Found a typo in my PS--how boned am I?

[TrebizondArcher]

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After reviewing my primary application after it was verified, I noticed that I copied a version of my PS where the word "both" was used about five times in the span of two sentences. For example: "Both my mother and my grandfather were both diagnosed in short succession." With the exception of a closing sentence in one of my less important experiences that I forgot to update since my first application (I tutored someone for a test in May of 2016, so it was something to the effect of "she hasn't gotten her results back yet, but...), my primary was spotless. Should I be bracing for impact right now? Should I upload a little blurb about pasting the wrong draft if any of my secondaries allow it?

 

[Isoval]

On a scale of one to ten...

Probably like a negative seven?

 

[TrebizondArcher]

On a scale of one to ten...

Probably like a negative seven?

1 being nothing to sweat, I hope.

 

[sinigang14]

Honestly, I don't even understand what the problem is. Are you saying that you used "but" too many times and that is why you're freaking out? I think your "problem" is trivial and you have nothing to worry about if that is the case.

 

[Wahed]

Thats not a typo, it's just bad writing. I'd bet that most people's essays employ really bad writing. Given that you even noticed it later, I suspect that the rest of your essay is well written and the impact of your mistake will be to take it down from like a 95% to a 94% - if even. Adcoms are probably speed reading these essays anyway and if the error even registers it'll probably be on a subconscious level.

 

[TrebizondArcher]

It's a syntax issue. It reads pretty awfully when you consider the entire paragraph:
"Scientific curiosity is not the only component of my progression toward a medical education. Although it may seem overused or obvious, I think it bears repeating—I want to study medicine because I want to help people. In high school, both my mother and grandfather were both diagnosed with cancer within a relatively short span of time. I am relieved to say that both are now in good health, but during this period I came to strongly appreciate the work of doctors in treating them, as it was both the early detection and attentiveness to care on the part of doctors that has allowed both my mother and grandfather to proceed with a high quality of life. I want to administer the ease of mind that this service granted my family unto others. During and after my undergraduate education, I have maintained consistent clinical involvement. I have worked extensively as a patient sitter in a hospital environment for the purpose of learning how to best treat patients, so that their difficult time spent hospitalized is instead a time of reassurance."

 

[HomeSkool]

I think you're pretty screwed, personally. There's no place in medicine for people who make spelling and grammar mistkaes.

 

[TrebizondArcher]

Thats not a typo, it's just bad writing. I'd bet that most people's essays employ really bad writing. Given that you even noticed it later, I suspect that the rest of your essay is well written and the impact of your mistake will be to take it down from like a 95% to a 94% - if even. Adcoms are probably speed reading these essays anyway and if the error even registers it'll probably be on a subconscious level.

Yeah, I hope you're right. I'm probably picking the wrong thing to panic over, anyway--my GPA dropped from a 3.65 to a 3.58 between my junior and senior years.

 

[sinigang14]

It's a syntax issue. It reads pretty awfully when you consider the entire paragraph:
"Scientific curiosity is not the only component of my progression toward a medical education. Although it may seem overused or obvious, I think it bears repeating—I want to study medicine because I want to help people. In high school, both my mother and grandfather were both diagnosed with cancer within a relatively short span of time. I am relieved to say that both are now in good health, but during this period I came to strongly appreciate the work of doctors in treating them, as it was both the early detection and attentiveness to care on the part of doctors that has allowed both my mother and grandfather to proceed with a high quality of life. I want to administer the ease of mind that this service granted my family unto others. During and after my undergraduate education, I have maintained consistent clinical involvement. I have worked extensively as a patient sitter in a hospital environment for the purpose of learning how to best treat patients, so that their difficult time spent hospitalized is instead a time of reassurance."

When I read this for the first time, I didn't even notice. I only noticed after I read it out loud a second time while actively searching for the string of "buts." I think you're fine man, chill out.

Also, even if you are screwed, you cant do anything about it now, unless you decide to make a change to your application and have it re-verified.

 

[TrebizondArcher]

Thanks, you're a doll. I'm fishing for denigration at this point, anyhow.

 

[vrazzles]

Thanks, you're a doll. I'm fishing for denigration at this point, anyhow.

Ok, I'll bite.

Would you ever say this to someone in real life?

 

[TrebizondArcher]

Ok, I'll bite.

Would you ever say this to someone in real life?

Naturally, my dear.

 

[Robin-jay]

Found a typo in my PS--how bored am I?

Fixed.

 

[vrazzles]

I meant the sample of your personal statement that you have provided.

 

[TrebizondArcher]

I meant the sample of your personal statement that you have provided.

Oh, ha. No, but it's not as though I was trying to replicate the way in which I speak. If I were being interviewed, I might come up with something similar if the topic of discussion entailed it.

 

[vrazzles]

Oh, ha. No, but it's not as though I was trying to replicate the way in which I speak. If I were being interviewed, I might come up with something similar if the topic of discussion entailed it.

Ok, just curious! I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Good luck.

 

[Gilakend]

Approximately -16 volunteering hours

 

[MedicineN'Jazz]

It's a syntax issue. It reads pretty awfully when you consider the entire paragraph:
"Scientific curiosity is not the only component of my progression toward a medical education. Although it may seem overused or obvious, I think it bears repeating—I want to study medicine because I want to help people. In high school, both my mother and grandfather were both diagnosed with cancer within a relatively short span of time. I am relieved to say that both are now in good health, but during this period I came to strongly appreciate the work of doctors in treating them, as it was both the early detection and attentiveness to care on the part of doctors that has allowed both my mother and grandfather to proceed with a high quality of life. I want to administer the ease of mind that this service granted my family unto others. During and after my undergraduate education, I have maintained consistent clinical involvement. I have worked extensively as a patient sitter in a hospital environment for the purpose of learning how to best treat patients, so that their difficult time spent hospitalized is instead a time of reassurance."

Good old neuroticism at its finest. What you need my friend, is some milk and boba tea

 

[Catalystik]

It's a syntax issue. It reads pretty awfully when you consider the entire paragraph:
"Scientific curiosity is not the only component of my progression toward a medical education. Although it may seem overused or obvious, I think it bears repeating—I want to study medicine because I want to help people. In high school, both my mother and grandfather were both diagnosed with cancer within a relatively short span of time. I am relieved to say that both are now in good health, but during this period I came to strongly appreciate the work of doctors in treating them, as it was both the early detection and attentiveness to care on the part of doctors that has allowed both my mother and grandfather to proceed with a high quality of life. I want to administer the ease of mind that this service granted my family unto others. During and after my undergraduate education, I have maintained consistent clinical involvement. I have worked extensively as a patient sitter in a hospital environment for the purpose of learning how to best treat patients, so that their difficult time spent hospitalized is instead a time of reassurance."

Not a big deal.

 

[Catalystik]

I think you're pretty screwed, personally. There's no place in medicine for people who make spelling and grammar mistkaes.

I was amused.

 

[gonnif]

I think you're pretty screwed, personally. There's no place in medicine for people who make spelling and grammar mistkaes.

Oh I believe this is much worse as the OP is clearly suffering from

PREMED : Psychotic Reactionary Event Manifestation Exclusionary Disorder

A disorder that is a psychotic reaction to the events around applying to medical schools that manifests itself in the exclusion of rational thought. Seemingly highly intelligent, high achieving students are most susceptible to this disorder. Loss of major rational thought and reactions to unsubstantiated beliefs, rumors, innuendos, and other irrational and illogical cognitive processes. A form of collective behavior.

This is actually the second stage of the recently proposed disorder for DSM-VI known as Application Submission Syndrome or ASS. People suffering from this malady have an overriding sense of powerlessness and cognitive dissonance with obsessively reviewing in minute detail of the their application and hypothetically projecting worries, scenarios, and other delusional thoughts based on rumor, innuendo, myth, and whatever other misinformation they may acquire. In short, they can make an ASS of themselves. There is no treatment that has any effectiveness as most suffering it have a temporary loss of rational reasoning. On occasion, these can lead to critical episodes which may require restraints and sedation.

 

[Goro]

Oh I believe this is much worse as the OP is clearly suffering from

PREMED : Psychotic Reactionary Event Manifestation Exclusionary Disorder

A disorder that is a psychotic reaction to the events around applying to medical schools that manifests itself in the exclusion of rational thought. Seemingly highly intelligent, high achieving students are most susceptible to this disorder. Loss of major rational thought and reactions to unsubstantiated beliefs, rumors, innuendos, and other irrational and illogical cognitive processes. A form of collective behavior.

This is actually the second stage of the recently proposed disorder for DSM-VI known as Application Submission Syndrome or ASS. People suffering from this malady have an overriding sense of powerlessness and cognitive dissonance with obsessively reviewing in minute detail of the their application and hypothetically projecting worries, scenarios, and other delusional thoughts based on rumor, innuendo, myth, and whatever other misinformation they may acquire. In short, they can make an ASS of themselves. There is no treatment that has any effectiveness as most suffering it have a temporary loss of rational reasoning. On occasion, these can lead to critical episodes which may require restraints and sedation.

Dope slaps are also efficacious.

 

[gonnif]

Dope slaps are also efficacious.

Wasnt that used in the mid-20th century as part of the cold water shock treatment method where patients were subjected to 30 minutes of freezing cold shower then required to slap themselves repeated in front of the bathroom mirror until their obsessive compulsive behavior ceases?

 

[Goro]

Wasnt that used in the mid-20th century as part of the cold water shock treatment method where patients were subjected to 30 minutes of freezing cold shower then required to slap themselves repeated in front of the bathroom mirror until their obsessive compulsive behavior ceases?

Yes, that's the Dick Cheney method.

 

[gonnif]

Yes, that's the Dick Cheney method.

Also Marine Drill Instructors from Parris Island in 1960s as well

 

[Catalystik]

We as a community should agree that we will no longer contribute to the culture of harassment, hazing and disrespect that is still present within the medical education system. Nowhere is this more important than at the early exploratory step of the education process, which occurs here.

 

[TrebizondArcher]

It's ok, I realize how irrational I'm being.

 

[Lee]

It's ok, I realize how irrational I'm being.

Applying to medical school is already an anxiety provoking process. Adding harassment to it doesn’t help. I’m ashamed of those who dog-piled on this thread.

Perhaps you’re being irrational in the grand scheme of things, but your question is valid... attention to detail is important in medicine.

Your question is how serious is this? The answer is this probably isn’t going to break an application.

...

Note to those who wish to help fellow members - you’re always welcome. To those who enjoy harassing students, go elsewhere.