Was that inspiration you got from JPH?! Maybe you did have a great essay and should stick with it, I don't know. You should be yourself but also very compelling. I have seen friends with applications to die for with pathetic essays and in some cases they didn't get in. What I tried to do was explain myself in such a way that was convincing and in a manner that was enjoyable to read. I tried thinking of myself as an author and would I want to read this essay. I also outlined key points that I wanted to communicate and explain. If stories got old then no one would continue to write or read... bottom line a compelling story may just open a door. If that story includes grandma in the ICU then so be it! This is especially true if the moment spurred an epiphany or a life calling. Being genuine, speaking from the heart, and articulating well is all you can ask for and in the end that is what will get the job done. Good luck! Keep in mind we all did it a little differently and what might work for me or some other med student may not work for you.😎
I am just speaking from what I know. You read enough stories in personal statements and you too would stop caring.
Do you know what percentage of applicants write some cutesy type story in their application that the admissions office is forced to read? I can tell you its more than 80%.
EVERYONE has a story.
Half the people wanted to be doctors since they were a child. The other half want to be doctors because grandma or uncle joe is all better now. They either write about their first toy being a plastic stethescope or how they were amazed at the confidence and knowledge of the doctor taking care of their grandpa.
Give me a break.
None of these stories are interesting or unique. I have them as well. My dog got hit by a car, my grandmother had cancer, grandfather had a stroke and mother had osteomyelitis. All of them had great caregivers and all are alive today...except the dog.
Why do I want to talk to YOU?
Why do I want to invite you to MY school to possibly become part of MY profession?
Not because you like 'ER' or because your family has had a run of bad luck with their health. I want to meet you because YOU are an interesting person.
True, our experiences can influence our personality and beliefs, but I am more interested in what have you done to develop that interest in medicine?
I first started liking soccer when I watched the 86 World Cup, but no one cares about that. Now...telling people about how I went to develop a soccer program for the handicapped or how I was offered scholarships but chose academics over athletics...now THATS the story. The sick grandmother doesnt interest me (no offense to all of your relatives) but what YOU DID with that desire and drive...that I can spend a minute to hear about.