AMCAS and Secondaries Question

[Dr Gerrard]

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So I am not the best writer.

When you turn these two in, does anybody know if they focus more on content or how well its written?

I mean I am not a terrible writer and I will be able to spell out my thoughts in a coherent and understandable way, but it definitely won't be as eloquent, if you know what I mean.

 

[Pedsbro]

So I am not the best writer.

When you turn these two in, does anybody know if they focus more on content or how well its written?

I mean I am not a terrible writer and I will be able to spell out my thoughts in a coherent and understandable way, but it definitely won't be as eloquent, if you know what I mean.

Substance over style in this case. I got help with my PS from a couple professors who were former adcom members for 10 years and this is what one told me. He made it clear that when they have to read hundreds of these in a pile, they want to see the substance of it. Style points are few and far between... If you can get a healthy combination of the two in there, fine, but don't sacrifice content for anything else. And really make sure your grammar and spelling are correct!! Have several people read it over looking for mistakes in grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation.

On a lighter note and an example when style goes too far, one told me of one PS they read that was in the form of a patient chart. Long story short, it ended with "Diagnosis: Wanting to be a doctor....Treatment: Accept me into med school". Needless to say, this person was not accepted.

 

[Dr Gerrard]

Anyone else?

 

[Hopefullylucky1]

Content is definitely most important---my personal statement and secondaries came up in many interviews---but I would also guess that the style and way that the content is presented really makes a difference in how the reader interprets the content.

I read a book on personal statement examples just to get into the mindset and think about which styles I felt worked and didn't before I started writing. I thought that really helped me out a bit last year. Also, have other people proofread and give suggestions but be careful not to lose your voice in the stories and anecdotes that make the statements.

Basically, nothing can make up for weak content, but iffy style may hamper strong content.

 

[witness23]

content, hopefully something that positively demonstrates your motivation, goals, personality with relevant experience, would probably "trump" style.

however, bad writing will always take away from content.

 

[Dr Gerrard]

Yeah, I am not a "bad" writer, and I will make sure that I write everything in the most clear and concise manner. However, perhaps in terms of vocabulary, my writing will not be the strongest.