Application Quality

[Groggs]

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Does having a well or poorly written application really make that a big of an influence on gaining admittance to medical school? I ask because I believe my ECs, GPA, and MCAT are all great but I am terrible at writing so my PS and experiences section of the AMCAS seem to be rough. I've written all the drafts and am wondering if I should just submit and quit worrying about it or continue to work a ton on the writing.

 

[gyngyn]

Does having a well or poorly written application really make that a big of an influence on gaining admittance to medical school?

A poorly written application is a deal-breaker.

 

[darmalee]

I think that your PS makes a huge difference. This is your first chance to "introduce" yourself. If you know you have trouble with writing, there are resources to help you with that.

 

[fldoctorgirl]

I would have someone look at your PS and activities entries if you aren't comfortable with it. This way, you're not taking any chances and you don't have to spend the next whatever amount of months worrying that your writing will mess up your otherwise perfect app (I remember your MCAT score haha, so I think you're pretty good unless your writing is severely poor).

 

[rolliespring]

Submitting it in the next week or two still makes you early in the cycle.

 

[Groggs]

A poorly written application is a deal-breaker.

What does it mean for an app to be well written? Does this mean The grammar and wording is of quality or that the content is strong or what?

 

[Lawpy]

Does having a well or poorly written application really make that a big of an influence on gaining admittance to medical school? I ask because I believe my ECs, GPA, and MCAT are all great but I am terrible at writing so my PS and experiences section of the AMCAS seem to be rough. I've written all the drafts and am wondering if I should just submit and quit worrying about it or continue to work a ton on the writing.

Message delivery is critical: how you describe your experiences and your journey is just as (if not more) important as the experiences themselves. The PS and experience descriptions should be checked for grammar and structure. Avoid creative writing for sure but you should make your application compelling to the readers.

 

[gyngyn]

What does it mean for an app to be well written? Does this mean The grammar and wording is of quality or that the content is strong or what?

I look for an applicant who writes clearly and compellingly in his own voice.
Sadly, we mostly get strings of words you would never say aloud. I've grown accustomed to it.
The deal-breakers lack reflection, grammar or the ring of authenticity.

 

[Goro]

What does it mean for an app to be well written? Does this mean The grammar and wording is of quality or that the content is strong or what?

If you have to ask..... 🙁

Just make sure to have the name of XSOM if you're applying there, and do NOT copypasta the PS for YSOM. I immediately reject people that careless.