If you’ve done some research and looked into “best medical schools near me”, there’s no doubt ECU Brody School of Medicine has appeared on your results page.
In 1974, leaders at East Carolina University put together a vision for what they would want their school of medicine to look like, and how it would meet important needs. There were three missions that formed, and they would guide the way for ECU Brody School of Medicine to accomplish the following:
- To increase the supply of primary care physicians to serve the state
- To improve the health status of citizens in eastern North Carolina
- To enhance the access of minority and disadvantaged students to a medical education
In August of 1977, the ECU Brody School of Medicine welcomed its first class of 4-year MD students. There were 28 of them, and they would be the forerunners for a great number of students who would come to ECU with the dreams of becoming skilled physicians. The following year, ECU Brody School of Medicine opened residency programs for the fields of psychiatric medicine, general medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology.
ECU Brody School of Medicine is located in Greenville, North Carolina. With a charming campus, great graduation rates, positive rankings, and top-notch faculty members, Brody is a school that is popular amongst aspiring medical students.
Be an Informed Applicant
There are no easy paths to becoming a doctor, and getting into one of the top medical schools in the state is no walk in the park either. Selecting and successfully applying to the right medical school takes a lot of research, planning, and meticulous attention to detail as you follow application instructions, gather letters of recommendation, and prepare for your interview. Preparation is key.
This medical guide has been designed to help you navigate your way through the entire application process, providing you with vital information and advice. Make sure to read it carefully and reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. Follow it, and get as much help as you can to increase your chances of being offered a spot at East Carolina Medical School. Our medical school guides can be incredibly useful on this challenging journey.
If you’re also looking into other medical schools, be aware that we offer these medical school guides for many other medical programs as well. If you’re looking into applying to a medical school near home, try searching “medical schools near me,” and then check back here to see if we have a guide for that particular school.
This guide was built specifically for ECU Brody School of Medicine and should not be considered a guide for any other medical school.
Topics covered in this guide include:
- Why ECU Brody School of Medicine?
- Medical Programs at East Carolina Medical School
- Facilities, Student Organizations, and More
- Selection Factors: What East Carolina Medical School Looks for in an Applicant
- Admissions Requirements for ECU Brody School of Medicine
- East Carolina Medical School Acceptance Rate & Admissions Statistics
- East Carolina Medical School Tuition & Cost of Attendance
- AMCAS Primary Application & East Carolina Medical School Secondary Application
- ECU Brody School of Medicine Secondary Application: Essay Prompts, Sample Answers, and Advice
- ECU Brody School of Medicine Interview Process
- Medical School Admissions Consulting
- Voluntary Healthcare Internships Abroad
Personalized Help
One-to-one, personalized assistance through the medical school application program is absolutely the best way to prepare for applying to ECU Brody School of Medicine, or any school for that matter. Our medical school admissions consulting program was developed to take the burden off your shoulders and provide you with the support you need. If you feel you need or want assistance, our experts will be there to support you every step of the way, helping you with your applications, providing advice about your essay responses, and preparing you for your interview, including running you through mock interviews. Contact us here if you have any questions.
Why ECU Brody School of Medicine?
ECU Brody School of Medicine offers medical students a comprehensive education, combining academic learning with hands-on clinical experience. The focus of the program is on one-on-one attention between faculty and individual students so that every student’s needs are met. The curriculum provides a solid, balanced foundation in medical science and learning to work with patients. They hold to the belief that traditions of service, achievement, and ethical standards are of the utmost importance.
Potential students should note that East Carolina Medical School maintains small class sizes to ensure personal attention. It also creates opportunities for students to develop friendships with each other. The faculty is both knowledgeable and committed, and the facilities are praised for being efficient and lovely.
ECU Brody School of Medicine has been a leader, both within North Carolina medical schools and schools around the country, in innovation and technology. In May of 2000, one of Brody’s own cardiothoracic surgeons, Dr. Randolph Chitwood, performed the first robotic heart valve surgery on the continent.
East Carolina Medical School is also known for and has been recognized for community service, with students treating patients in underserved regions. ECU Brody School of Medicine was also one of seven schools around the globe honored by the Association for Medical Education in Europe with a 2016 Aspire to Excellence Award. This recognition was for social accountability in training primary care physicians.
ECU Brody School of Medicine (BSOM) is one of the top LCME accredited medical schools in the country.
ECU Brody School of Medicine Medicine Ranking
US News and World Report states that ECU Brody School of Medicine ranked:
- #7 in Family Medicine (tie)
- #9 in Most Diverse Medical Schools (tie)
- #13 in Most Graduates Practicing in Medically Underserved Areas
- #22 in Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care Fields (tie)
- #26 in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care (tie)
- #31 in Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas (tie)
- #95-124 in Best Medical Schools: Research
Medical Programs at East Carolina Medical School
The curriculum has been designed to adjust to the changes that are rapidly happening in the medical community. The point is to stay relevant. The programs begin with the basic, foundational science needed to work in medicine, combined with the ever-increasingly challenging clinical experience. Innovation and technology are big parts of this. This comprehensive curriculum calls for more personal attention between faculty and students, and this elevates the school against other North Carolina medical schools.
4-Year MD Program
The 4-year MD program curriculum at ECU Brody School of Medicine is broken down into three core phases: the Foundational Phase, the Clinical Phase, and the Differentiation Phase. There is also the opportunity for students to take part in Para-curricular Distinction Tracks. The curriculum was designed to provide early immersion in different clinical settings while also setting up the foundation of scientific knowledge of medicine at the same time.
Foundational Phase
This is a 20-month phase where students focus on the traditional basic science content within the courses. During this phase, students are challenged to build their clinical skills, critical thinking, and grasp on social and systemic issues within the healthcare system in the United States. The Foundational Phase includes immersion in a variety of clinical care experiences. The curriculum includes a focus on:
- Identity formation
- Wellness
- Lifelong Learning Skills
- Reflection
Clinical Phase
The Clinical Phase lasts 12 months and provides 6 Core Clerkships and a 4-week period of electives where students focus on their career exploration. Each of the Core Clerkships include a longitudinal experience in radiology.
Differentiation Phase
The final phase lasts for about 13 months and includes the Advanced Core Clerkships as well as plenty of time for electives. This is designed to give students the flexibility and opportunity to really explore their medical interests and make their own unique plan for the clinical experiences they will work through.
Para-curricular Distinction Tracks
There is an opportunity for students to explore a scholarly concentration program starting in the Foundational Phase and finishing with a capstone experience and Distinction Day in the final year. For more information about the Distinction Tracks offered, visit their website.
The following is a list of guiding principles that ECU Brody School of Medicine holds to that set them apart from other medical schools in North Carolina:
- To promote early career exploration and ensure readiness for residency.
- To better prepare graduates to work in tomorrow’s health systems by incorporating health system science training in all phases.
- To provide opportunities for students to gain additional expertise in a focused area.
- To integrate basic, clinical, and health systems science to improve health and care delivery.
- To focus on promoting, supporting, and maintaining health, not just treating disease.
- To provide a network for peer and faculty mentoring throughout the Brody community.
- To incorporate diverse learning and assessment modalities to drive retention and competency.
- To instill intellectual curiosity and develop an aptitude for critical thinking and lifelong learning.
- To promote the development of leadership skills, professionalism, ethics, humanism, and service to others.
PhD Program
East Carolina Medical School offers graduate programs in the foundational biomedical sciences that produce a PhD degree in the following areas:
- Anatomy & Cell Biology
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedicine
- Microbiology & Immunology
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
- Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Physiology
These PhD programs are comprehensive and provide students with the opportunity and challenge of doing a lot of research into medical issues that interest them the most. For a more in-depth look at each of these programs, click here.
Dual Degree Programs
MD/MBA Program
Students must be in the top three quartiles of their class academically to be allowed to apply to the MD/MBA dual degree program. The coursework for the MBA portion of the program would be completed during the second and third years of medical school, though there are occasionally exceptions made.
Students wishing to apply for the MD/MBA dual program should first make an appointment to speak with the Associate Dean of Student Affairs at ECU Brody School of Medicine to talk about whether or not they’re eligible and what the pathway would entail. Students must submit a request for approval by April 15th and, if approved, must complete an online graduate school application by May 1st.
MD/MPH Program
One of the benefits of doing the MD/MPH program is that it’s possible to complete the MPH coursework over summer breaks, during a leave of absence between the second and third years at Brody, or via distance learning. Both degrees can be completed within 5 years of full-time study.
Master of Public Health (MPH)
The MPH program at ECU Brody School of Medicine is one that won’t be found at other medical schools in North Carolina. Students who feel called to improve public health around the world can do so with the MPH degree underneath them. As the years go on, the need for more knowledgeable and skilled public health professionals on the scene is increasing quickly. East Carolina Medical School created this program to meet the need because all the quality medicine in the world won’t be as effective without improvements in public health services.
North Carolina has a great deal of health issues, and this is especially true in the underserved, rural regions of the state. Race and ethnicity play a role, as these minority populations are not receiving the care they need. MPH students will be faced with the challenges of facing these health threats head-on.
Students in the MPH program will find flexibility to follow their passions and interests with customizations in their graduate studies. There are three main concentrations for MPH students to choose from:
- Epidemiology
- Health Policy, Administration, & Leadership
- Community Health & Health Behavior
For more information, take a look at ECU Brody School of Medicine’s MPH Program Manual.
Facilities, Student Organizations, and More
Facilities
The facilities at East Carolina Medical School are impressive. The William E. Laupus Health Sciences Library is filled with amazing references and help, including a computer center, individual study, and more. This creates the perfect environment for the kind of deep, focused study the students need to succeed. The primary teaching hospital, where students at Brody will spend much of their time, is Vidant Medical Center.
The ECU Medical Center
The ECU Medical Center is in Greenville, North Carolina, and is the central hub for the vast and growing ECU Health System. With large inpatient and outpatient programs, the ECU Medical Center serves more than 1.4 million people throughout North Carolina, including many underserved regions of the state. It is the flagship teaching hospital for the ECU Brody School of Medicine, offering students a large variety of clinical experience opportunities.
High-Tech Equipment Available to Students
Core Facilities
These facilities are open to students at both campuses for a minimal fee. Click on the facility name to learn more about it and the process for making reservations.
- Cell Imaging Core Facility
- Flow Cytometry Facility
- Genomics Core Facility
- Mass Spectrometry Core Facility
- Histology Laboratory
Available Shared Equipment
- Seahorse Extracellular Flux Analyzer
- LI-COR Odyssey Imaging System
- LI-COR Pearl Animal Imaging System
- Ultrasound Machine
Student Organizations
- 5th Street Players
- A Moment of Magic at East Carolina University
- African and African American Studies Ambassadors
- African Students’ Organization
- AgroMedicine Interest Group
- American Medical Association
- American Medical Student Association at the Brody School of Medicine
- American Medical Women’s Association
- Anesthesiology Interest Group
- Arab Student Union
- Asian Students Association
- Association of Neuropsychology Students in Training
- Association of Women Surgeons
- Autism Society of North Carolina Campus Chapter
- Best Buddies at ECU
- Biology Graduate Student Association
- Biology Living Learning Community
- Black Students Union
- Body Positive Pirates
- Brody Ambassador
- Brody Coaches Association
- Brody Outdoor Student Association
- Brody Research Society
- Brody RISE
- Brody School of Medicine Graduate Student Association
- Brody School of Medicine Parents Association
- Brody School of Medicine Student National Medical Association
- BSOM Distinction Track Programs
- Buddies
- Business and Advocacy in Medicine
- Campus Christian Fellowship
- Campus Jazz at ECU
- Campus Outreach Ministry ECU
- Cardiovascular Interest Group
- Caribbean Students Organization
- Chemistry Club
- Chinese Students and Scholars Associations
- Christian Medical and Dental Association
- Chronic Illness and Disability Support
- College Republicans
- Collegians for Christ
- Collegiate 100 at East Carolina University
- Collegiate Recovery Community
- Concept to Reality
- Cooperative Baptist Student Fellowship
Coptic Student Union - Delight Ministries
- Dermatology Interest Group
- Drastic Measures
- Ducks Unlimited Pirate Chapter
- EC Equity
- ECU Ambassadors
- ECU Magnolia Belles
- ECU Newman Catholic Student Center
- ECU Rock Painting Club
- Elite, Graceful, and Opulent
- Emergency Medicine Interest Group
- Every Nation Campus
- Family Medicine Interest Group
- Find Your Voice
- Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children
- FUSE (Ignite College Ministry)
- Future Healthcare Executives of East Carolina University
- Gateway
- George Cherry Jr Society
- Global Health and Underserved Populations
- Gold Humanism Honor Society – The Brody School of Medicine Chapter
- Graduate and Professional Student Senate
- Greenville Community Shelter Clinic
- Happy Hearts: BSOM/VMC Community CPR Program
- Health, Equity, and Justice
- Health Sciences Leadership Council
- Health Sciences Multicultural Club
- Health Sciences Sexual and Gender Diversity Committee
- Helping Hand Project at East Carolina University
- Her+ Public Health
- Hillel At ECU
- Hmong Students Association
- Hooked
- I Am First
- In Your Shoes
- Indian Student Organization
- Informative Systems Security Association East Carolina University Chapter
- Institute for Healthcare Improvement Open School Chapter at ECU
- Interdisciplinary Oral Medicine Study Club at ECU
- Internal Medicine Interest Group
- International Student Association
- InterVarsity Christian Fellowship @ ECU
- Latino Medical Student Group
- Latino Student Union
- Ledonia Wright Cultural Center
- Meds-Peds Interest Group
- Med-Psych/Psychotherapy
- Medical Parents & Caregivers Support Group
- Medical Spanish Interest Group
- Medical Student Council
- MEDLIFE ECU
- Melanin Healthcare Professionals
- Military Medicine Interest Group
- Minority Association of Pre-Health Students
- Muslim Student Association
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
- National Society of Collegiate Scholars
- National Society of Leadership & Success
- Neuroscience Student Association
- OBGYN Interest Group
- Office of Clinical Skills Assessment and Education
- Office of Diversity Affairs
- Office of Student Development and Academic Counseling
- Oncology Interest Group
- Operational Smile
- Ophthalmology Interest Group
- Orthopedic Surgery Interest Group
- Otolaryngology Interest Group
- Partners in Integrative Medicine
- PASC Crew
- Pediatric Interest Group
- People Helping the Aging Community Thrive (PHACT)
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Interest Group
- Physician Assistant Student Society
- Pirate Pediatric Attention, Love, and Support
- Pirate Swap
- Pirate Veterans Organization
- Pirates 300
- Pirates for Change
- Pirates for Down Syndrome Awareness
- Pirates on Water
- Pirates Promoting Community Wellness
- Pirates Vs. Cancer
- Pitt County Care Clinic
- Planet ECU
- Pre-Health Association at East Carolina University
- Pre-Physician Assistant Club
- Pre-Surgical Society
- Psychiatry Interest Group
- Psychology Club
- Psychology Graduate Student Organization
- Public Health Graduate Student Organization
- Public Health Interest Group
- Queen in You at East Carolina
- Radiological Sciences Interest Group
- Red Cross at East Carolina University
- Reformed University Fellowship
- ReLeaf @ East Carolina University
- Rotaract at Brody School of Medicine
- Royalty ECU
- S.H.I.P. (School & Home Integrated Parenting)
- Serve Greenville
- Seventy Sevens
- Sexual and Gender Diversity Organization
- Sexuality and Gender Alliance
- Smile Squad Honor Society
- Spanish in Medicine
- Sports Medicine Interest Group
- STAR Fire (Support. Trust. Aspire. Respect)
- Student Affiliates in School Psychology
- Student Health Informatics and Information Management Association
- Student Interest Group in Neurology
- Students for Equitable Health Outcomes
- Students for Life at East Carolina
- Students for Railcare Health
- Students Interested in Pathology
- Surgery Interest Group
- SustainabiliBEES
- The Black Makers Guild
- The College Diabetes Network at East Carolina University
- The French Club
- The Health and Nutrition Club
- The W.I.R.E.
- The Well: Episcopal Lutheran Campus Ministry
- Turning Point USA at East Carolina University
- Typecast
- UterUs
- Vietnamese Student Association
- Woman Organization for Minorities Achieving Now
- Young Democratic Socialists of American at East Carolina University
- Young Life College
Sports Clubs
- Baseball – Club Sport
- Bass Fighting – Club Sport
- Cheerleading – Club Sport
- Club Boxing
- Club Sports
- Club Yoga
- Dance – Club Sport
- Dance-Ability
- Competitive Sporting Clays Club
- ECU Club XC & Track
- Equestrian – Club Sport
- Esports and Gaming Club
- Field Hockey – Club Sport
- Figure Skating – Club Sport
- Golf – Club Sport
- Ice Hockey – Club Sport
- Lacrosse-Mens – Club Sports
- Lacrosse-Womens – Club Sports
- Martial Arts – Club Sport
- Rock Climbing – Club Sport
- Rugby-Mens – Club Sport
- Rugby Womens – Club Sport
- SCUBA Club
- Swimming – Club Sport
- Tennis – Club Sport
- Ultimate-Mens – Club Sport
- Ultimate-Womens – Club Sport
- Volleyball-Mens – Club Sport
- Weightlifting – Club Sport
- Women’s Club Volleyball
- Wrestling – Club Sport
- YACHT Club
Selection Factors: What East Carolina Medical School Looks for in an Applicant
The admissions committee at ECU Brody School of Medicine is composed of 30 members from the science department faculty, clinical faculty members, and BSOM students. There are a handful of aspects of your application that the admissions committee will pay particular attention to in order to determine if you are eligible and a good fit for the school. They consider a number of factors as they study your application. While test scores and GPA are important, they do not determine your fate alone. The admissions committee is looking at the whole candidate.
The following are some factors the admissions committee will consider right from the start of the process:
- Completed Coursework
- GPA
- MCAT Results
- Knowledge of Medical Field
- Diversity
- Professionalism
- Flexibility
- Degree or 90 Hours Towards Degree
- Residency
- Citizenship
- Letters of Recommendation
Admissions Requirements for ECU Brody School of Medicine
Candidates must demonstrate they have completed all required coursework at an accredited college or university and received a bachelor’s degree. Applicants should have earned a “C” grade or above on all prerequisites. They must have taken the MCAT less than a year ago and be able to provide the score.
Minimum GPA and MCAT Requirements for East Carolina Medical School
There is no minimum MCAT score at East Carolina Medical School, but the average MCAT score is between 506-508.
While there is no minimum GPA, the average for those who enroll in East Carolina Medical School is 3.5 to 3.6.
Volunteer Service and Clinical Experience
ECU Brody School of Medicine does not have a minimum requirement for volunteer service or clinical experience, but having some experience on your application is definitely preferred and will go a long way. Share as much as you can think of on your application.
Having some experience in the medical field is a huge boost in terms of how the admissions committee views your application. While there is no minimum service or clinical experience requirement, the mission of ECU Brody School of Medicine is to provide medical care for the people of North Carolina; especially those in the underserved regions. Since the goal is to train skilled physicians to fulfill this vision, it is expected that most applicants will have some sort of medical experience.
You should mention if you’ve had any clinical or volunteer experience, such as working in a clinic or medical center, volunteering in a hospital, participating in other clinical settings, or shadowing a physician.
One option that looks great on an application is participation in a pre-med shadowing study abroad program where you gain clinical experience and are immersed in some real cultural diversity. IMA runs such a program, and you can learn more about our pre-med shadowing study abroad program here.
East Carolina Medical School Letters of Recommendation
ECU Brody School of Medicine requires three letters of recommendation to be submitted along with your application. Two of the letters should be written by academic sources, such as instructors from the science department. The third letter can be a personal reference letter from an advisor, employer, or another individual that is familiar with your work. These letters should not be written by family members. If your college does Pre-Medical Advisory Committee letters, this will meet all of your requirements for letters of recommendation. Additional letters may be submitted, but the admissions committee would rather read high quality letters than many.
Letters of recommendation must be submitted via AMCAS electronically.
Required & Recommended Coursework at ECU Brody School of Medicine
The following prerequisite coursework is required:
- General Biology or Zoology with Laboratory – 1 Year (Botany alone does not qualify)
- General Chemistry with Laboratory – 1 Year (both qualitative and quantitative analysis)
- Organic Chemistry with Laboratory – 1 Year
- Physics with Laboratory – 1 Year
- English (or writing intensive courses) – 1 Year
- Social Sciences/Humanities – 1 Semester
- Biochemistry – 1 Semester
- Statistics/Biostatistics – 1 Semester
*It is not required, but it is strongly recommended that candidates have completed an additional year of intensive English or writing courses and advanced level Biology coursework.
Advanced Biology Course Options
- Anatomy
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Histology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Does ECU Brody School of Medicine Require the CASPer Exam?
ECU Brody School of Medicine does not require the CASPer evaluation.
East Carolina Medical School Acceptance Rate & Admissions Statistics
Out of 1095 verified applications at East Carolina Medical School, 359 candidates were invited for interviews, 118 were offered admission, and 85 new students were enrolled. That puts the acceptance rate at 7.8%. ECU Brody School of Medicine is competitive to get into with their small class sizes, allowing for more individual attention for each student.
*The acceptance rate is based on the percentage of applicants who enroll. There are other factors that affect rates.
ECU Brody School of Medicine 2023 Class Profile
The following are some statistics regarding the class of 2023:
- Male: 41%
- Female: 56%
- Average MCAT: 507
- Average GPA: 3.58-3.65
- North Carolina Residents: 74%
- Re-applicants: 49%
- Caucasian: 45%
- Non-Caucasian: 55%
East Carolina Medical School Tuition & Cost of Attendance
These tuition and fees are based on the BSOM’s 2022-2023 academic year. Fees are subject to change.
Year 1:
- $22,252 Tuition
- $4,684 Books and Supplies
- $20,142 Room and Board, Travel, and Personal Expenses
- $3,977 Fees
- $2,704 Insurance
$59,538 Total
Year 2:
- $22,252 Tuition
- $2,568 Books and Supplies
- $24,027 Room and Board, Travel, and Personal Expenses
- $3,977 Fees
- $2,704 Insurance
$62,463 Total
Year 3:
- $22,252 Tuition
- $1,560 Books and Supplies
- $19,027 Room and Board, Travel, and Personal Expenses
- $3,977 Fees
- $2,704 Insurance
$61,463 Total
Year 4:
- $22,252 Tuition
- $1,568 Books and Supplies
- $20,062 Room and Board, Travel, and Personal Expenses
- $3,977 Fees
- $2,704 Insurance
$56,342 Total
Learning about the inner workings of the financial aspect of medical school is important, as is taking advantage of financial aid support when needed.. For more information on the costs of attending medical school in the United States, check out our Medical School Database, where we provide guidance and helpful information.
AMCAS Primary Application & East Carolina Medical School Secondary Application
The ECU Brody School of Medicine works with the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) for primary applications and letters of recommendation submissions. Applicants must visit their website to receive instructions on how to apply. The primary application is web-based, and applicants must have access to the internet and an accessible email address. This application will gather all the basic information about a candidate and conduct the core eligibility assessment.
Letters of recommendation should be submitted to AMCAS, and they will be forwarded to the admissions committee and BSOM.
The second phase of the application process is to complete the ECU Brody School of Medicine Supplemental Application. The link to complete the supplemental application will be emailed to applicants who make it through the initial round. There is a $70 application fee, and applicants will be asked to submit a recent, passport sized photograph.
Those who successfully make it past the second round will be invited to a virtual interview with two members of the admissions committee. This is the final stage.
ECU Brody School of Medicine Secondary Application: Essay Prompts, Sample Answers, and Advice
Below are ECU Brody School of Medicine secondary essay questions for the 2022-2023 application cycle. All prompts have a 2,000 character limit.
Essay #1. Why have you chosen to apply to the Brody School of Medicine and how do you think your education at the Brody School of Medicine will prepare you to become a future physician? (250-300 words)
To answer this prompt well, you must do your research about BSOM. Spend some time considering what the mission and vision is at ECU Brody School of Medicine and how you fit into that paradigm. For example, BSOM is very much about serving the underserved populations of North Carolina. Is this something you’re also passionate about? Maybe it was the push towards social justice, equity, and inclusiveness that drew you in? Now, with these things in mind, share how this vision will help you reach your potential as a physician. Will you end up serving in underserved areas? This may sound like a simple question, but you should really put some thought into how Brody will help you become the doctor you dream of becoming.
Essay #2. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on everyday life. From your perspective, reflect upon what you have learned or experienced during this time and how this will impact you going forward. (250-300 words)
There are a few points to consider when approaching this prompt. Consider the various ways the pandemic has affected you and your loved ones. You can focus on the academic effects. Did the pandemic affect your ability to complete your coursework? Did it affect your grades? Did it slow your progress?
You can also focus on the clinical effects of the virus. Did it interrupt your clinical schedule? Were you unable to finish rotations, volunteer, or take part in the events.
Finally, you can share a few words on how the pandemic affected you personally. Have you experienced mental health struggles? Did you feel lonely? Were you scared? Were relationships threatened? Be as honest and vulnerable as possible, because this will make you stand out among the other candidates.
Sample Answer
I’m the kind of person who researches, makes plans, and takes proactive steps to achieve her goals. Knowing how important clinical experience is to my acceptance into medical school, I carefully planned out each of my clinical experiences and medical volunteer opportunities into my college timeline. I would have been as bright as a diamond with the amount of clinical experience I’d acquired, had my plan gone off without a hitch. Unfortunately, COVID-19 became a bigger and more destructive hitch than anyone could have predicted.
My clinical plans were put on hold with the first lockdowns. Not only was I restricted by the immediate and defensive restrictions put into place by local medical clinics, but I, myself, was part of the early wave of COVID-19 patients. I’m grateful to have survived the virus, but my clinical experience plans did not.
It was a hard pill to swallow, and I was immediately concerned about how it would look on my application to Brody, but I decided there was no use in worrying about what did not happen. Instead, I had to think outside the box. So when the vaccine became available, I immediately volunteered to assist at the vaccine sites around my city. I also started working at some of the local testing sites. While I had to let go of my perfect plan, I was able to embrace a new pathway and learn a great deal from the horrific experience that COVID-19 was and is for all of us.
Essay #3. East Carolina University’s motto is Servire- “To Serve.” Tell us about your most meaningful community service project or experience. (250-300 words)
Many use this prompt as a way of bragging about the copious amounts of volunteer work and community service they have done, with a hearty pat on the back. This prompt is really about more than bragging. It’s more about what you have learned and gleaned from opportunities to serve. How has serving affected you personally? How has it changed your life and molded your calling? How has your community service experience added to your desire to be a physician who serves the people?
ECU Brody School of Medicine Interview Process
Applicants will take part in two interviews with members of the admissions committee, and these applicants will be invited because they met the qualifications and stood out in their applications. This interview process is extremely important because it gives the admissions committee a chance to put a face and personality to the name, getting to know you as an individual. Applicants will do well if they go into their interview planning to be authentic, honest, and open. This phase also allows candidates to ask questions, see the educational facilities, and meet members of the faculty and other students.
Interviews are conducted virtually between late August and January. During the interview, there will be an informational meeting held by the Associate Dean or the Director of Admissions, so be prepared with any questions you may have.
There will be specific characteristics about you that the admissions committee will be looking for during the interview. They particularly like to interview a candidate who excels in:
- Superior Interpersonal Ability
- Being a Good Listener
- Presenting with Self Confidence
- Being Quick to Compassion
- Possesses Social Awareness
- Is Passionate About Medicine
- Wants to Make a Difference
- Desires to Serve the People of North Carolina
Preparing for an interview can be stressful and overwhelming. Applicants usually find it very helpful to acquire personalized coaching and even a mock interview through our medical school admissions consulting services.
Medical School Admissions Consulting
Researching, applying, and interviewing for medical schools is challenging and requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Our vision at International Medical Aid was to develop a program that would aid the next generation of medical students as they matriculate into the top medical schools in the country. We want to see you succeed and walk through the process with confidence and peace.
You may be the type of person who interviews well naturally or not. Either way, our experts can and will help you prepare thoroughly for one of the most important interviews of your life. We will walk you through the process, offer expert advice, and even conduct mock interviews to make sure you are as ready as possible.
Take a moment to schedule a free consultation with one of our experts here.
Voluntary Healthcare Internships Abroad
There are few experiences more educational, enlightening, and life-altering than shadowing skilled physicians in the trenches of the medical community, spending time with real patients in vastly different environments than you’re used to, and getting an idea of what it’s like to work in a hospital or clinic, especially in a foreign country. If shadowing a physician abroad is something you’re interested in, IMA’s voluntary healthcare internships abroad program is a fantastic choice.
Our pre-med shadowing study abroad program was designed specifically for pre-medical and gap year students with the vision of preparing them more than ever before for their future as a humanistic, global citizen physician. There is nothing in the world like participating in one of those pre-medicine internships in Peru or Africa.
Please take a few minutes to explore the benefits of our program on our website and reach out if you have any questions.
Best of Luck!
As you take your first step towards matriculating at ECU Brody School of Medicine, we wish you the best of luck and hope that this guide has helped you along your journey. If you find yourself having questions or issues with applying, you can reach out to us for assistance anytime.
If you’d like to explore our medical school admissions consulting program, please feel free to contact us, and we will get you the support you need to feel confident.
Whether you looked for medical schools in a different state or searched for medical schools near me, VCOM is a wonderful choice. We hope our guide helps you achieve your goal of attending this fine institution. Be sure to check out our other medical school guides:
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)
- University of South Carolina Medical School
- Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM)
- Penn State Medical School
- CUNY School of Medicine
- SUNY Downstate Medical School
- NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine
- NYU Long Island School of Medicine
- TOURO College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Albany Medical College
- Norton College of Medicine at Upstate Medical University
- Jacobs School of Medicine at the University at Buffalo
- Hofstra Zucker School of Medicine
- Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- University of Rochester Medical School
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
- University of Toledo College of Medicine
- Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
- Ohio State University College of Medicine
- Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (HMSOM)
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS)
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU)
- A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine
- University of Missouri Medical School
- Kansas City University (KCU)
- UMKC School of Medicine
- New York Medical College
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
- University of Wisconsin Medical School
- VCU School of Medicine
- University of Maryland School of Medicine
- Case Western Medical School
- University of North Carolina Medical School
- University of Florida Medical School
- Emory University School of Medicine
- Boston University College of Medicine
- California University of Science and Medicine
- UC San Diego Medical School
- California Northstate University College of Medicine
- Touro University of California
- CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine
- UC Davis School of Medicine
- Harvard Medical School
- UC Riverside School of Medicine
- USC Keck School of Medicine
- UT Southwestern Medical School
- Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio
- University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
- UT Austin’s Dell Medical School
- UTMB School of Medicine
- McGovern Medical School at UT Health
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
- McGovern Medical School at UT Health
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
- UNT Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
- University of Houston College of Medicine
- Texas A&M College of Medicine
- Johns Hopkins Medical School
- Baylor College of Medicine
- George Washington University School of Medicine
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
- St. George’s University School of Medicine
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (in Pennsylvania)
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine
- Western University of Health Sciences (in California)
- Drexel University College of Medicine
- Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University Chicago
- Georgetown University School of Medicine
- Yale School of Medicine
- Perelman School of Medicine
- UCLA Medical School
- NYU Medical School
- Washington University School of Medicine
- Brown Medical School
Feel free to contact us if you have questions about the application process, our medical guides, our pre-med shadowing study abroad program, or our Medical School Admissions Consulting services.