Bad thing to include in PS

[1800RAW]

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Yes I am aware its getting late in the application cycle, but I wanted some opinions from people other than the ones that have been pulling me in a thousand different directions about my PS

I'm really into power lifting, hence the username. when I began studying for the DAT, i was working, doing research, taking classes, continuing to power lift, and studying obviously. I basically wanted ti include all of these things to show I could juggle multiple things at once while still maintaining a balance in my life through my hobbies, ie. power lifting. Additionally, I was about 50lbs shy of breaking an almost 30 year standing world record and had i not dropped down a weight class, Im sure my name would be in the record books. doesn't matter, point is, it was something I was really good at, unique talent, blah blah blah.

the exact sentence from my PS is ,"Involved in powerlifting, I dropped down a weight class so as to spend more time studying while still giving myself time to partake in the hobbies I enjoy. This balance in my life along with my studying and rigorous work schedule was essential to my preparation and success, as I feel it is very important to pursue interests outside of one’s profession."

I have 6 people giving my crap about the mention of power lifting due to the "negative stereotypes" associated with it, (stupid, fat, loud in the gym, etc.) none of which I exemplify. my father even went as far as to say that I might not even be given an interview if someone see's that reference and associates it with the above characteristics.

What do you guys think, should I include it or not? For the record I weight 205lbs, stand 5ft9in and am probably 12-13%bf right now.

 

[Canard]

In my opinion, you can put anything on the PS as long as you tie that with dentistry and how that made you prepared for the rigorous dental school curriculum.

I think it is very important to have hobby to take your stress out on or relax outside of studying and I feel you have done that by incorporating your passion for power lifting. But be careful not to put too much technical terms and too much detail.

I hope this helps.

 

[DentistDMD]

how much do you deadlift?

 

[1800RAW]

In my opinion, you can put anything on the PS as long as you tie that with dentistry and how that made you prepared for the rigorous dental school curriculum.

I think it is very important to have hobby to take your stress out on or relax outside of studying and I feel you have done that by incorporating your passion for power lifting. But be careful not to put too much technical terms and too much detail.

I hope this helps.

100% agreed, keep it short, to the point, and show that you can juggle a few difficult things at once along with maintaining your sanity, as this will be essential for survival in dental school. if they want more details, they can ask during the interview.

thanks, anymore input is welcome/appreciated

^^to the above guy I weighed about 255 so I could have easily cut to the 242 weightclass. My best lifts were a 565x5 beltless squat, so figure 650 with a belt, 455 touch and go bench, so figure 440 with a pause, and a 655 dead strapless and beltless, so maybe 665 with a belt on. 1750 total drug free, exactly 50 pounds away from the 1800lb total which was set in either 1983 or 1987 i believe. Right now I pull 500 on the dot beltless at 202ish, but im taking that record down before I start DS.

 

[DentistDMD]

Cool. Just don't injure your back. Otherwise, dental school won't really mean much...

 

[1800RAW]

Cool. Just don't injure your back. Otherwise, dental school won't really mean much...

Yeah I actually video record my squat and DL workouts every session now to make sure Im not rounding my lower back on the DL and tilting my pelvis forward on the squat. I used to do that from squatting too low and it REALLY can mess up your lower back.

 

[lmaozedong1]

YES PUT IT!!! I'd definitely put it. I mean, how many people can say they do it to that degree? In my opinion, that's pretty unique.

 

[1800RAW]

YES PUT IT!!! I'd definitely put it. I mean, how many people can say they do it to that degree? In my opinion, that's pretty unique.

Yeah I hear ya dude, I just dont want the image below to pop into people's heads when they read "powerlifting"

[youtube]PAXo3Wr_nYU[/youtube]

too bad im not good at piano or something

 

[wired202808]

Yeah I hear ya dude, I just dont want the image below to pop into people's heads when they read "powerlifting"

[youtube]PAXo3Wr_nYU[/youtube]

too bad im not good at piano or something

if you can connect it to dentistry, then pass the PS around here and get approval, then it might be fine. as long as you stay on topic and can link it correctly it will be successful. just make sure you find that link. also think about why you really want to put it down and if it will help your app.

Think of it this way: it does stand out, but is it gonna set you apart from someone else with better stats? probably not. Meanwhile, if you make such a good PS statement that its like an awesome story to read, you might stand out vs. applicants with similar stats.

 

[brainache]

I agree with most of the responses. If powerlifting is one of your defining characteristics, definitely include it. Besides, how would you like it if you get into school, and everyone shuns your hobby? That would suck (this won't happen though). Just be honest and modest. From the sounds of it, I can imagine your statement turning out quite well.

 

[dantemac]

As written I thought it was pretty neat and caught my attention.

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

100% agreed, keep it short, to the point, and show that you can juggle a few difficult things at once along with maintaining your sanity, as this will be essential for survival in dental school. if they want more details, they can ask during the interview.

thanks, anymore input is welcome/appreciated

^^to the above guy I weighed about 255 so I could have easily cut to the 242 weightclass. My best lifts were a 565x5 beltless squat, so figure 650 with a belt, 455 touch and go bench, so figure 440 with a pause, and a 655 dead strapless and beltless, so maybe 665 with a belt on. 1750 total drug free, exactly 50 pounds away from the 1800lb total which was set in either 1983 or 1987 i believe. Right now I pull 500 on the dot beltless at 202ish, but im taking that record down before I start DS.

Its really unique that you are a power lifter but your dad IS right in that there will be meat/juice head stereotypes associated with it BUT I see no harm in including it as long as you have the numbers to back it up (ie good GPA and DAT).

Who doesn't want beauty and brains?

On a side note... you must be like exponentially larger than me because the most I ever did was 225 DL in sets of 5 lol...

 

[jeffity]

Now I just want to see some pics!

Just get this bad boy completed and submit your application!