50 Successful Harvard Medical School Essays
By the Staff of the Harvard Crimson
St. Martin’s Press | St. Martin’s Griffin
Description
Fifty all-new essays that got their authors into Harvard Medical School, including MCAT scores, showing what worked, what didn’t, and how you can do it too.
Competition to get into the nation’s top medical schools has never been more intense. Harvard Medical School in particular draws thousands of elite applicants from around the world. As admissions departments become increasingly selective, even the best and brightest need an edge.
Writing a personal statement is a daunting part of the application process. In less than 5,300 characters, applicants must weave together experiences and passions into a memorable narrative to set them apart from thousands of other applicants. While there is no magic formula for writing the perfect essay, picking up this book will put them on the right track.
50 Successful Harvard Medical School Essays is the first in a new line of books published by the Staff of the Harvard Crimson. It includes fifty standout essays from students who successfully secured a spot at Harvard Medical School. Each student has a unique set of experiences that led them to medicine. Each essay includes analysis by Crimson editors on essay qualities and techniques that worked, so readers can apply them to their own writing.
This book will aid applicants in composing essays that reveal their passion for medicine and the discipline they will bring to this demanding program and profession. It will give them the extra help they need to get into the best medical school programs in the world.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781250244475 |
| PRICE | $19.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 240 |
Our Thoughts
Applying to medical school, particularly an elite institution like Harvard, requires more than just high MCAT scores and a solid academic record. 50 Successful Harvard Medical School Essays gives aspiring medical students a unique window into how to craft an impactful personal statement, an essential element in the selection process that allows applicants to highlight not only their academic and extracurricular accomplishments but also their character and motivation for a career in medicine.
This collection of 50 essays by successful Harvard Medical School applicants reveals a diverse range of voices and life experiences, demonstrating that there isn’t one “right way” to write a personal statement. Each essay is accompanied by insightful commentary from editors at The Harvard Crimson, who break down the techniques, themes, and approaches that made each statement stand out. This guidance offers readers a clear understanding of the qualities medical school admissions committees look for, such as empathy, resilience, commitment, and genuine passion for medicine.
One of the strengths of this book lies in its accessibility to readers at different stages of the application process. While many of these essays may provide a structural template or inspiration, they also serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining one’s authentic voice. Although it’s tempting to model one’s essay too closely after these samples, authenticity remains key. Writing one’s story from the heart, instead of simply following a formula, is essential for crafting a compelling and memorable personal narrative.
Beyond the essays themselves, the inclusion of applicants’ MCAT scores, undergraduate institutions, and post-essay feedback add another valuable layer, offering insights into how various profiles fit within the larger scope of the admissions process. Educators and mentors, as well as aspiring medical students, may find this book an invaluable tool for both inspiration and strategy.