Can my W/A and PS work together to generate the full story?

[lunchlady45]

Hey!

Thank you anyone who is reading this. Essentially, my PS talks about stories of what I have seen and been a part of, and how that has uncovered what my values were and my desire to pursue medicine. I will say, it does seem like I am talking about others and only talking about myself when it comes to the reflection on these experiences and how it has impacted me and where I grew from it. I don't delve further into specific examples of me doing it.

These specific examples are in my W/A section, where I have a lot of stories explaining what I specifically have done that matches what I reflected upon in my PS. Here, I do a lot of showing.

Will ADCOM be able to see a full picture this way? Essentially my W/A shows what I am doing, and my PS acts as a lens for these activities to be fully understood.

I understand this is probably difficult to answer without reading what I have written, but any help is appreciated. Thank you!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Welcome to the forums. Hopefully you caught our Expert Advice Live sessions on the PS and W/A.

Of course your PS and W/A should work together. That's how it works in the real job market: your cover letter and resume work together. Now I can't tell you how adcoms will behave or decide, but make it work.

 

[Rachapkis]

I agree that your PS and W/A should work together. One item in your post caught my attention: you mention that in your PS you generally talk about others and refer to yourself only to show how you grew or what you learned from your experiences. Be careful not to waste too much valuable space setting up your experiences with others. Set the scene quickly and focus on yourself, as the purpose of your personal statement is to sell yourself to highly competitive medical schools (show that you have a strong desire to pursue medicine; have enough experience to know what you're getting into; and possess the self-awareness/traits to be an excellent medical student and doctor). Good luck!

What not to do below:

As my father lay gasping for breath on the floor, I could hear the boots of first responders echoing off the hallway walls. I dashed over to my father, took his sweaty hand in mine, and peered into his pale blue eyes. He tried to speak to me—his mouth moving haltingly—but no words came. At that moment, I felt an impotent rage—unable to help my own father in his time of need. It was at that exact moment I felt called to pursue medicine as a career—to ensure that I would be able to help others that I care about and provide compassionate care to underserved communities.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Thread 'Personal Statement Q&A - May 4, 2025 @ 9 PM Eastern'

Apr 28, 2025

In this session, we’ll be diving into the personal statement and its companion essay, Other Impactful Experiences. Learn how to share your unique story.

• WildWing
• Replies: 2
• Forum: Expert Advice Live

Thread 'Work/Activities Q&A - May 18, 2025 @ 9 PM Eastern'

Apr 28, 2025

The work and activities section on health professional school applications allows you to highlight how you have prepared for a career as a physician, dentist, or other healthcare professional. Dr. Chuck will detail what items should be included and how to approach this part of the application.

• WildWing
• Replies: 2
• Forum: Expert Advice Live