blanket statements in personal statement

[wblack]

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Should I use write a blanket statement in the last paragraph of my PS that states that I will serve the community or eliminate language barriers using my knowledge of multiple languages? In my AMCAS, I list numerous community service activities and indicate different languages I speak, however, on my PS, I don't discuss community service or the languages I speak. So do I assume that they will read the AMCAS and see that or I should incorporate this in my PS? Thanks.

 

[Ismet]

Your PS does not have to discuss any of your AMCAS activities. It is not a resume in paragraph form. It is supposed to tell adcoms why you want to do medicine. If one of your activities led to your interest or confirmed your decision to go into medicine, then by all means elaborate on that activity. I don't think a "blanket statement" thrown in at the end would be beneficial, because the mark of a good PS is that you show, not tell. If your PS is not about serving the community or reducing language barriers, talking about that at the end, unless skillfully integrated, will probably seem random and out of place. If you do want to talk about it, show them how you have contributed to the community and the effect it has had on you, not just "I will serve the community."

 

[wblack]

Thank you for your responses, it nicely summarizes some of the key elements of a good PS. But just a few more questions, would it be ok to say that through shadowing and information seminars, I learned of realities physicians face such as long work hours, declining reimbursements, etc. and that knowledge of those drawbacks has allowed me to make an objective decision in pursuing medicine? I heard that it would be ok to list such drawbacks which would make the applicant look informed and pursuing medicine for the right reasons. Others have said that it would make things listy and common knowledge. And 2) do you necessarily have to describe the activities through stories? I have a story in my PS that strongly relates my love for patient interaction but don't have room for others so is it sufficient to say that through this activity, I did this, and learned this?