cut down personal statement

[ucla2134]

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The limited is 4500 characters including space, it is really a struggle for me since i do not know what i should eliminate.
So here is the breakdown:
First exposure to dentistry:--> 1784 characters including space
My love of science:--->555 characters including space
Research and reasons why i cannot continue in research: 1972 characters including space
Shadowing and my work experience involved in artistry:--> 1756 characters including space
Mentoring: 1900 characters

As you see they are way beyond 4500 characters.
Should i eliminate mentoring on my p.s or should i cut down on everything

Please helps!!!
Thanks

 

[NuckingFutz]

The limited is 4500 characters including space, it is really a struggle for me since i do not know what i should eliminate.
So here is the breakdown:
First exposure to dentistry:--> 1784 characters including space
My love of science:--->555 characters including space
Research and reasons why i cannot continue in research: 1972 characters including space
Shadowing and my work experience involved in artistry:--> 1756 characters including space
Mentoring: 1900 characters

As you see they are way beyond 4500 characters.
Should i eliminate mentoring on my p.s or should i cut down on everything

Please helps!!!
Thanks

I think it's best to just cut sections out. I had the exact same problem with my personal statement. I tried talking about too many things and couldn't fit it all within the 4500 character limit. As a result, I felt the best choice was to weed out portions that weren't as relevant to dentistry and further expand on the sections that further emphasized why I wanted to become a dentist. You can always talk about yourself at the interviews 🙄

You may want to reread your PS and find which part contributes the least to why you want to become a dentist. Remember that a PS should explain your interest in dentistry so if (for example) your research portion doesn't really contribute much then you might as well leave it out.

Hope that helps!

 

[Neuro178]

Research and reasons why i cannot continue in research: 1972 characters including space

Not sure I understand this one... Why you "cannot continue in research"? I'd cut that out. It seems pretty long.. plus, why draw on the negative? There is research in dentistry too! Mentioning that you did research is good, but really only if it relates to dentistry somehow. Ex: My research relates to dentistry b/c I do microsurgery on mice, and I deal with an electrophysiology rig with electrodes, etc etc. (That all contributes to manual dexterity.)

Just my two cents! I'd suggest what the person above me said - cut out whole sections. I find that it's harder to cut down a paper when you go around shortening paragraphs/sentences because it interrupts the flow of the paragraph.

Good luck with the ps! 😉

 

[Shunwei]

The limited is 4500 characters including space, it is really a struggle for me since i do not know what i should eliminate.
So here is the breakdown:
First exposure to dentistry:--> 1784 characters including space
My love of science:--->555 characters including space
Research and reasons why i cannot continue in research: 1972 characters including space
Shadowing and my work experience involved in artistry:--> 1756 characters including space
Mentoring: 1900 characters

As you see they are way beyond 4500 characters.
Should i eliminate mentoring on my p.s or should i cut down on everything

Please helps!!!
Thanks

I'd structure your material a little differently. Exposure to dentistry and be meshed with shadowing for a section. Your love of science and research can be lumped together.

Maybe you should ask some people on here for proof-reading. You'd be surprised at how concise syntax and writing style can cut down on word count.

 

[DrReo]

They all combine to your interest and why you want to pursue dentistry, right? Be concise. My personal statement was 2000 characters. A lot of the stuff initially is mumbo jumbo. Elaborate later on supp apps, if you feel that's needed

 

[Andrew324]

They all combine to your interest and why you want to pursue dentistry, right? Be concise. My personal statement was 2000 characters. A lot of the stuff initially is mumbo jumbo. Elaborate later on supp apps, if you feel that's needed

Dr. Reo can I see your statement? 2000 characters is so short

 

[tinman831]

4500 is way more than you'll need for a personal statement. Be concise. Don't be wordy (ie 3 sentences when 1 would be enough). Also focus more on why you are pursuing dentistry rather than rehashing your qualifications. Don't list things that already appear in other parts of your application (such as awards, research experience, etc) unless it specifically explains your love for dentistry.