Do you ever explain weaknesses in personal statement?

[chagall]

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I'm thinking probably not, at least in this case, but just wanted to ask. In my case, I think it is likely that my dean's letter will end up having at least some comments about how I am quiet and possibly not assertive enough, since that was mentioned throughout my 3rd year. (Not yet in 4th year, though...well, I've been called quiet but assertive...so I think I've improved).

I'm trying to figure out what to put in my personal statement, and this didn't come to mind until I was writing a story about a patient. I thought about at the end, maybe mentioning in an offhand way about quietness vs listening to a patient or something that would put it in a relatively positive light.

Probably a bad idea? I'm thinking so, but wanted to ask in case.

 

[Hard24Get]

I'm thinking probably not, at least in this case, but just wanted to ask. In my case, I think it is likely that my dean's letter will end up having at least some comments about how I am quiet and possibly not assertive enough, since that was mentioned throughout my 3rd year. (Not yet in 4th year, though...well, I've been called quiet but assertive...so I think I've improved).

I'm trying to figure out what to put in my personal statement, and this didn't come to mind until I was writing a story about a patient. I thought about at the end, maybe mentioning in an offhand way about quietness vs listening to a patient or something that would put it in a relatively positive light.

Probably a bad idea? I'm thinking so, but wanted to ask in case.

you are right, it is a bad idea. Anyhow, 1) your dean's letter won't necessarily include those comments, and 2) they may not be perceived as negatives. But since they may not be perceived as positives, why highlight it as a personality trait? Feel free to highlight your great listening skills, but I wouldn't bring up the other.

 

[chagall]

you are right, it is a bad idea. Anyhow, 1) your dean's letter won't necessarily include those comments, and 2) they may not be perceived as negatives. But since they may not be perceived as positives, why highlight it as a personality trait? Feel free to highlight your great listening skills, but I wouldn't bring up the other.

Thanks...I think you're right. I hope those comments about perceived lack of assertiveness won't kill my application if they do show up in my letter, since other people who have gotten to know me better say that they think I am assertive, just on the quieter side. I'll try to make sure to get good letters of rec, too.