ERAS Personal statement length?

[dextor2003]

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My personal statement in Word is exactly 1 page, but in ERAS it's about half a page. Should I stick with my current length, or would it be okay to go by ERAS's preview and add a paragraph or two?

 

[el_duderino]

Stick with your current length. Should be ~700 words or so.

 

[Donald Juan]

Definitely don't lengthen it. You want a short, concise PS.

 

[dextor2003]

Stick with your current length. Should be ~700 words or so.

Definitely don't lengthen it. You want a short, concise PS.

I added the paragraph to see how much longer it would be. It's 720 words now. Is that okay, or should I cut it back down?

 

[el_duderino]

I added the paragraph to see how much longer it would be. It's 720 words now. Is that okay, or should I cut it back down?

Are those extra words necessary? More words doesn't mean better unless they convey something actually important.

 

[dextor2003]

Are those extra words necessary? More words doesn't mean better unless they convey something actually important.

I personally feel they are, but I could be wrong. The extra paragraph was to individualize my statements to my most reach/desired programs. 720 words is the longest length. The others are about 715. But my general statement to most of my programs is <700 words. Any thoughts?

 

[el_duderino]

What specialty are you applying to?

 

[dextor2003]

What specialty are you applying to?

Peds. I was told my application is kind of a toss up for the competitive programs, so I thought individualizing some of my statements might help =\

 

[el_duderino]

My impression of that is that it's kind of a toss-up. Unless the program specifically asks for certain things, I wouldn't do it.

 

[dextor2003]

My impression of that is that it's kind of a toss-up. Unless the program specifically asks for certain things, I wouldn't do it.

Whomp. I was told by a current peds fellow it would help. Maybe I should reconsider.

 

[el_duderino]

Whomp. I was told by a current peds fellow it would help. Maybe I should reconsider.

I expect a peds fellow would know a lot more about applying to peds than I would. In any case, I think the consensus is that your length is probably fine.

 

[dextor2003]

Good to know, thank you!