MiesVanDerMom said:
I'm going to be applying next year and I am already dreading the personal statement. What are some resources I could turn to for some major help? I normally do well on these things, but it's the non-traditional issues tripping me up.
Hi there,
Sit down and write one or two-words that describe why you want to be a physician. For example: interesting, challenging, rewarding, etc.
Then write fragments of your personality characterics: intellectual, empathetic etc.
List some turning points in your life: birth of child, marriage, graduation, research etc. and describe them in one or two word phrases. Convey the emotion and excitement.
List some personal experience with a physician/mentor etc. If you don't have these, get them.
Put all of this stuff away and don't think about it for a couple of weeks. Then take out your ideas and add or subtract from them. Keep doing this as you volunteer or shadow.
Finally think about sentinal events in your life that got you to this point and this career goal. Just list this and periodically elaborate on them. Work some of the above ideas into your essay. Then put this away.
Find four or five people who know you and your goals well. After you have written your first draft of PS, ask them to read and critique it. Do not ask folks on SDN to do this for you. Ask people who know you well. Ask your husband to critique your essay.
Incorporate comments and critiques and put your second draft away for a couple of days. You have plenty of time so don't hurry on this statement.
Things to include:
Sell yourself and crystallize why you would be a good addition to the medical community. What are your personal characterictics that would make you a good physician? You might also comment on how and why you seek this career. Convey why you are excited about medicine. Make that committee WANT to meet you and have you in their class. Tell them why you are special and unique.
Make your PS easy to read and informative. Do not use convoluted styles. Check and re-check your PS for spelling and gramatical errors. Use the simple: Thesis, Evidence, Evidence and Conclusion style. Try not to use too much passive voice.
Finally, let your original editors critique your final PS and comment. Incorporate or do not incorporate their comments. Let your document rest a final time before submitting it. Check for errors and unclear references.
In short, start with one or few word phrases that reflect your ideas about medicine and a medical career and how you are suited for both. Just fill the page with ideas at first. You can flesh out these ideas from time to time but do not stress about them.
Good luck!
njbmd
🙂
