In my current PS draft I've spent about 1500 characters detailing the first 18 or so years of my life (pre-college), with a focus on my parent's struggle with medicine. Due to their career as an MD, they eventually struggled with alcoholism and became distanced from the family. Part of my reasoning for mentioning this is because it truly influenced my decision to want to become a doctor.
Afterwards I mention my own experiences and how I have found new reasons to want to become an MD and mention that being the child of this MD has made me see the challenges involved in being a doctor - family life, hours, etc.
I spend the majority of the PS talking about myself, but still, is this appropriate do you think? Or is it too depressing/too risky to be PS material? And if so, could I modify it to make it appropriate? I made an effort to avoid writing a sob story, but is this also a valid concern?
I would especially like some advice from adcoms who may have read these kinds of stories before. Many thanks in advance.
Afterwards I mention my own experiences and how I have found new reasons to want to become an MD and mention that being the child of this MD has made me see the challenges involved in being a doctor - family life, hours, etc.
I spend the majority of the PS talking about myself, but still, is this appropriate do you think? Or is it too depressing/too risky to be PS material? And if so, could I modify it to make it appropriate? I made an effort to avoid writing a sob story, but is this also a valid concern?
I would especially like some advice from adcoms who may have read these kinds of stories before. Many thanks in advance.