applying for psych - any tips for personal statement?

[eastcoastdr]

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Besides the obvious (correct spelling & grammar, not coming off as a total weirdo). Is there anything specific that PDs in psych look for in personal statements? Just thought I'd ask to be on the safe side. I'm a Carib IMG...I know it will be hard to get a good residency spot, so I want to make sure that my PS really makes me stand out to PDs.
thanks 🙂

 

[OldPsychDoc]

Previous post on the subject

 

[eastcoastdr]

Previous post on the subject

Thank you! I did do a search on "personal statement" and it only came up with some general threads in the ERAS and NRMP forum. Sorry if my post was redundant!

 

[OldPsychDoc]

Thank you! I did do a search on "personal statement" and it only came up with some general threads in the ERAS and NRMP forum. Sorry if my post was redundant!

It's OK -- I had a hard time finding it, too--it was in a mentoring /advising thread that has since been closed by the Uber-mods.

 

[Rickettsia]

I was wondering what the guidelines for length are in psychiatry? I have seen elsewhere that the PS must be kept under 1 page, but is keeping it short as important in psychiatry?

 

[splik]

yes.

 

[shan564]

Remember that "1 page" is a bit different because of the formatting of the PS. There's a thread somewhere in the ERAS forum that tells you about the specific formatting.

 

[Rebs28]

Can I mention the mental illness and suicide of a family member that drew me closer to Psychiatry in my personal statement? This is certainly not my only motivating factor, and I explain that, but this family member's illness is what initially made me interested in mental health.

I've been told that mentioning mental illness in family members is "taboo" in Psychiatry. Is this true?

 

[MacDonaldTriad]

I have heard conflicting opinions about mentioning personal experience with mental illness, but I have never heard anyone worry about experience within an applicant’s family. Essays are much more similar than different, and this might help stand out a little. I think it would be viewed as a positive by about everyone.

As far as length, no more than one page please! I’m sure they are much harder to write than to read, but try reading a dozen in one sitting.

 

[notdeadyet]

I've been told that mentioning mental illness in family members is "taboo" in Psychiatry. Is this true?

Statistically speaking, odds are that ALL of us have a family member with mental illness.

There is controversy in writing about personal struggles with mental ill was, but I haven't heard any about family members.

If its a factor in your path, I see no problem mentioning it...