Anyone else started their *new* PS and....

[imrep1972]

---

Members don't see this ad.

having trouble with it? I know, I know, it is early to be worrying about this, but I would like to have it finished as soon as the new AMCAS is posted so I am ready.

I just am struggling trying to come up with a new spin; a new way to say basically the same thing I said last year, since that didn't work.

What is everyone else doing about their new personal statement?

 

[MoosePilot]

having trouble with it? I know, I know, it is early to be worrying about this, but I would like to have it finished as soon as the new AMCAS is posted so I am ready.

I just am struggling trying to come up with a new spin; a new way to say basically the same thing I said last year, since that didn't work.

What is everyone else doing about their new personal statement?

I just created a fairly autobiographical essay that covered my strengths and explained my weaknesses. It's fairly basic and has to be for the length.

 

[imrep1972]

I just created a fairly autobiographical essay that covered my strengths and explained my weaknesses. It's fairly basic and has to be for the length.

You did this for this next app cycle? (2006), or for a previous? If it was for a previous, how did that work out for you?

 

[MoosePilot]

You did this for this next app cycle? (2006), or for a previous? If it was for a previous, how did that work out for you?

2006 entering. No telling yet, of course. It's a good essay, though.

 

[BaylorGuy]

I totally feel your pain. I'm currently in the process of trying to revamp the old essay. I saw my weaknesses in the old essay, so i'm trying to rewrite the entire thing...but i will most likely take some info from the last essay.

I have yet to find my muse, but i'm coming up with some ok/good stuff....hopefully it will be cohesive and do me justice.

 

[ShyRem]

I did my last app the stand-by autobiographical strengths-weaknesses type essay. I completely rewrote it without weaknesses, focusing instead on how I know medicine is right for me at this late stage (I'm a non-trad), and incorporating my medical experience.

 

[nockamura]

You guys talked about your weaknesses? Seems like in the short amount of space that we're alloted, you'd stick to your strengths. They do ask what your weaknesses are in the interviews.

 

[deleted50541]

You guys talked about your weaknesses? Seems like in the short amount of space that we're alloted, you'd stick to your strengths. They do ask what your weaknesses are in the interviews.

That's good advice. After my final hopes for entering this year's class were dashed, I have been working on a new ps for the last two months. And in almost every instance, people who have read and advised me on the contents of my statement always tell me to steer clear of the negative. It only serves to weaken yourself and your application. I made that mistake the first time around and will NOT be making it again.

 

[nockamura]

The essay should focus on two things: why you want to become a doctor and how your experiences have helped prepare to you to become a doctor. So, rather than list experiences and/or accomplishments, discuss how they relate to your ability/desire to become a physician.

 

[caliente]

The essay should focus on two things: why you want to become a doctor and how your experiences have helped prepare to you to become a doctor. So, rather than list experiences and/or accomplishments, discuss how they relate to your ability/desire to become a physician.

I completely agree. I personally concentrated more on the second...but more from the angle of how my experiences show I would be a good doctor since I don't have much clinical, or doctor-y, experience.

Pure speculation here, but I think you should talk mainly about experiences that strongly support and demonstrate this. Therefore, don't feel you need to always mention the clinical or research stuff you've done. Pull from any area of your life that BEST demonstrates what you are trying to project.

 

[MoosePilot]

You guys talked about your weaknesses? Seems like in the short amount of space that we're alloted, you'd stick to your strengths. They do ask what your weaknesses are in the interviews.

Well, but glaring weaknesses that are going to show up elsewhere need to be mentioned. If your GPA stands out and not for a good reason, the essay is one chance to "hook" them before they throw your app on the reject pile.

 

[Kazema]

If your weaknesses are things that might never come up if you don't mention them, by all means leave them the heck out of your PS.

But if you've got bright red flags on your application, the PS is as good a place as any to address them and spin them in a positive way. Just don't make your whole essay about them, you also want to explain why you'll be a good doctor.

 

[nockamura]

Oh, yeah. Never thought of that. I would write about any F's or other glaring problems for sure. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[prana_md]

I would write about any F's or other glaring problems for sure. Sorry for the confusion.

WTF? That never even occurred to me. You can do that on a 2ndary. Tell them how much you rock. YOU. ROCK. End of essay.