2006-2007 Personal Statement Help Thread

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Wow - I was going to volunteer myself, but after looking at the qualifications of some of the other volunteers, I realize that it is a MIRACLE that I even got INTO medical school!! Man you people are impressive!
 
For those of you waiting for PS help from me, I have had strep throat for about a week. I will try to finish them all by this weekend.

-gd
 
Hey,

Just wondering how everyone is doing with their personal statements? Again, let me know if you need any help. Good luck!
 
Flopotomist said:
Wow - I was going to volunteer myself, but after looking at the qualifications of some of the other volunteers, I realize that it is a MIRACLE that I even got INTO medical school!! Man you people are impressive!

thats exactly what i thought! :laugh:
 
WayChanger: I am a "traditional" student entering medical school in the fall. I recently graduated with honors from UC Berkeley, majoring in English. I received an "S" on the MCAT Writing section. Several of my interviewers specifically complimented my personal statement. I have many years of experience reading and editing essays, and have been helping many of my friends with their personal statements. If you would like me to read your personal statement, please message me. I will reply ASAP with an estimated turnaround time (usually 3 days) and an email address to send the document to. Please do not send me essays vastly beyond the AMCAS length limit, however - extensive cutting is not one of my strongest skills.
 
Does anyone know if there's a way to send attachments on PMs? I was trying to send my PS to someone to read and couldn't figure it out.
 
They will tell your their email adress. Then you can send it over like that.
 
I'm a little afraid that my PS sounds too naive and altruistic...Does anyone else have this problem?
 
Pkboi24 said:
I'm a little afraid that my PS sounds too naive and altruistic...Does anyone else have this problem?

If I was adcom I would be worried if your PS didn't sound altruistic...
 
not to be a hater or sound overly skeptical or anything, but how do we know that the ppl who offer to read essays are legit?
 
Duchess742 said:
not to be a hater or sound overly skeptical or anything, but how do we know that the ppl who offer to read essays are legit?


Because most of the people who have applied have gotten accepted to medical school and hence have no reason to steal a person's personal statement. In my case, even though I haven't applied yet, I have read over people's PS last year even when I didn't volunteer on the thread similar to this, because people were sending it to me. THose who I did have a chance to get back to were appreciative of the feedback as is the case this time.

Besides, I already have my own ideas for my own personal statement, when that time comes.

You can tell who's trustworthy a lot of times from reading posts too.
 
Duchess742 said:
not to be a hater or sound overly skeptical or anything, but how do we know that the ppl who offer to read essays are legit?


I was just looking at your profile. Are you going to be applying HMS HST program or NP?? Also, have you considered programs like CCLCM or Mayo???

If you are interested in research, you don't necessarily need to do the MD/PhD route but can always go to a school that has more focus on it, like Yale, Duke, your alma mater UPenn, HMS, CCLCM, Mayo, etc. because they'll incorporate it into the curricula.
 
So I have to choose stories for personal statement, which I haven't started yet. T.T
I'm trying to decide between two stories for Patient Care aspect of the essay. Of the two stories, I definitely like one better than the other. But I don't know if I should use that story in my personal statement or write it in secondaries. What do you think? Should I use the better story in the personal statement? Is personal statement more important than just one of many secondary essays?

Hope to hear some feedback! ^.^

Good luck everyone!
 
I am sorry to everyone who I have not replied to who sent me a PS. I received over 30 PS's. There is obviously no way I can help all of you. I chose a few people and will be helping those few. There are many others on the list, dont just choose the first few names (thats why I might be getting so many). Good luck to all you. If I have already been working with you I will continue to do so. Its easier to work with just a few people on many drafts rather than many people superficially.
 
I would be willing to review some as well. I graduated from medical school in 2002 and Internal Medicine residency in 2005. I have been an attending physician in a group primary care practice until recently. I am currently taking time off and looking to take a job in hospitalism while I wait for the fellowship match results in June. I have had short stories published as well as several medical research articles/abstracts/posters. My undergrad degree is in Anthropology and Biology.
Having applied to one heme-onc fellowship this year, I recently wrote another PS, so my experience with it is fresh. I think my PS got my foot in the door, since I applied two weeks before the deadline.
 
gujuDoc said:
I was just looking at your profile. Are you going to be applying HMS HST program or NP?? Also, have you considered programs like CCLCM or Mayo???

If you are interested in research, you don't necessarily need to do the MD/PhD route but can always go to a school that has more focus on it, like Yale, Duke, your alma mater UPenn, HMS, CCLCM, Mayo, etc. because they'll incorporate it into the curricula.

well now i'm applying to HMS b/c my stupid friend decided to go there (by "stupid," i mean "really smart"). i have no idea what HST, NP, or CCLCM stand for...so i may or may not be applying for those, lol.

yeah, i know that a lot of schools have "scholarly pursuit" options where you can do a few summers or half a year of research. i'll definitely try to do something like that if i end up going straight MD.

and i guess i need to trust ppl more abt essays and all. it's just that ppl can post anything online and my personal statement really is "personal" so i don't want just anyone reading it. it's really that, and not the possibility of someone copying it, that i'm concerned abt. i'm sure most ppl on this site are legit though.

p.s. are u applying this year? it sounds like you've considered the research option too. 🙂
 
Duchess742 said:
well now i'm applying to HMS b/c my stupid friend decided to go there (by "stupid," i mean "really smart"). i have no idea what HST, NP, or CCLCM stand for...so i may or may not be applying for those, lol.

yeah, i know that a lot of schools have "scholarly pursuit" options where you can do a few summers or half a year of research. i'll definitely try to do something like that if i end up going straight MD.

and i guess i need to trust ppl more abt essays and all. it's just that ppl can post anything online and my personal statement really is "personal" so i don't want just anyone reading it. it's really that, and not the possibility of someone copying it, that i'm concerned abt. i'm sure most ppl on this site are legit though.

p.s. are u applying this year? it sounds like you've considered the research option too. 🙂

Ok so HST and NP are both programs pathways from Harvard, but CCLCM is part of Case Western Reserve University and known as Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine.

HST stands for Health Scientist Training Program in which MIT and HMS have a joint partnership in creating a research MD pathway without having to get a PhD. Look for it on the website for HMS to get more info cuz I don't know how to explain it.

The NP stands for newpathway. They also have to do a research project, but they focus more towards Problem Based Learning style of curricula. When you apply to HMS, you can choose to apply for both programs or just one of them. Furthermore, you get separate interviews for both and separate acceptances for both.
 
byong_soo said:
So I have to choose stories for personal statement, which I haven't started yet. T.T
I'm trying to decide between two stories for Patient Care aspect of the essay. Of the two stories, I definitely like one better than the other. But I don't know if I should use that story in my personal statement or write it in secondaries. What do you think? Should I use the better story in the personal statement? Is personal statement more important than just one of many secondary essays?

Hope to hear some feedback! ^.^

Good luck everyone!


An admissions officer at USF once said...

"The personal statement is to tell "why medicine?" "

"The secondaries is to tell "who are you?" "

Some secondaries don't even have essays and others have specific prompts. So I'd go ahead and put it into your personal statement because you might not need it for the secondary.
 
desicanuk: Non-traditional business (management) major who's starting school in the Fall of '06. I've got a little free time, and am willing to help people edit. Buyer beware though, I am brutally honest and tend to rip into people's essays. You may feel like I gutted it, but hey, I figure if it can with stand my abuse, it'll be able to withstand anything.

Please note, think twice before sending me essays that have any of the following themes;

a. "my grandfather died of ____ disease and I want to become a doctor because of this" or any variation of this theme

b. my dad is a doctor, my grand-dad is a doctor and I want to be one because of this

c. "I want to help people"
 
BOBODR said:
I am sorry to everyone who I have not replied to who sent me a PS. I received over 30 PS's. There is obviously no way I can help all of you. I chose a few people and will be helping those few. There are many others on the list, dont just choose the first few names (thats why I might be getting so many). Good luck to all you. If I have already been working with you I will continue to do so. Its easier to work with just a few people on many drafts rather than many people superficially.


Same goes for me, guys. I have received a lot of them lately and it seems as though I cannot read/help everyone. Those that have already sent them as of today (5/22/06) I will read them and get back to you. Other than that, I am very sorry. If some of the ones that I am helping just needed some feedback and not real help, I will let all of you know that I am still looking to read the essays and stuff. Good luck to all of you!!! :luck:

P.S. Those of you that sent me your essays, I am sorry that I have not gotten back to some of you. I have been busy apartment hunting!!! 😍 But, rest assured, I will be helping you and giving you feedback. Thanks for your patience. 🙂
 
I'm sorry, but could I be removed? I didn't realize I'd get so many! My kids are teething and I just don't think I'm much help after all. Sorry to be a jerk... 🙁
 
Duchess742 said:
and i guess i need to trust ppl more abt essays and all. it's just that ppl can post anything online and my personal statement really is "personal" so i don't want just anyone reading it. it's really that, and not the possibility of someone copying it, that i'm concerned abt. i'm sure most ppl on this site are legit though.

The one thing that I really like about this is that the people reading the PS does not know me at all. When the adcoms read it, they also don't know me. It gives you a different perspective since they might take something in a way that's very different from the way that people who know you take it.
 
I've update the list, but please let me know if I've missed someone. And a big thank you to everyone who has helped out so far!
 
TheProwler - starting med school this fall at MCW or Northwestern. I was in my school's honors college, which was very writing intensive, so I've written dozens and dozens of essays, and I helped people with their PSs last year. I'm pretty darn good with grammar, but I'm not going to point those flaws out to you unless you specifically ask (so don't send a rough, rough draft, please!).
 
To all of those that have written me about reading their PS. I'm currently recovering from a serious car accident I was in about 9 days ago. I'm not able to review statements right now. Give me another few days I'll be able to help. I'll post on here when I'm ready. Thanks for your patience!
 
So who is actually available to look at a PS. I was looking at the original list and it appears that a lot of the volunteers have recently been bombarded with personal statements or somthing unexpected has occured.
 
I'm still reviewing personal statements. Feel free to email me if you want me to read over yours.

Ben
bdf at uchicago dot edu
 
I have updated the list on the first page with the information that people have posted or sent me, so the people who are still on there and don't have any info about holding off for awhile are presumably still available to review them.

I hope you feel better soon, titoincal! I put a note by your name on the list.
 
mustangsally65 said:
I have updated the list on the first page with the information that people have posted or sent me, so the people who are still on there and don't have any info about holding off for awhile are presumably still available to review them.

I hope you feel better soon, titoincal! I put a note by your name on the list.
Mustang,
Could you please update mine stating that I am recovering from a bad case of strep and so I am very far behind in all the PS's I have been asked to review. I will eventually get to them all, but it is going to take some time.
 
Hey everyone,

I might be of some help to you guys who are in the process of applying. I just found out last week that I got accepted into medical school and I will be starting my first year of med in August, 2006.

I would definately love to read your guy's personal statements. I get really bored at work sometimes and I wouldn't mind readin these to help pass the time.

Some background info about myself:
I have completed a 3 year B.Sc with a major in Biochemistry however, I also have a minor in English (I'm a good writer, or so that's what my english prof's say). Also I might offer a different perspective because I am a Canadian student and I have been accepted into a Canadian Med School. I don't want to get into any discusions about if it's harder or easier to get into Candian or US med schools (I have only applied to Canadian schools), I'm just here to offer my services from a different perspective. I had also been told that I had a fabulous personal statement from my Ad. Comm.

So definately PM me and I can always give you a speedy response!
 
good luckon that one. ive e-mailed luckyme twice without a response.

i wish people who have STATED they are willing to review PS's would, at least, reply...even if its just to say they are too busy.



SaharanPrince said:
How can I get in touch with luckyme? many thanks SaharaPrince-
 
I've been pretty good about it - I've turned all of mine around the same day. I won't take more than 2 days.
 
Not sure where to add myself....

I'll read PS's for anyone out there...

Just finishing up my first year at Penn Med
Graduated from Rutgers in 2005
Don't really know what qualifies me but I'm happy to read and comment. 🙂
 
Can you please temporarily remove me from the list? I'm getting several requests each day, and given that I should actually be accomplishing work at work, I need to stop taking requests, atleast for the time being. Thanks.
 
I may be harsh, but I usually get it back to you withing 24 hours.
 
TheProwler said:
I've been pretty good about it - I've turned all of mine around the same day. I won't take more than 2 days.
I can attest to that. 👍
 
TheProwler said:
I've been pretty good about it - I've turned all of mine around the same day. I won't take more than 2 days.

Yep. That is what happened to me, too. Great feedback, cool SDN'er. 👍
 
I'm getting 2-3 per day and turning them around (at least initial impression) within 24 hours. I want to state for the record that I am not trying to be mean/harsh/rude either. I will be blunt and cut to the chase. I will also actually rewrite a couple sentences here or there and offer them as an alternative. If you don't want me to do that, let me know up front. Please please PLEASE get back to me after you read what I had to say! It is hard to read these and offer advice....and then never hear back.
I am not working right now (although I am interviewing soon) so I am still open to read them.
Also, you might want to check out this site:
http://education.yahoo.com/college/essentials/articles/med/medicalschoolessaysecrets.html
:luck:
 
BelaMedicine: I graduated with a dual degree from Columbia in English (specifically creative writing) and Biology. I worked extensively with my school newspaper and was hired as a writing advsior at our school's writing center during my undergraduate years. I graduated from medical school two years ago and would be more than happy to help revise essays. I'm free within the next month and a half to read essays if anyone is interested.

Feel free to send me your essay and please make sure to include any questions/areas of potential weakness that you would like me to examine closely. Assuming I don't get bombarded with essays, I will get back to you within 2-3 days...Good luck everyone!

blee: I'd love to help a few applicants with their PSs this year. I went through this lovely process last year, applied to 15 schools, and was accepted into five. I'm confident that my PS had a role in my acceptance, because my grades sure didn't.Oh, yeah -- non-traditional, had an IT career for five years before quitting.

chilon85: I just wanted to say that I would be glad to look over personal statements as well. I am in the process of writing mine right now so I am in the mindset of editing and revising already. Let me know if anyone needs help.

GeekDoc: Non-traditional business (management) major who's starting school in the Fall of '06. I've got a little free time, and am willing to help people edit. Buyer beware though, I am brutally honest and tend to rip into people's essays. You may feel like I gutted it, but hey, I figure if it can with stand my abuse, it'll be able to withstand anything.

Please note, think twice before sending me essays that have any of the following themes;
a. "my grandfather died of ____ disease and I want to become a doctor because of this" or any variation of this theme
b. my dad is a doctor, my grand-dad is a doctor and I want to be one because of this
c. "I want to help people"

dillanger: I am entering an MSTP program this summer mostly likely at UPenn although I was accepted at WashU and Cornell MSTPs as well. I interviewed at most of the top schools. I'm planning to do the PhD in computational neuroscience or biomedical engineering. I would be happy to read personal statements until May 31st. I am a pretty tranditional MD/PhD applicant -- lots of research, less emphasis on volunteering etc although I did some of that. If anyone needs help on the MD/PhD personal statement I'd be happy to read that as well.

diosa428: I will be unavailable until June 5 or so. I will be entering medical school in the fall. I'm currently getting my Master's degree in Neuroscience (no English major background here) but I got a lot of compliments on my personal statement. I tend to offer very honest opinions when I edit essays, so if you are a sensitive person you may not want to send it to me.

discus: Just wanted to let you know, I'm also available to read personal statements. I'm starting medical school this Fall, and love reading/writing. If you need another person's opinion on your statement, feel free to PM me with your email address. I'll read mostly for content/flow. Good luck!

dopaminesurge: Great idea. I'm down. R on the writing section. I'm a reapplicant, and I don't think my PS was particularly good, but with that, I think I can tell you if you're making the same mistakes I made last year. Put me down. And get ready, some kids from the list, for mine. It's being PMd now.

Dr.Who?I'll be starting at an allopathic California medschool this fall. I've TA'd education and science classes and received compliments on my PS during the interview process. I've done a lot of reasearch for the medschool PS and have read many friends' who have ventured off to other graduate programs.I don't have a specialty in english or journalism but teaching undergrads for 3 years has given me an uncanny ability to point out BS. Basically, if you want completely honest opinions and impressions, feel free to leave me a PM/E-mail w/ your PS. Those who can't take a lot of criticism you might want to send your PS elsewhere...and possibly consider a different career choice

gdbaby: Please be patient as I'm recovering from strep and am a little behind. I have a PhD in anthropology and am currently an anthropology professor. I will be attending medical school in August (haven't decidied which one yet). I am happy to help look at PS through August this year. I may be especially helpful for the non-trad applicant who has had many lives before deciding on medicine. Also, if you need advice and assistance with interviews, I am happy to help there, too. I had a relatively low MCAT, but a good GPA and I have been accepted everywhere I have interviewed (so far! I am still waiting to hear from one school).
Good luck everybody!

Goose-d: I will be starting medical school in the fall (destination: uncertain). I was a 'traditional' applicant; but I worked in EMS while I was an undergraduate. Although I was not an english major, I have always enjoyed and excelled in english classes. On the interview trail, I received alot of complements on my amcas and secondary essays. PM me and I would be glad to help with your essay.

Gujudoc: I'm not yet applying to medical school, but I do have personal experience helping others critique their personal statements. Although I didn't get to them all, I did manage to help quite a few students last year both on SDN and off. I'm pretty good at getting the words to flow once an initial draft is made and looking over the grammar aspects too. Although it takes me a while to get started, I tend to do pretty well once I get my thoughts flowing and usually get compliments by professors on any essays I have to write like when I was in English class or any exit requirement liberal arts courses and what not.

hanjoko: I am willing to help as well. I will be entering med school this coming fall (vanderbilt at least for now). I probably won't be able to help with the grammar since I am not good at that but otherwise, I think I can tell you pretty honestly what to write and what not to write. Just PM me for my email address and then I will get back to you within a day. I do not have MDapplicant profile but I have applied for a good number of schools and got several interviews so if you want to know about a specific school, I am happy to share my experience with you. Good luck, everyone!

idealist: i will be attending medical school in the fall (hopefully tulane). i have been teaching math and english to 5th and 6th graders and doing research. i was a neuroscience major and computer science minor in college (wellesley '03), but i got a lot of compliments on my ps and secondary essays from my editors. just trying to return the favor since so many helped me out with mine. and dont worry, i choose not to use caps and to omit some punctuation in my casual typing, but i do know the rules of grammar. (arent i sooo edgy with my anti caps and punct?)

javert:I'll read PS's for anyone out there...
Just finishing up my first year at Penn Med
Graduated from Rutgers in 2005
Don't really know what qualifies me but I'm happy to read and comment.

jbrice1639:Accepted in the 2006 application cycle to Loyola and UIC, also waitlisted post-interview at Pritzker.I have a degree in rhetoric/professional writing and have worked for 2.5 years in public relations and advertising, so my writing knowledge is fairly extensive. I can help with content, sentence flow, punctuation, final editing, or whatever else people may be interested in.

Lizanne11: University of Washington School of Medicine, class of 2010. I'm a microbiology major, but writing has always been one of my strengths and I've critiqued a lot of essays for friends. I also had a prof save an essay once to enter in a contest. I didn't have one big medicine-related experience to write about in my PS, so I might be able to help people who are having trouble making a theme out of several life events. PM me and I'll let you know if I'm available at the time you need editing. Good !

Lorrayne: If anyone would like some assistance, feel free to PM me. I hold degrees in English and journalism and was a writing tutor in college. After graduation, I worked as a professional copy editor for a major metro newspaper.

luckyme: I was accepted to Havard Medical School last year. Later I was told by someone at the admission office that my PS was one of the best personal statements which they received last year.
I was accepted to 6 schools out of 12 schools I applied. I'm also lucky to have a mother who is a counselor at the university. She helped me a lot.
PM me if you need help.

Lyricist: I'm starting medical school in the fall. I have a BA in a foreign language with a literature concentration and have also done some work copy editing for a publishing house.
 
megaman1xI might be of some help to you guys who are in the process of applying. I just found out last week that I got accepted into medical school and I will be starting my first year of med in August, 2006.

I would definately love to read your guy's personal statements. I get really bored at work sometimes and I wouldn't mind readin these to help pass the time.

Some background info about myself:
I have completed a 3 year B.Sc with a major in Biochemistry however, I also have a minor in English (I'm a good writer, or so that's what my english prof's say). Also I might offer a different perspective because I am a Canadian student and I have been accepted into a Canadian Med School. I don't want to get into any discusions about if it's harder or easier to get into Candian or US med schools (I have only applied to Canadian schools), I'm just here to offer my services from a different perspective. I had also been told that I had a fabulous personal statement from my Ad. Comm.

So definately PM me and I can always give you a speedy response!

Nikibean: I'll be attending medical school in the fall, although WHERE is undetermined. My degree from undergrad years is in Literature and Women's Studies. Before I began my post-bac program, I had been accepted to an MFA program in writing and MA programs in English, both with full TAships, which I turned down to pursue the medicine pathway. I helped many of my fellow post-bacs with their Personal Statements, and have written two. Yes, I am a successful re-applicant. My MD apps profile is on record, so if you want to look at my basic file, feel free. I like editing peoples' work, and I have no qualms in being completely honest with you. I'll be available on/off through mid June this year. If I don't know you, just send a PM or email me. Thanks!

nosugrefneb: I'm happy to read over personal statements as well. Feel free to email yours to me at bdf-at-uchicago-dot-edu; I'm studying for boards at the moment and need all the distraction I can get my hands on. I can typically get back to you within a few hours. Or drop me a line on IM at nosugrefneb. Hot.

ohlalaI have extensive experience abroad and I have experience with non-traditional extracurriculars. I've helped people last year and I'm willing to help this year. Just don't send a rough draft please. Thanks. PM me or email me at [email protected].

omgwtfbbq?: I'm starting medical school in the fall, and have a degree in english (and biochem) I've worked as a science writer for a newspaper and freelance and am a published fiction writer. I'm a good person to see when it comes to structure, content and flow, and have a knack at good openings (all the fiction). I'm not the person to see if you need something copy edited, as i'm not good at garaunteeing your commas, semicolons and such are in the right place and used correctly. I'm all about voice, content and flow.

potato51: I'll be starting med school in the fall at UT Southwestern. I graduated with a science degree some years ago and have been doing research ever since. But as I work with a lot of foreign grads and docs, I've been asked for help (a ton of it) in writing personal and business letters, including a successful scholarship essay that landed one of them a huge award. And a recommendation letter I wrote for immigration services helped a friend get a green card. I can't admit to being the most creative person out there, but I'm very good with grammar and the technicals of writing, as well as overall flow.

prana_md:Hello! I am a non-traditional applicant headed for the University of Pittsburgh in the fall. Before I went back to school for post-bacc, I worked as a journalist for several years in the Bay Area. I've applied to medical school twice and journalism school twice! I learned a lot during both processes, and I'd love to pass on any experience, for what it's worth, to the class of '11. Best of luck!

Princessd3 I will be attending the University of Michigan Medical school in the fall of 06. I minored in Journalism, wrote various articles for the school newspaper and am considered to have a natural writing ability. Punctuations aren't my forte. When analyzing an essay I am more concerned with substance, feeling/tone, cohesiveness and sentence wording..

QofQuimica: I'm starting medical school this summer (2006) after finishing my Ph.D. in organic chemistry. I plan to have a career in academic medicine. My strongest point is MCAT preparation (check out our Study Questions Subforum if you haven't already!), but I'll also help by reading your PS, giving interview advice, etc. I'm a non-trad, so feel free to PM me if you're over 30 and applying. We also have a Non-Trad Mentoring Thread in the non-trad forum if you want advice from other older students.

Robotsonic: I'm a fourth year med student, going into general surgery. I have a bit of free time right now, and I like reading personal statements, so feel free to send me yours. As I don't have a ton of free time, I won't be able to make lots of comments throughout the text or focus too much on grammar and spelling. I will mostly comment on the content and on overall writing style, and I promise to be completely honest. If I don't respond, it means I'm busy or unavailable; it doesn't say anything about your personal statement

signomi I graduated from medical school in 2002 and Internal Medicine residency in 2005. I have been an attending physician in a group primary care practice until recently. I am currently taking time off and looking to take a job in hospitalism while I wait for the fellowship match results in June. I have had short stories published as well as several medical research articles/abstracts/posters. My undergrad degree is in Anthropology and Biology.Having applied to one heme-onc fellowship this year, I recently wrote another PS, so my experience with it is fresh. I think my PS got my foot in the door, since I applied two weeks before the deadline.

SuzieQ3417: I will be entering medical school in the fall. My only experience with personal statements was writing mine for this application cycle, but I must have done something right because I received compliments at multiple interviews. I was a music major for undergrad, but have plenty of experience writing papers and essays. I can proofread for grammar/cohesiveness and can also offer constructive criticism for content if need be. I'm generally a nice person, but if you want me to tear your essay apart I am more than willing.

takara: M1 mayo med school

TheProwler: starting med school this fall at MCW or Northwestern. I was in my school's honors college, which was very writing intensive, so I've written dozens and dozens of essays, and I helped people with their PSs last year. I'm pretty darn good with grammar, but I'm not going to point those flaws out to you unless you specifically ask (so don't send a rough, rough draft, please!).

TI89: Entering Med school in the fall. Not an english major or anything but got plenty of compliments about PS from interviewers at interviews. Have had tutoring experience and read many essays.

vtucci: non-trad, lawyer, legal writing professor at college level.

WayChanger: I am a "traditional" student entering medical school in the fall. I recently graduated with honors from UC Berkeley, majoring in English. I received an "S" on the MCAT Writing section. Several of my interviewers specifically complimented my personal statement. I have many years of experience reading and editing essays, and have been helping many of my friends with their personal statements. If you would like me to read your personal statement, please message me. I will reply ASAP with an estimated turnaround time (usually 3 days) and an email address to send the document to. Please do not send me essays vastly beyond the AMCAS length limit, however - extensive cutting is not one of my strongest skills.

weezer230:i am entering medical school this fall and i would love to help someone with their personal statement if they want help. my scores were very average and i got accepted at over 5 schools. i think the personal statement (and your secondary essays) is/are as important as your gpa and mcat score. i was an athlete in college and came from a different country and both of those topics were covered in my statement and essays. if you want me to look over your essays, please pm me and i will gladly do that (weezer230). Thanks and good luck

Hoberto: 30yr old non-trad BME BS, ChemE MS...entering medical school this fall. Just send me a PM.
 
I am no longer editing personal statements for free. Sorry. You can send them to me and I'll read them but just for laughs unless we can come to some sort of deal.

But a "thumbs up" or a "thumbs down" with a brief comment is still free.

I've read about twenty so far and have never been so nauseated in my entire life. What's wrong with you people? Where did you learn to be so self-centered? Aren't you folks a little young to be such pompous asses?

Kee-rist. I weep to think that most of you will be physicians some day.
 
And let me add that I think many of you will be accepted in spite of your personal statements, not because of them.
 
Panda Bear said:
Panda Bear, MD

I will read your pathetic, self-aggrandizing abortion of a personal statement and rip it the proverbial new rectum...that is just as soon as I finish wincing from your cringe-inducing prose explaining how you just want to hep' the underserved like yer' stinking childhood hero Ghandi.

I'm being serious here. I went back and read my AMCAS essay and fought back tears of shame that I had inflicted such a piece of crap on anybody. It was truly vomit inducing and I believe that most of yours are as well. If you want a harsh but honest appraisal from a guy who got into both medical schools where he applied and matched into Emergency Medicine this year with perhaps the world's shortest and most succint ERAS personal statement then I'm your guy. If you're a mewling little girly-man (or girly-girl) who insists on keeping the part about lactating so you could feed abandoned children in Brazil then find somebody else.

Now, you can go to my blog and see that I am a decent enough writer. You can search through my posts and see this as well. PM me your sickening little essay and I'll edit it down or at least make some decent suggestions as to how you can write an essay you will be proud of four year from now and not furtively burn against the possibility of it ever falling into the hands of your friends.


Just to refresh your memory.
 
Include your MDApps, please

Makes it easier to figure out the rest of your app - if you're neglecting information that I think would help your case or whatever.
 
Hey guys, just curious if you are reapplying to med school do you keep the same personal statement as the previous year or do you rewrite one. I mean it makes sense to keep the same one as my reasons for wanting to be a doctor are the same, but also i dont want them to think im lazy. any thoughts??
thanks,
kevin p
 
it is HIGHLY advised to update it. (Revamp, start over...SOMETHING)

A year passed...have you learned anything from being rejected? Did you do anything in that time that will add to your app? Was it meaningful to your pursuit of an MD? Your motivations might be the same...but it tells the adcoms you didn't do anything productive the application year if you don't change it.

Unless of course, you apply to completely different schools who haven't seen it before.

kapaduch said:
I mean it makes sense to keep the same one as my reasons for wanting to be a doctor are the same

it makes sense!? what planet are you from? oh yea, planet lazy. Think about it, say you own a company. You get someone's resume and don't offer them a job...then a year later they apply again, and it's the same resume. Would you hire them?
 
kristy117 said:
would someone please read mine? please? 🙂

PM one or more of the people still on the list on the first page of this thread.

kapaduch, I would definitely re-write your statement. Schools keep copies of old applications and the last thing they want to see is the same essay. Even if it was great. If you could write a great essay last year then you can write another great one for this year.
 
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