Accomplishments in Personal Statement

[NCF145]

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When you write about your accomplishments in your personal statement, is it recommended to elaborate on your rank in the classes? I have made good grades in all of my classes, but that doesn't let the adcoms see where I rank in regard to the other students in the class. In other words, if there were 10 As in the class out of 100 students, would it be beneficial to say that I was the top or in the top two grades in the class in a majority of my upper level classes? The only reason why I am asking is b/c of some lower grades that I received my sophomore due to extenuating circumstances (death in family), and I want to show them what I truly am capable of. Much thanks.

 

[tennisguy896]

Hey there- I would try to avoid talking about grades in your personal statement. You have 5300 precious characters, and you don't really want to use too many of saying things the adcom can easily see on your transcript. However, if there is a big deviation in your grades, then you can definitely explain it, but try not to use too much space. Besides such exceptions, avoid talking about grades because so many applicants would be in those top rankings that it won't make you stand out. Good luck.

 

[DrBowtie]

They can see the grade breakdowns so spend the space talking about the "soft" factors of your app.

 

[BozoSparky]

Your letters of recommendation will probably include some remarks as to your grades and how good you are. Tell a good story in your PS. Get their attention. Plus, the mcat is meant to be the great normalizing force in the pre-med universe.

 

[OctoDoc]

You should refrain from discussing your accomplishments for their own sake in your PS. Only bring them up as they pertain to your life story, why you want to be a physician, and why you will be a good physician. This should be the focus of your PS, not what great accomplishments you have. The adcomms can read your resume from your AMCAS application.

 

[somewhere2010]

if you reeeeeally feel the need to talk about your rank in various classes, mention it in the activities section of the AMCAS along with dean's list or similar if that applies. if not, i think you should just leave it off the application. they'll see your grades, and they won't be that impressed whether you beat the other 99 people in your class.

 

[NoSoupforYou13]

Seriously, do not talk about grades, rank, academic accomplishments in your PS. There are multiple sections of AMCAS devoted to this sort of thing. Instead, the PS should be a type of narrative about your path towards medicine, an interesting experience, etc.

I cannot imagine many reasons why someone would mention anything about grades in the PS unless to discuss a drastic event that caused a shift in ones grades (i.e As to Cs). You definitely do not want to brag about being in the top whatever percent, this will, justifiably, turn off many AdComs.

OP- most people applying have excellent grades and there will always be someone who has better grades then you. Consequently, you are going to need define / demonstrate other attributes that make you a strong candidate.

Good luck.