Jump Starting the Personal Statement

[snowdrift]

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Hello everyone,

I've been reading a lot of the posts on the personal statement and most are looking for advice on their own statements. As an undergraduate who will be applying this upcoming cycle, the VMCAS doesn't open up until mid-May.

There are lots of recommendations to get professors and peers to read your personal statement, however mid-May I won't be at school, and that's when I'll get my prompt (if I understand correctly).

My question: Is there a way I can write my personal statement now so that I can get feedback from professors before May rolls around?

Correct me if I'm wrong--I'm not entirely clear on the VMCAS yet and how they work!

I'm thankful for any help you can provide!

 

[Lilly63]

Here is the prompt for this application cycle:

"Discuss briefly the development of your interest in veterinary medicine. Discuss those unique activities that have contributed to your preparation for a professional program. Discuss your understanding of the veterinary medical profession, what you have to offer the profession to it and your career goals and objectives."

I don't think the prompt changes from year to year.

 

[LetItSnow]

Here is the prompt for this application cycle:

"Discuss briefly the development of your interest in veterinary medicine. Discuss those unique activities that have contributed to your preparation for a professional program. Discuss your understanding of the veterinary medical profession, what you have to offer the profession to it and your career goals and objectives."

I don't think the prompt changes from year to year.

What was the word limit this go-around? Should probably let him/her know that, too. Not that I'd worry about it for the first two or three drafts, but it's good to keep in mind.

 

[deleted676737]

The character limit for this cycle was 4500, 🙂

 

[Shreddr22]

The character limit for this cycle was 4500, 🙂

that's not a word limit by the way!!!! not insulting the op's intelligence either, I speak from experience doing multiple applications and making silly mistakes, pay attention to the directions!

 

[Shreddr22]

Here is the prompt for this application cycle:

"Discuss briefly the development of your interest in veterinary medicine. Discuss those unique activities that have contributed to your preparation for a professional program. Discuss your understanding of the veterinary medical profession, what you have to offer the profession to it and your career goals and objectives."

I don't think the prompt changes from year to year.

is it just me that thought the grammar was a little off for this prompt?

 

[deleted676737]

that's not a word limit by the way!!!! not insulting the op's intelligence either, I speak from experience doing multiple applications and making silly mistakes, pay attention to the directions!

Oh, for sure! A limit of 4500 characters definitely gives you little room to work with; I've got posts on this forum that exceed that. It took me many, many revisions to get below the limit and still convey everything I wanted (though, to be fair, I have an issue with writing concisely to begin with).

 

[snowdrift]

Great!! Thank you guys! I'm going to get a head start now while I'm on break.

 

[wildlifer]

Hello everyone,

I've been reading a lot of the posts on the personal statement and most are looking for advice on their own statements. As an undergraduate who will be applying this upcoming cycle, the VMCAS doesn't open up until mid-May.

There are lots of recommendations to get professors and peers to read your personal statement, however mid-May I won't be at school, and that's when I'll get my prompt (if I understand correctly).

My question: Is there a way I can write my personal statement now so that I can get feedback from professors before May rolls around?

Correct me if I'm wrong--I'm not entirely clear on the VMCAS yet and how they work!

I'm thankful for any help you can provide!

Great mind think alike. I, too, am planning on applying this upcoming cycle and do not want to wait until May to get started on it!

Here is the prompt for this application cycle:

"Discuss briefly the development of your interest in veterinary medicine. Discuss those unique activities that have contributed to your preparation for a professional program. Discuss your understanding of the veterinary medical profession, what you have to offer the profession to it and your career goals and objectives."

I don't think the prompt changes from year to year.

Thank you for posting the prompt.

 

[fredandcessna]

I had several people read my personal statement both for content and grammar mistakes. It's a great idea to get people to review it. Good idea starting early, guys!