dancing doctor

[mill2011]

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I have a question about a topic in my personal statement. I read that if you have a special talent, you should definitely mention it. I was very serious and involved in ballet and modern dance when I was in high school. could've gone pro with modern, but decided not to major in dance when I came to school, because I decided I couldn't/didn't want to do both. I did take the highest level of majors classes for a couple years, choreographed a show for my sorority in a competition, and joined a university-sponsored dance company. Although the majority of my achievement was in high school, should I mention it?

 

[willen101383]

I would definitely mention it somewhere...I wouldnt focus an essay on it or anything, unless it somehow has affected your decision to become a physician. But I would definitely mention any awards you have won and that kind of thing. Med schools like well rounded individuals...not just people obsessed with being volunteers and reading books. Dancing was/is an important part of who you are!

 

[7starmantis]

I completely agree. If anything I think things like this set you apart and make you unique. To me that could translate into an advantage if done right, standing out from the crowd of applications is a good thing (most of the time).

 

[FrazzleSnazzle]

Um, is this a serious question?

Of course you should mention it! Med schools love seeing applicants who are passionate about topics aside from just science and medicine. They look specifically for people who have these extra talents like yours. Remember that a doctor is not just supposed to be book-smart but must also be a sociable individual who can get along well with patients.

 

[LizzyM]

Clearly, the activities you engaged in during college that involved dance should be listed in the experience section under artistic,

 

[mill2011]

thanks for the advice! it's hard to directly relate this to my motivation for becoming a physician, but maybe i can tie it in with the discipline and other skills gained from these experiences?

 

[LizzyM]

thanks for the advice! it's hard to directly relate this to my motivation for becoming a physician, but maybe i can tie it in with the discipline and other skills gained from these experiences?

How about: it is fun, you enjoy it, others enjoy the performances, and it is a way to stay physically fit. It may also be a stress reliever.

It doesn't have to be related to medicine. It should go in the experience section. You need not refer to it in the personal statement.

 

[dancingDO14]

I've been dancing my whole life and continued with it throughout college, and taught for several years in college. I have also had severe injuries and subsequent surgeries due to dance. The impact its had on my life, particularly in college (even while not a major, just taking classes like OP), led me to center my PS around dance. I had a strong story, IMO...especially because of my injuries and long-term medical care, I discussed the discipline/principles of dance pertaining to medicine as well, but also about how my experiences as a patient would make me a more empathetic doctor.

I think dance is a good, unique story, but unless its had profound impact on your life, I agree w/ LizzyM. My experience section was more about academic achievement and my PS focused on ballet. You might find that the dance activities fit better in the experience section and might not want to center your PS simply around achievements in dance. Your call in the end. PM if you're interested in talking more, sounds like we have similar backgrounds.

 

[NotAsking4Much]

It's all how you spin it. One person who I know goes to UCSF now wrote her PS about how the art of dancing (she was a ballroom dancer) was similar to the art of medicine. One of the best essays I've read.

 

[mill2011]

using dance as a theme was really more of the route I was thinking. The art has shaped me greatly as a person, but I certainly had no intention of centering a personal statement around a career I decided not to choose. I do, however, want to stand out from other applicants.

 

[LizzyM]

I've never danced but I enjoy dance performances and last year I had a very enjoyable interview experience with someone who emphasized her dance experience on the application. Often, something like this on the application serves as an ice breaker conversation or a later bit of the interview to get a better feel for the applicant as a unique individual.

 

[FIREitUP]

im no adcom, but I think you can show how dancing made you disciplined, diligent, determined, (other "d" words), etc. all qualities that a physician should possess.