Grammatical error in PS

[deeproots]

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So literally 5 seconds after I submitted my application for TMDSAS, I realized there was a grammatical mistake in the FIRST SENTENCE of my personal statement. I read through that stupid essay 3672039864029 times and have 10 people review it--nobody caught it.

I wrote: "I was seven-years-old when I realized my mother was sick."

Correct: "I was seven years old when I realized my mother was sick."

I know that I can't do anything about it now, but I just want to gauge y'all's opinions on how this will affect my application. My MCAT isn't fantastic (30) but my GPA is good (3.8 something for cumulative and science) at a solid university. I have a lot of good healthcare and research experience too. I'm just really annoyed that it happens to be in the first sentence. If the adcom catches it, they'll have a negative opinion of my PS before they even read it.

I appreciate y'all's thoughts in advance! This is going to drive me crazy 🙁

 

[supermintyfresh]

You are kidding right? The hyphens? It's fine -- they are optional! You are good 🙂

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[Plecopotamus]

You are kidding right? The hyphens? It's fine -- they are optional! You are good 🙂

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

The hyphens are not optional in that sentence. The OP is right, and they are simply incorrect.

Hyphens for age are used when it is an adjective phrase that modifies a noun following it (and you do not put an -s on year):
I was a seven-year-old child when I realized my mother was sick. (Technically style guides say you should use the numeral 7 rather than write it out as it's an age, too).

When the age comes after the noun you do not use hyphens and you use years instead of year:
I was seven years old when I realized my mother was sick.

You retain the hyphens if there is an implicit noun for the adjective phrase:
I was a seven-year-old when I realized my mother was sick.

That said, OP, I've seen much worse and more glaring grammatical errors in submitted personal statements that people have shown me. If this is the only mistake, while it's really unfortunate that it's in the first sentence, I doubt it will make a difference if you submitted an otherwise strong app . . . if it's an error 10 other people missed, I guarantee a significant proportion of the adcoms (who read how many of these things?) are going to miss it, too. And most of those who notice it probably won't care.

 

[Catalystik]

I just want to gauge y'all's opinions on how this will affect my application.

Let me share with you a closely guarded secret about adcomms: they are people too. Some of them have the grammar skills of a pre-teen. Some haven't taken an English or writing class in 30+ years. And they won't notice what you did any more than the folks you asked to proofread your essay did. Sure, there's grammar gurus out there, too, but they have so many essays to read that they are unlikely to nitpick over yours. Take a breath. Relax.

 

[Ismet]

I guarantee you that this will have zero effect on your application.

 

[ThisCouldBeYou]

It's so slight and if Plecopotomas hadn't explained the exact differences, I wouldn't have noticed. In fact, Plecopotomas, can you proofread my personal statement? (Or is it proof read-jk?)

 

[mizzu]

I had grammatical errors everywhere. They didn't care too much.

 

[DokterMom]

I'm a self-confessed grammar Nazi, and I missed it too. I did see it once you pointed it out, and Plecopotamus is right - it was wrong. But it is not a glaring 'writer is an idiot' level of wrong. So take a deep breath and relax, knowing that any essay reader who notices grammar mistakes that small will notice soooooo many grammar mistakes in the things s/he reads that this one will barely register.

But the take-away is to write. Rest a few days. Then re-read with fresh eyes.

 

[Selladore235]

I understand wanting an unblemished application, but I agree with others that this is in no way a cause for concern.

 

[Frostbite22]

It only sticks out to me because you showed us the one sentence. Put it in a paragraph and I honestly wouldn't have noticed.

 

[darkjedi]

as some one who reads through a whole bunch of personal statements, I can tell you no one will care or notice. The fact that several proofers glossed over that should be evidence enough.

also don't read your application after you've submitted it. only sadness can come from that as you can do nothing about it.

 

[DokterMom]

also don't read your application after you've submitted it. only sadness can come from that as you can do nothing about it.

Wise, wise words...

 

[woltej1]

If a convoluted grammatical error like that will have any bearing on you application then I think the whole med school application situation has gone bat **** crazy.

 

[deeproots]

Thanks a ton, guys! I'm one of those people who OBSESS over tiny mistakes like this, especially after busting my butt on the application. Y'all made me feel a ton better.

I love your comment @woltej1. I totally agree.