Confusing Secondary

[SeptemberStar]

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Is it OK to copy and paste a personal statement for a why do you want to go into medicine question on a secondary? I wrote the answer to that in my personal statement, but is it ok to be repetitive? This Secondary (MCG) also asks for a repeat of the work/activities. 😕

 

[WUcrewbie]

A lot of places that I had applied to allowed you to reference your PS if needed. I had the same thing happen, they basically asked a question on a secondary that I had written my PS on, and I just wrote, "Please refer to my Personal Statement." But, if it didn't say something like that on the secondary form itself, you might just want to check with the school. It would probably be better to ask first then just automatically cut and paste your PS, since they will also read that and probably make a connection.

Good luck!

 

[LizzyM]

please have mercy on the adcom member who is reading your appie and don't cut & paste. Write something fresh and new. The adcom has access to and reads both. If you use the same essay, word for word, it looks bad.

 

[doublepeak]

Even if your ps explains it, you could probably elaborate, give different examples, etc. I would not think it would be a good idea and copy and paste...but it would be alright to have the same ideas, just said in another way. (isn't your personal statement a little more "artsy" than the more straightforward, more cut and dry, answer they are seeking?).

And as for the activities...Its only logical that they asked you to input your activities for a reason. Maybe they don't download the activity description (UCSF says they don't on their website). Or maybe they like their secondary to be a standalone thing they give to interviewers. But whatever the reason, they know EVERYONE has their activities on the AMCAS, so if their secondary asked for it, they must want it there too.

If you don't fill comfortable, then just call them. You probably aren't the only one.

 

[DrDarwin]

Even if your ps explains it, you could probably elaborate, give different examples, etc. I would not think it would be a good idea and copy and paste...but it would be alright to have the same ideas, just said in another way. (isn't your personal statement a little more "artsy" than the more straightforward, more cut and dry, answer they are seeking?).

And as for the activities...Its only logical that they asked you to input your activities for a reason. Maybe they don't download the activity description (UCSF says they don't on their website). Or maybe they like their secondary to be a standalone thing they give to interviewers. But whatever the reason, they know EVERYONE has their activities on the AMCAS, so if their secondary asked for it, they must want it there too.

If you don't fill comfortable, then just call them. You probably aren't the only one.

Funny that doublespeak is commenting on confusing secondaries 😛.