A question about relationships in personal statements and interviews

[Jordan1671]

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Hi guys,

I've been in a long distance relationship for over two years and counting with my partner in Australia. Over the past two years, I've found that the best way to maintain this is to Skype every day about an hour or more at 6am-8am depending on the seasons (time zone changes through the seasons and totally, totally suck ass...especially since the 6am Central or 11pm Melbourne time is sometime in the winter).

I was thinking about mentioning this as a form of time management, work ethic, or commitment on the personal statement or during interviews. Yet, I've heard that you never mention the 3 D's - Death, Divorce, or Disease and relationships during interviews. What is the stance for dental interviews and personal statements?

 

[stomatology]

I've been in a LDR for over two years too. We're pretty far apart, and we've also found that Skyping every evening works for us. So I would think I can understand where you're coming from.

That said, I would not mention this as a form of time management, work ethic, or commitment. I think there are much better ways to illustrate those things and that a personal relationship should not be included in a professional school application. I'd say the same thing to someone who wanted to talk about being a parent in their application. It's just not appropriate IMO.

 

[Jordan1671]

I've been in a LDR for over two years too. We're pretty far apart, and we've also found that Skyping every evening works for us. So I would think I can understand where you're coming from.

That said, I would not mention this as a form of time management, work ethic, or commitment. I think there are much better ways to illustrate those things and that a personal relationship should not be included in a professional school application. I'd say the same thing to someone who wanted to talk about being a parent in their application. It's just not appropriate IMO.

*High five fellow LDRer!*

Okay that cleared up many things for me. I was thinking that being in a LDR is something I know fully the responsibilities of, so it shouldn't be something that sets me apart but more-so something that is more my choice. Thanks for clearing that up and good luck to your relationship! 🙂

 

[dentalWorks]

Hi guys,

I've been in a long distance relationship for over two years and counting with my partner in Australia. Over the past two years, I've found that the best way to maintain this is to Skype every day about an hour or more at 6am-8am depending on the seasons (time zone changes through the seasons and totally, totally suck ass...especially since the 6am Central or 11pm Melbourne time is sometime in the winter).

I was thinking about mentioning this as a form of time management, work ethic, or commitment on the personal statement or during interviews. Yet, I've heard that you never mention the 3 D's - Death, Divorce, or Disease and relationships during interviews. What is the stance for dental interviews and personal statements?

This is just my opinion, but that doesn't sound too professional to me. The personal statement is a limited space where you express your interest in the field of dentistry, ultimately, you are guiding the readers to answer the "why dentistry" question. I just don't see how your relationship with your girlfriend has anything to do with that.

Look, there are some really gifted essay composers out there, and if you are one of them, then so bet it.... but if you are like the rest of us (average writing skills), it might not come off as well as you anticipate.

all the best

 

[sgv]

The personal statement looks like it's openended but it's really not. There's too little space to lollygag. Get to the point. Answer this = Why do you want to be a dentist and why would you be a good dentist?

 

[stomatology]

*High five fellow LDRer!*

Okay that cleared up many things for me. I was thinking that being in a LDR is something I know fully the responsibilities of, so it shouldn't be something that sets me apart but more-so something that is more my choice. Thanks for clearing that up and good luck to your relationship! 🙂

Thanks, and best of luck to your relationship as well as your application to dental school!

 

[Ferneezy]

The personal statement looks like it's openended but it's really not. There's too little space to lollygag. Get to the point. Answer this = Why do you want to be a dentist and why would you be a good dentist?

should also answer "who are you?"