So I was wondering...how important are one's writing skills in an adcom's evaluation of an applicant? Like if an applicant can get their point across, is understandable, and free of any major errors, will that put them on top of someone who may be an amazing writer, but lacks in terms of content and substance? I'm worried that adcom's will dock points off because I'm not a particularly good writer, and my flow could definitely use some work. Anyone have insight into this?
How important are writing skills in medical school essays?
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Won't help if you don't have strong writing skills, but 98% of essays are unremarkable so don't stress it.
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I tend to think that an amazing writer is one who can get their point across clearly, not one who tries to be an "amazing writer" with gimmicks and big words. Focus on writing clearly and succinctly and that will be better for both your style and content.
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I agree with this completely! If you are afraid you are not a "good writer" then just try to say things as quickly and in as few words as possible while transitioning clearly from one idea to the next. If the essay fits well within the context of your app then you actually just became a "good writer" right here on the spot.
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Adcomms don't need to be "amazed." But they do appreciate technical competence and the ability to express one's thoughts succinctly. A perfect essay that doesn't answer the question won't reflect well, though.
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If you can communicate your point clearly, you're a good enough writer.
If you can communicate your point clearly, convey the tone you intend, and entertain the reader to some degree, you're a very good writer.
If you can pull together some fancy words to convey the approximate tone you intend, entertain the reader to some degree, but somehow fail to communicate your point, you're a frustrating as he!! writer.
If you can communicate your point clearly, convey the tone you intend, and entertain the reader to some degree, you're a very good writer.
If you can pull together some fancy words to convey the approximate tone you intend, entertain the reader to some degree, but somehow fail to communicate your point, you're a frustrating as he!! writer.
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I think content is the priority here...but if you can state something eloquently that is a plus. If there is movement to your writing and ideas flow smoothly, that is also a plus.
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I thought it'd be appropriate if I posted this here:
I think that being a nitpicky writer actually hinders the process because the writer struggles to be articulate 100% of the time, when I just don't think that's necessary. At lot of the time, the points get lots through incessant editing.
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I thought it'd be appropriate if I posted this here:
Essay: "Have you ever faced any adversity in your life?"
Response: "Yes."
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Trying to be remarkable in your essays is exactly what you don't want to do.
Where essays have value is in what they say about an applicant. I know Goro has said he thinks alot of applicants get weeded out from the "describe your toughest challenge" prompt by coming across as spoiled, privileged or gving some childish answer like getting your first C on an exam that shows a lack of perspective and development. This is just one of many examples. Essay topics matter alot. The classic example often used for that is the applicant who talks about all their traveling experiences and in the process comes across as rather privileged. Maturity, perspective and thoughtfulness count for a ton in these essays and showing this in an essay doesn't involve ravaging through the thesaurus for 2o minutes to come up with that one perfect verb in a sentence.
But if you want an example of what good personal statement writing is(and this is different than secondary responses) this link from MCW is a solid perspective
http://www.mcw.edu/Medical-School/C...pport-Services/Sample-Personal-Statements.htm
Where essays have value is in what they say about an applicant. I know Goro has said he thinks alot of applicants get weeded out from the "describe your toughest challenge" prompt by coming across as spoiled, privileged or gving some childish answer like getting your first C on an exam that shows a lack of perspective and development. This is just one of many examples. Essay topics matter alot. The classic example often used for that is the applicant who talks about all their traveling experiences and in the process comes across as rather privileged. Maturity, perspective and thoughtfulness count for a ton in these essays and showing this in an essay doesn't involve ravaging through the thesaurus for 2o minutes to come up with that one perfect verb in a sentence.
But if you want an example of what good personal statement writing is(and this is different than secondary responses) this link from MCW is a solid perspective
http://www.mcw.edu/Medical-School/C...pport-Services/Sample-Personal-Statements.htm
