How much time to spend on the all important "Personal Statement"?

[sweet n sour]

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I know most of you are already getting mad..I know this will vary widely from person to person, but I was just curious how much time you guys took. I am currently studying for step 2 ( scheduled for late august) and am finding it hard to even get started on my PS. I realize it's not something one comes up with overnight. I will have about 1 week between my step 2 and Sep1st (which is when I would like to apply)

so, any suggestions? Should I take some time off and work on my PS now or do it after my test? 😕

 

[yaah]

Truthfully I wrote mine in about 15 minutes one afternoon. I thought about it occasionally beforehand, but basically just decided to write it. Was happy with it. Went back a week later and added in one paragraph when I talked to an attending about what things people like to see. Don't kill yourself over it. Just don't be too controversial or bizarre.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

Unless you have a spectacular life experience in the realm of pathology, I don't think the PS will make or break things. Unlike yaah, I didn't whip my PS out in 15 minutes but I spent a few hours while I was on call during my sub-I to write it. Don't sweat it.

 

[yaah]

'Scuse me while I whip this out. 😉

 

[b&ierstiefel]

'Scuse me while I whip this out. 😉

Dude, put that **** away. Nobody wants to see your personal statement. I read it. And personally, I thought it sucked. 😛

 

[deschutes]

I am currently studying for step 2 ( scheduled for late august) and am finding it hard to even get started on my PS. I realize it's not something one comes up with overnight. ...Should I take some time off and work on my PS now or do it after my test? 😕

Yes you're right - unless you're yaah, it's not always something that falls together overnight.

No I really don't think you should waste precious time "working" on your PS 🙂

I read a few samples, and then kinda thought about mine in the shower, on the bus, waiting in line... you get the idea. "Creative" writing can be like that.

 

[Mrbojangles]

It's a good starting point for interviews. Like if you write a good PS they may compliment you on it to start off your interview and they may have a better idea about you. But I really don't think it is much of a factor by itself in resident selection. So don't sweat it.