Pritzker Mission Statement
At the University of Chicago, in an atmosphere of interdisciplinary scholarship and discovery, the Pritzker School of Medicine is dedicated to inspiring diverse students of exceptional promise to become leaders and innovators in science and medicine for the betterment of humanity.
Highlights
Application flow: Verified AMCAS primary → Pritzker secondary sent to all applicants who submit AMCAS (no pre-screen).
Decision & Acceptance Protocols: After acceptance, students must follow AAMC Application & Acceptance Protocols. By April 15, limit to a max of three offers; by April 30, select one and commit.
Values & Fit Emphasis: Strong equity, service, community partnerships; free clinics; engaging with diverse patient populations in Chicago.
Pritzker Secondary Application Questions
Pritzker's Mission Statement above is an expression of their core purpose and educational philosophy. In particular, it highlights the value they place on diversity since we regard the diversity of the entering class as essential for educational excellence.
Diverse Clinical Environment Readiness
Prompt style: “Please share with us the personal and professional experiences that have best prepared you to work in this diverse clinical environment.”
Advice:
- Highlight experiences (volunteer, clinical, research, service) in diverse or underserved settings.
- Reflect on what those experiences taught you about equity, culture, collaboration, and patient needs.
- Connect that to your desire to contribute meaningfully in Chicago or similar environments.
Research Interests & Goals
Prompt style: “Describe your research interests and share how our research opportunities will help you advance your career goals.”
Advice:
- Be specific: name faculty, labs, or programs that align with your interests.
- Show evidence of prior work/curiosity, even if not formally published - what questions you care about.
- Explain how Pritzker's resources or structure will enable your growth (protected time, mentorship, etc.).
Challenging Situation / Adversity
Prompt style: “Share a difficult or challenging situation you have encountered and how you dealt with it. In your response, identify both the coping skills you called upon to resolve the dilemma, and the support person(s) from whom you sought advice.”
Advice:
- Choose a situation that reveals character, not just difficulty - growth, agency, resilience.
- Walk through your decision-making, who helped you, and how values shaped the actions you took.
- Don’t avoid reflection - what did you learn, how has it changed your approach or worldview?
Optional / Additional Information
Prompt style: Optional space for anything you wish the Committee to know (e.g., gap years, non-traditional paths, COVID-related plans, etc.).
Advice:
- Use this space to fill in meaningful context - not as filler. If something important isn’t elsewhere, this is your chance.
- Keep it focused and concise; don’t introduce new major topics unless necessary.
Preparing for Pritzker Interviews
Once your secondary application is reviewed positively, selected applicants are invited to interview. The interview is a critical opportunity to show who you are beyond numbers. Below are what to expect and how to prepare.
- Format: Usually three one-on-one interviews: with a Pritzker MD faculty member, a current medical student, and an administrative/staff member. Typically virtual via Zoom, though format may vary. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Focus areas: Your motivations for medicine, your fit for Pritzker’s mission (service, equity, clinical environment), your resilience, teamwork, and the ability to learn from challenge. Be ready to discuss your essays, clinical/research background, and how you will contribute to the community.
- What differentiates strong candidates: Clear reflection, consistency across essays/interviews/recommendations; evidence of caring for underserved populations; specificity in goals and understanding of school environment.
- Practice advice: Be ready to walk through your resume/highlighted experiences with concrete details; prepare questions for interviewers; stay genuine and composed.
Pritzker School of Medicine Application Timeline
- AMCAS primary application deadline: November 15
- Supplemental (secondary) application deadline: December 1
- Letters of recommendation deadline: December 1
- Interview season: August – February
- Rolling acceptance begins: October 15
- Response deadline for admitted students (“Plan” or “Commit” in AMCAS tool): April 30
Additional Application Information:
https://pritzker.uchicago.edu/admissions/admissions-process
For more information about the Pritzker process, reach out to us via any of the contact options below.