Essay Prompts
- Personal Statement and Commitment to Singapore
- Personal statement: Give us an opportunity to feature anything about yourself in greater depth that may help the Admissions Committee in its deliberations.
- Commitment to Singapore: If you have not lived in Singapore, or have been away for more than four years, it is important that you elaborate on what you think may be appealing and concerning factors about living in Singapore and studying at Duke-NUS.
- Dilemma/Adversity
- Ethical or moral concern: Describe an instance when you did – or in retrospect think you should have done – something differently or intervened because of an ethical or moral concern.
- Significant adversity: Alternatively, describe a significant adversity you have encountered, how you have dealt with it, and what you have learned from the experience.
Word Limit and Length: Each essay should be approximately 500 words and must not exceed one page.
Understanding the Prompt
Before you begin writing, it's crucial to understand the underlying questions the admissions committee is asking. They want to assess your:
- Personal qualities: Who are you beyond your grades? What motivates you?
- Fit with Singapore and Duke-NUS: How do you see yourself contributing to the Singaporean healthcare landscape?
- Ethical considerations: How do you approach moral dilemmas?
- Resilience: How do you handle adversity?
Personal Statement and Commitment to Singapore
- Highlight your unique qualities: What sets you apart from other applicants? Share a personal story or anecdote that reveals your character.
- Connect your experiences to medicine: Explain how your past experiences have shaped your desire to pursue medicine.
- Demonstrate understanding of Singapore: If you're not a local, research Singapore's healthcare system, cultural nuances, and challenges.
- Discuss support systems: Consider how you'll navigate a new environment, such as seeking out mentors or joining student organizations.
Dilemma/Adversity Essay
Medical schools are seeking more than just academic excellence; they want resilient individuals who can navigate the demanding challenges of the medical field. The adversity essay, often referred to as the "challenge essay," is your opportunity to showcase your ability to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger.
What Admissions Committees Want to See
Your adversity essay should be reflective and demonstrate your growth from challenges. It's about showcasing your emotional maturity, problem-solving skills, and perseverance. Here are the specific qualities admissions committees seek:
- Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks.
- Perseverance: The determination to keep pushing forward, even in difficult times.
- Self-awareness: A deep understanding of your experiences and how they've shaped you.
- Empathy and Compassion: The ability to connect with and support others.
- Growth Mindset: A willingness to learn from challenges and improve.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Bragging: Don't try to impress the admissions committee with a perfect life story.
- Listing Challenges: Avoid a laundry list of every bad thing that's happened to you.
- Blame Game: Don't shift blame or vent about your misfortunes.
- Self-Pity: Avoid wallowing in self-pity or airing grievances.
- Unfinished Business: Don't discuss situations you're still struggling to understand.
- Emotional Dumping: Avoid unloading excessive emotional baggage.
What if I Haven't Faced Significant Adversity?
Adversity can come in many forms, from major life events to everyday challenges. Here's how to identify and reflect on your experiences:
- Broaden Your Definition: Adversity can be any situation that tested your resilience, character, or beliefs.
- Consider Personal Growth: Think about moments of self-discovery or overcoming fears.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Adversity can manifest in academics, family, health, or cultural experiences.
- Seek Feedback: Ask friends or mentors for their perspective on your challenges.
Crafting Your Adversity Essay
- Identify a Significant Challenge: Choose an experience that has significantly impacted you.
- Reflect on the Experience: Consider your thoughts, feelings, and actions during the challenge.
- Highlight Growth and Learning: Explain how you've grown as a person and what you've learned.
- Connect to Medical School: Discuss how your experiences have prepared you for the challenges of medical school.
- Proofread and Revise: Ensure your essay is well-written, concise, and free of errors.
Remember that the goal of these essays is to give the admissions committee a glimpse into who you are as a person and why you're a good fit for their program. By following these guidelines and writing thoughtfully, you can create compelling essays that showcase your strengths and passion for medicine.
Check out our other Duke-NUS Med School resource:
https://www.icon-plus.com/articles/how-to-get-into-duke-nus-medical-school/
Want to start working on your application but unsure where to start? Schedule a no-obligation discussion with us, create a game plan for your portfolio, MCAT, application timeline, and more.
