally earlier but left when it got too hot. From his deck, they listened as Trump began speaking at 6:05 p.m., backed by a crown of red-hatted MAGA supporters waving "fire Joe Biden" signs.

And then gunfire began.

Boom, boom, boom

"I heard a 'boom, boom, boom' and then screams,” English said Sunday. "I could see people running and the police run in."

Trump was saying the word "happened" as the first pop rang out. He reached up to grab his ear as two more shots echoed, and the crowd behind him – and Trump himself – ducked. Plainclothes Secret Service agents piled atop the president as a fusillade of shots rang out, apparently the Secret Service killing Crooks.

The crowd screamed, and the venue's sound system picked up the agents atop Trump planning to move the former president to safety. One yelled, "shooter's down. Let's move, let's move."

The agents then helped Trump back to his feet as they shielded him on all sides.

The sound system then picked up Trump's voice: "Wait, wait," he said, before turning to the audience and triumphantly raising his fist to yell "fight, fight" as the crowd cheered, blood streaming down his face.

By 6:14 p.m. Trump's motorcade was racing from the scene, and in a later statement, Trump's campaign said he was checked out at a local medical facility.

"I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," Trump said in a statement. "I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening."

Firefighter 'hero' gunned down

Outside of the Butler Township Administration Office Sunday afternoon, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro identified the rally attendee killed by Crooks as Corey Comperatore, a firefighter, father of two and longtime Trump supporter.

“Corey died a hero,” Shapiro said. “Corey dove on his family to protect them last night at this rally. Corey was the very best of us. May his memory be a blessing.”

Two other Pennsylvanians are still undergoing treatment for their injuries, Shapiro said.

Pennsylvania State Police identified two wounded attendees David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township. Both are hospitalized and listed in stable condition. Shapiro said he spoke with the family of one victim and received a message from the other.

Biden spoke briefly with Trump on Saturday night, and the president condemned the assassination attempt as “sick.” He said there’s no place for political violence in the U.S. and called on Americans to unite together to condemn it.

But earlier in the week, Biden told campaign donors in a private phone call it was time to stop talking about his own disastrous presidential debate performance and start targeting Trump instead.

"I have one job and that's to beat Donald Trump," Biden said. "We're done talking about the (June 27) debate. It's time to put Trump in the bullseye."

Republicans across the country have used similar language to attack their opponents over the years, and political scientists say violent rhetoric used worldwide almost invariably leads to physical violence.

On Sunday, someone parked a truck-mounted electronic billboard at the gates to the Butler Farm Show grounds reading "Democrats attempted assassination," along with a picture of Trump clutching an American flag, his face overlaid with a bullseye crosshairs.

Authorities say they have not yet determined a motive for Crooks' attack. But in a statement, Trump declared the shooting an act of evil and thanked God for preventing the unthinkable.

"We will fear not, but instead remain resilient in our faith and defiant in the face of wickedness," Trump said.

And he said he'd be back on the campaign trail for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, which starts Monday.

"Based on yesterday’s terrible events, I was going to delay my trip to Wisconsin, and the Republican National Convention, by two days," Trump said on his Truth Social account Sunday, "but have just decided that I cannot allow a 'shooter,' or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else."

Contributing: David Jackson, Aysha Bagchi, Christopher Cann, Bryce Buyakie, Emily Le Coz, Josh Meyer, USA TODAY Network

How the assassination attempt unfolded : Graphics, maps, audio analysis show what happened

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Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT announces 2024-25 fellows

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The Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT (KSJ) will welcome 12 fellows in August. In addition to 10 Academic-Year Fellows, KSJ welcomes the inaugural Fellow for Advancing Science Journalism in Africa and the Middle East, and co-hosts a Sharon Begley Fellow with Boston-based publication STAT .

The Knight Science Journalism Program, established at MIT in 1983, is the world’s leading science journalism fellowship program. Fellows come to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to explore science, technology, and the craft of journalism in depth.

The class of 2025 represents the expansive media environment of today’s journalism. Together, the group has award-winning experience in a wide array of journalistic media, reaching the public through podcasts, documentaries, photographs, books, YouTube, TV, and radio.

“It is a privilege to welcome journalists to our programs who are so deeply aware of the importance of quality science coverage, who are eager to improve their craft, and who will continue to contribute positively to the public understanding of science once they leave here,” says Deborah Blum, KSJ director.

The fellows will spend their time in Cambridge studying at MIT and other leading research universities in the Boston area. They’ll also attend seminars by leading scientists and storytellers, take part in hands-on classes and workshops, and visit world-renowned research laboratories. Each journalist will also pursue an independent research project, focused on a topic of their choice, that advances science journalism in the public interest.

“Many of the biggest headlines of our era derive from science and technology — and the way we apply it to the world around us,” says Blum. “Our fellowship program recognizes the dedication and understanding required for stories that do justice to these issues. We bring fellows to MIT to provide them with an opportunity to enrich and deepen that understanding.”

Fabiana Cambricoli is an award-winning Brazilian journalist based in São Paulo, working as a senior health correspondent for Estadão newspaper, with a focus on in-depth and investigative stories. Before that, she contributed to major media outlets like Grupo Folha and was a fellow at ProPublica. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in public health from the University of São Paulo, receiving over 10 awards and grants for her work. Cambricoli’s reporting uncovered government negligence during epidemics, highlighted health disparities, and investigated funding behind scientific disinformation. She also co-founded Fiquem Sabendo, a nonprofit promoting transparency and supporting journalists in accessing public information.

Emily Foxhall is the climate reporter at The Texas Tribune , where she focuses on the clean energy transition and threats from climate change. She joined the Tribune in 2022 after two years at The Los Angeles Time s and its community papers and seven years at The Houston Chronicle , where she covered the suburbs, Texas features, and the environment. She has won multiple Texas Managing Editors awards, including for community service journalism, and was part of the team named a 2018 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for coverage of Hurricane Harvey. She is a Yale University graduate.

Ahmad Gamal Saad-Eddin is a science journalist based in Egypt. He graduated from the faculty of medicine at Zagazig University in Egypt, and worked as a psychiatrist before leaving medicine and beginning a career in science journalism, first as a head of the science section in Manshoor.com, then as an editor at Nature Arabic Edition . He is currently working as a script writer and the fact-checker of “El-Daheeh,” the leading science YouTube show in the Arab region. His writings have also appeared in several outlets including Scientific American Arabic Edition and Almanassa News . His main writing interest is the interaction between science, its history, and the human experience.

Bryce Hoye is a journalist with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He covers a range of topics, from courts and crime to climate, conservation, and more. His stories appear on TV, radio, and online, and he has guest-hosted CBC Manitoba’s “Weekend Morning Show” and “Radio Noon.” He has produced national documentaries for CBC Radio, including for the weekly science program “Quirks & Quarks.” He has won several Radio Television Digital News Association national and regional awards. He previously worked in wildlife biology monitoring birds for several field seasons with Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Jori Lewis writes narrative nonfiction that explores how people interact with their environments. Her reports and essays have been published in The Atlantic Magazine , Orion Magazine , and Emergence Magazine , among others, and she is a senior editor of Adi Magazine , a literary magazine of global politics. In 2022, she published her first book, “Slaves for Peanuts: A Story of Conquest, Liberation, and a Crop That Changed History,” which was supported by the prestigious Whiting Creative Nonfiction Grant and a Silvers Grant for Work in Progress. It also won a James Beard Media Award and the Harriet Tubman Prize.

Yarden Michaeli is a journalist serving as the science and climate editor of Haaretz , Israel’s sole paper of record. During his 10 years as a writer, reporter, and editor at Haaretz , he became best known for editing the newspaper’s science vertical during the Covid-19 pandemic and founding its climate desk. Among other things, Yarden served as Haaretz ’s first reporter on the ground during the war in Ukraine, covered the war in Gaza, and was dispatched to report on the forefront of the climate crisis during storm Daniel in Greece. Yarden was born in Israel and he is based in Tel Aviv. He has a bachelor’s degree in American studies and economy from the Humboldt University in Berlin and he is a member of the Oxford Climate Journalism Network.

Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi is a two-time winner of the CNN Africa photojournalist award. He is currently with the Associated Press in Zimbabwe. Previously, he was the chief photographer at the Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe. With an eye for detail and a passion for multi-format storytelling, he has managed to capture the essence of humanity in his photographs across Africa, Europe, and Asia. He instilled his dedication to his craft and hard work in other photojournalists in his past teaching role with the Norwegian Friedskorp, World Press Foundation in the Netherlands, the Pathshala Institute in South-East Asia, and in his pioneering gender and images work with SAMSO across the southern and East African region.

Aaron Scott  is an award-winning multimedia journalist and the creator of the podcast Timber Wars, which was the first audio work to win the MIT Knight Science Journalism Program’s Victor K. McElheny Award, along with the National Headliner Award for Best Narrative Podcast and others. Most recently, he was a host of NPR’s science podcast “Short Wave.” Before that, he spent several years exploring the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest as a reporter/producer for Oregon Public Broadcasting’s television show “Oregon Field Guide.” His stories have appeared on NPR, Radiolab, This American Life , Outside Podcast, Reveal, and elsewhere.

Evan Urquhart is a freelance journalist whose work has focused on science and medical questions relating to the transgender community. Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, his stories have appeared on Slate , Politico , the Atlantic , Vanity Fair , and many other outlets nationwide. In 2022, Evan founded Assigned Media, a news site devoted to fact-checking misinformation relating to trans issues. He has appeared as an expert on propaganda and misinformation relating to trans issues on radio shows and podcasts including NPR’s “St. Louis on the Air,” Slate ’s “Outward,” The American Prospect ’s “Left Anchor,” “What the Trans?,” and “It Could Happen Here.”

Jane Zhang is a technology reporter and the China representative of Bloomberg’s global AI squad based in Hong Kong. Over the years she has covered the Chinese internet and Beijing’s tensions with the United States over tech supremacy before jumping feet-first into reporting China’s historical crackdown on its largest corporations, including Alibaba. She has won awards for extensive on-the-ground reporting and exclusive interviews with industry heavyweights like Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei. Her current focus is on covering the incipient AI technology and the regulations around it. Zhang holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Hong Kong.

Sharon Muzaki joins KSJ as the 2024 recipient of the  Fellowship for Advancing Science Journalism in Africa and the Middle East . She has been with UGStandard Media since 2019, reporting on the environment and climate change in Uganda. Muzaki graduated from Makerere University in 2019 with a degree in journalism and communication. While working for UGStandard Media, she has attended numerous trainings at the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications, honing skills in storytelling, data journalism, and mobile storytelling. Muzaki will be the first recipient of the Africa and Middle East Fellowship. The fall semester fellowship, created in honor of the pioneering Egyptian science journalist Mohammed Yahia, is funded by Springer Nature. It is designed to enrich the training of a journalist working in Africa or the Middle East so they can contribute to a culture of high-quality science and health journalism in those regions.

Anil Oza is co-hosted by KSJ and Boston-based publication STAT as the 2024-25  Sharon Begley Science Reporting Fellow . Oza earned a bachelor’s degree in science from Cornell University, where he reported for the campus newspaper, The Cornell Daily Sun . Oza has interned at Nature , Science News , and NPR’s “Short Wave.” Oza also interned at STAT during summer 2023, helping produce the health-equity-focused podcast, “Color Code.” Oza will be the fifth recipient of the Sharon Begley Fellowship. This fellowship pays tribute to Sharon Begley’s outstanding career while paving the way for the next generation of science journalists and fostering better coverage of science that is relevant to all people.

More than 400 leading science journalists from six continents have graduated from the Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT. KSJ also publishes an award-winning science magazine,  Undark , and offers programming to journalists on topics ranging from science editing to fact-checking.

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