help! how to write an autobiography

[docjolly]

Hi Everyone,

I've been given the task of writing an autobiography about myself for my premed. committee.

How does one go about writing an autobiography?? Do I need to begin w/an attention grabbing sentence? Or is it preferable to begin with something simple? Also, since the length is 2-3 typed pages, I'm assuming that I should be specific about certain things. However, going back to my childhood, how specific should I be?

I'd appreciate your help!!!

Thank you 🙂

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[TTSD]

Personally I used a paragraph that hopefully set the tone and gave them something to ponder while reading through out my essay. Kind of like a, "that makes sense.. but not really.." and then at the end they'll go, "ah!"

 

[LaurieB]

At UofC they gave us the following guidelines:

Autobiographical Statement: This confidential, informal statement provides your health professions adviser with insight into the significant events in your life, your motivation to the health professions and how you assess your preparation for such a career. This statement is for your adviser's use only, and is not shared with other offices, advisers, or professional schools. The statement has a limit of 3 double-spaced pages. The statement is divided into two parts:

In the first, you are encouraged to include information about your family background, any special experiences or challenges you may have/have had, and how you have spent your time outside of academics. Here is the place to be reflective and to provide perspective on how significant aspects of your life have shaped your values and your motivation. Here is an opportunity to review unique or unusual credentials or characteristics that you believe you will bring to the health professions. This statement will provide your adviser a better understanding of you and your goals, and will permit a more detailed, personalized letter to be written on your behalf.

In the second part, you are asked to assess what you see as the strengths and weaknesses of your personal preparation for a career in the health professions. We would like to know your assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of your decision to make a career of the health professions and the strengths and weaknesses of your academic preparation to this point.

 

[LP1CW]

Begin with a line, an opening sentence, that has a hook. You want this to be entertaining. You also want to highlight your strengths. You don't have to do it chronologically. However, by convention, most autobiographical essays are written chronologically. This lends to ease of reading because it unfold naturally.

You could also structure it thematically. You could address personal issues first section, second section educational accomplishments and last section you could cover hobbies, interests.

The number one thing that you need to do is show them who you and avoid telling them. It's the basic rule of show don't tell. If you can use narrative examples that express attributes that you want to convey, that's best; because they are going to be able to see you.

Avoid long paragraphs, avoid repitition of themes, avoid awkward sentences. Vary the lengths of your sentences to change the pace of the piece.

Good luck.

 

[docjolly]

thanks a million, laurieb and lp1cw!!