Hometown: Darien, Connecticut, USA

Undergraduate School: Private, Bates College

Major: Neuroscience (Major), Mandarin (Minor)

GPA: 3.89 out of 4.0

MCAT: 31. PS: 11, V: 9, BS: 11.

Free sample medical school essay

I yearn for a profession that weaves human connection, challenge and innovation into my everyday life. Each morning, like millions of others, I stand in front of the sink, toothbrush in hand, and reflect on the image of my half-conscious self in the mirror. I am blessed with an able body, a sound mind, a voice and a supportive family. I am incredibly grateful, and through medicine I will work arduously to enlighten others with the optimism to thrive and the gift of a healthy life. I have never felt more eager to commit myself to this process.

Life thus far has guided me on a dynamic journey. As a son, I have lived the jarring roller coaster that accompanies a parent’s diagnosis with cancer. As a camp founder, I have seen the eyes of a child who cannot wait to show you his latest creation. As an EMT, I have listened to others in the heat of car accidents, miscarriages, three a.m. falls and screaming children. Through it all, I have maintained a positive outlook and learned the true power of honesty, patience and mutual respect.

I remember standing in the kitchen before just another day of high school when my dad told me there was a tumor the size of a tennis ball pushing up against his brain. I was fifteen years old. At the time, the word tumor did not register as synonymous with cancer, and yet it soon became apparent that things were going to change. My family, mom and dad, two brothers, a little sister and a dog, moved that summer. I started in a new school, began studying to become an EMT, and over the next two years, saw hundreds of patients. Young, old, rich, homeless, scared, angry, dejected, some were fighting for their lives, and some were in sheer agony. Yet with each call, I met a new face. I grew fonder of opportunities to hear patients’ stories, talk with their families, and connect through the most basic forms of human communication.

Meanwhile, my dad grew sicker and sicker. Amidst splitting headaches, he forgot our birthdays and names, before losing his ability to form sentences. I spent the last two weeks of his life shadowing surgeons at Stamford Hospital, and walked to hospice every evening to sit and reflect. My externship ended on a Friday, and I vividly recall the labored breaths I noticed while with him that afternoon. He passed away a few hours later, on my parents’ anniversary, my mom and I by his side. I remember a strange feeling of relief amidst the uncontrollable sadness; I knew he was no longer suffering.

After my dad’s death, I embarked on a quest to find a new sense of rhythm. Inspired by his disease, I fell in love with the puzzles of neuroscience. I was elected as captain of the sailing team, conducted interviews for the admissions office, and built relationships with friends that will last a lifetime. I lived in Beijing, China, where I absorbed a new and vastly different language and culture, and I combined functional MRI with the ancient practice of acupuncture to closely analyze the brain. I explored healthcare investments through pharmaceutical trials and in my current job, I work every day to find new ways to improve critical care.

In my time at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, I have come to appreciate how medical professionals tirelessly collaborate to better understand organ systems, disease, pharmacology, healthcare access, and the impact of quality patient care. In addition to discussions about facial reconstruction and “death with dignity,” I experience the daily routine of clinical research and understand the vital role it plays in advancing medical standards. These encounters undoubtedly incite my already insatiable curiosity to push the boundaries of healthcare and medicine. I am left in awe at the breadth of undiscovered knowledge.

My fervent belief in the power of personal connection separates me as a candidate. Coupled with my intense dedication to others, and my strong desire to think outside the box, I strive to be an exceptional doctor: a caring teacher, mentor, leader and innovator. I strive to maintain a calm presence and never settle for mediocrity. I strive to use every mistake as a learning opportunity. And I strive to connect. I am honest, hard-working and committed. I communicate effectively, I am open-minded to criticism, and I am calculated in my decision-making. I am empathetic, passionate and resilient.

I acknowledge that, like everyone else, I am simply human. I know that medicine is not an easy road, and I expect for it to knock me down. But in seventy years when I catch my reflection in the mirror, toothbrush in hand, I want to see someone who lived with determination and empowered others to overcome adversity. It is at this time that I will be humbled, knowing that I dedicated my life to helping others become physically, emotionally and spiritually complete. 

Analysis

One strength of this essay is Logan’s ability to weave together many of his life experiences in a cohesive and candid way. Through vivid descriptions of the most impactful moments of his life, he writes an evocative narrative that allows readers to empathize and to connect with him on an emotional level.

The body of the essay seamlessly alternates between Logan’s struggle with his father’s sickness and his experiences in medicine both as an EMT and as a hospital intern. As he takes readers through each progression of his father’s disease, he gives them insight into how he found solace in medicine during this difficult time of his life. It becomes clear that his father’s battle with cancer has instilled a passion for medicine in him and will continue to drive and motivate him.

In his last paragraphs, Logan concludes with a strong declaration of his character and values. He is forward with his strengths, clearly outlining what he believes sets him apart. His repeated use of the phrase “I strive . . .” is particularly effective; he builds rhythm and momentum into his words while emphasizing his constant pursuit for growth and improvement. Logan ends the essay as it started, with him standing in front of the bathroom mirror and reflecting on his dedication to his goals. By using the same imagery, he reminds readers that he wants to dedicate his life to this endeavor and leaves them with the impression that he is a reflective and determined individual.

From 50 Successful Harvard Medical School Essays edited by the Staff of the Harvard Crimson. Copyright (c) 2020 by the authors and reprinted by permission of St. Martin's Publishing Group