Is dialogue important in a Personal Statement?

[rubisco88]

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How important is it to have dialogue in your personal statement?

 

[SpacemanSpifff]

If by dialogue you mean direct quotes, the mere presence of quotations doesn't really make or break a statement. Just like any specific element, quotes definitely can be used to lend support to your claims. However, overusing quotes might make for a repetitive feel but that is a personal preference. Good luck!

 

[rubisco88]

If by dialogue you mean direct quotes, the mere presence of quotations doesn't really make or break a statement. Just like any specific element, quotes definitely can be used to lend support to your claims. However, overusing quotes might make for a repetitive feel but that is a personal preference. Good luck!

In my case, I mean quotting a a memorable conversation.

 

[Doctor Strange]

It's not going to make or break a personal statement.

 

[RecycleRinsed]

How important is it to have dialogue in your personal statement?

Are you writing a short story or an essay about why you want to be a physician?

 

[rubisco88]

Are you writing a short story or an essay about why you want to be a physician?

I guess I'm taking the guidelines of writing a PS too literally and feel in order to show, not tell I have to include dialogue/conversation when I include anecdotes in my PS to make it sound more interesting. I'm probably only going to include a little diaglogue in my introduction/hook.

 

[RecycleRinsed]

I guess I'm taking the guidelines of writing a PS too literally and feel in order to show, not tell I have to include dialogue/conversation when I include anecdotes in my PS to make it sound more interesting. I'm probably only going to include a little diaglogue in my introduction/hook.

Be clear, creative, and own your decision, whatever that might be. As with most things in life, there is no clear formula for success. Pre-meds in general want to know "just tell me what I have to do to get in, and I will do it." This is why most of them are weak leaders, boring people, and extremely risk averse.

Have the balls and the common sense to make a call, take ownership of that decision, and fearlessly move forward.

 

[StraddleHand]

Be clear, creative, and own your decision, whatever that might be. As with most things in life, there is no clear formula for success. Pre-meds in general want to know "just tell me what I have to do to get in, and I will do it." This is why most of them are weak leaders, boring people, and extremely risk averse.

Have the balls and the common sense to make a call, take ownership of that decision, and fearlessly move forward.

👍