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Ok i need adive on this topic. What should i talk about? Are there anythings i shouldnt write about?? Are there any good sites that talk about this and how to go about it??
How to do the personal statement?? HELP!!
- Thread starter AntGod22
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try the link from the SDN main page that says "application workshop 101". It has good advice and should get you started. 🙂
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i am struggling with the personal statement myself so i am not an expert. but there are some really good samples on this site:
<a href="http://www.accepted.com/medical/essays/index.htm" target="_blank">http://www.accepted.com/medical/essays/index.htm</a>
hope this helps
<a href="http://www.accepted.com/medical/essays/index.htm" target="_blank">http://www.accepted.com/medical/essays/index.htm</a>
hope this helps
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I used the paperback, "Essays that will get you into Medical School." Easy, step-by-step instructions, dos and don'ts, it was a BIG HELP for me. Also includes a couple of sections on medical school interviews.
Good luck!
P.S. Maybe, if there is enough interest, we could have some SDNers who have been accepted SHARE THEIR PERSONAL STATEMENTS on a dedicated thread??? May require much begging and prodding though... 😀
Good luck!
P.S. Maybe, if there is enough interest, we could have some SDNers who have been accepted SHARE THEIR PERSONAL STATEMENTS on a dedicated thread??? May require much begging and prodding though... 😀
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my application essay is up on my online journal. you can find the link through my profile.
i would say write about something in your life experiences that has had a huge impact on you, personally, or in your career decision.
i would say write about something in your life experiences that has had a huge impact on you, personally, or in your career decision.
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•••quote:•••Originally posted by vyc:
•
i would say write about something in your life experiences that has had a huge impact on you, personally, or in your career decision.•••••I completely agree w/ vyc on this one. :wink: The adcoms already know you in academic terms, so give them a chance to know you as a person. I know they really like it when you demonstrate your strengths, like overcoming challenges or some event that helped you grow/mature in a significant way. Basically this is your chance to show them who you really are, which helps them understand how you will do in the medical profession. They?ve got a tough job trying to figure out who is sincere and will succeed under such crazy demands, so show them you really want it and that you're ready for the torture (Ouch...thank you sir may I have another... 😀 ). Good luck!!!! 😛
•
i would say write about something in your life experiences that has had a huge impact on you, personally, or in your career decision.•••••I completely agree w/ vyc on this one. :wink: The adcoms already know you in academic terms, so give them a chance to know you as a person. I know they really like it when you demonstrate your strengths, like overcoming challenges or some event that helped you grow/mature in a significant way. Basically this is your chance to show them who you really are, which helps them understand how you will do in the medical profession. They?ve got a tough job trying to figure out who is sincere and will succeed under such crazy demands, so show them you really want it and that you're ready for the torture (Ouch...thank you sir may I have another... 😀 ). Good luck!!!! 😛
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The website essayedge.com had some good guidelines on how to write the PS. It really helped me get started. Good luck!
<a href="http://www.essayedge.com/medical/essayadvice/course/" target="_blank">http://www.essayedge.com/medical/essayadvice/course/</a>
<a href="http://www.essayedge.com/medical/essayadvice/course/" target="_blank">http://www.essayedge.com/medical/essayadvice/course/</a>
The best advice that I was received about writing the personal essay was from a person who had actually served on a medical school admission's commitee. That advice was simply to tell your story. YOUR STORY is the only thing that will set you apart from other applicants.
In my essay, I talked about how I was influenced at a very young age and all of the opportunities that I had since then that solidified my decision. I think you should write about any significant events that have influenced you to study medicine, no matter how early or late in your life.
Good Luck!
🙂
In my essay, I talked about how I was influenced at a very young age and all of the opportunities that I had since then that solidified my decision. I think you should write about any significant events that have influenced you to study medicine, no matter how early or late in your life.
Good Luck!
🙂
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just a suggestion...for help with this INSANE application stuff....try <a href="http://www.premedadvising.com" target="_blank">www.premedadvising.com</a>
this person is amazing (IMHO) that is!! good luck
this person is amazing (IMHO) that is!! good luck
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I bought the book analu mentioned "Essays that will get you into Medical School." Well let me tell you... it's a good book, but prepare to feel depressed and terribly inferior... most the essays are written by people who got into Harvard! Of course, maybe YOU are Harvard material... but I'm not and it made me depressed!! 🙁
Well, despite that... it's a good book. They emphasize the importance of being personal. Since it's harder for medical schools to reject you if they feel they know you and like you.
Good luck... I'm writing mine now 🙂
Well, despite that... it's a good book. They emphasize the importance of being personal. Since it's harder for medical schools to reject you if they feel they know you and like you.
Good luck... I'm writing mine now 🙂
I
inkysphinx
I also have the book "Essays that will get you into medical school." It does have some good info and about 30 (?) essays written by successful matriculants. ALSO, if you know someone who got into medical achool or are in contact with an old english prof or have cool doctor, ask them to read it 😛
Good LUCK!!!
Good LUCK!!!
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Good writing always comes from the heart. I framed my essay around a very simple event: staying up late at night chatting with a guest at a homeless shelter I volunteered in. Then try to incorporate other ideas in.
I find most, not all, essays in the few guidebooks I have horribly boring. The content is not necessarily boring, but most people take the personal statement format too rigidly; hence, a boring style.
Read those books to avoid common pitfalls. But if you want ideas on how to improve your essay, to elevate it from the hundreds of essays on your reader's desk, read The Atlantic Monthly or The New Yorker. They helped me more than any instructional book.
I find most, not all, essays in the few guidebooks I have horribly boring. The content is not necessarily boring, but most people take the personal statement format too rigidly; hence, a boring style.
Read those books to avoid common pitfalls. But if you want ideas on how to improve your essay, to elevate it from the hundreds of essays on your reader's desk, read The Atlantic Monthly or The New Yorker. They helped me more than any instructional book.
