Importance of the personal statement for SMP?

[Lullapalooza]

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I am in the process of applying to a few of the SMP programs in the country. Since I haven't done an AMCAS app, I don't really have a personal statement. Do you think the personal statement for SMP programs is a critical component of my application, like it is for AMCAS?

 

[wannabesrgn]

I am in the process of applying to a few of the SMP programs in the country. Since I haven't done an AMCAS app, I don't really have a personal statement. Do you think the personal statement for SMP programs is a critical component of my application, like it is for AMCAS?

It's more important than it is for AMCAS. I've talked to several admissions directors who have all said that the importance of the personal statement on an AMCAS app is the most overestimated component of the process. Basically they read so many personal statements that are pretty much the same, that having an amazing personal statement will not make or break the decision.

However, for SMPs they specifically read more into your application by giving more attention to other aspects of your app and not as much at your grades. So your personal statement is pretty critical in getting you into an SMP in my opinion. It gives them an idea of who you are, esp since most of these programs don't interview. It's their small window into who we are.

 

[readdoc]

so how does an SMP personal statement compare to the med school one? Is it shorter? Is it still supposed to be a personal account of why one wants to be a doctor? How about some guidance here -- How many words?

 

[deleted248403]

A lot of them will have guidance as to what they want both in terms of subject and words. Generally, its pretty similar to a med school one IME

I used my med school application personal statement and modified it for each school depending on their word or length limit or topic.