Need help with personal statement

[MadPuppy2005]

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1) Hi every one. I've pretty much decided on psychiatry. I was told that if you are sure about your specialty, it would be good to mention that in your personal statement, assuming you are only applying to one specialty. I like to get some idea about where to start, can anyone help me. can you all e-mail me some sample personal statements as well.

2)Has any psychiatrist ever did a fellowship in pain medicine?

3)How soon should I send out the applications? Would mid to late september be too late? Also is it an advantage to interview as early as possible?

 

[Asher]

1) Hi every one. I've pretty much decided on psychiatry. I was told that if you are sure about your specialty, it would be good to mention that in your personal statement, assuming you are only applying to one specialty.

I'm assuming you are talking about applying to residency. If so, your essay should be in general about why you are wanting to be a psychiatrist (why you are interested in the field, what your strengths are, the 'mandatory' cheesey patient story, etc.).

3)How soon should I send out the applications? Would mid to late september be too late? Also is it an advantage to interview as early as possible?

You should start working on your application now so that you can submit it as early in September as possible. You need to be arranging for LOR to be submitted. Many individuals who write letters will want to look at your CV and PS prior to doing so so there is more motivation for getting them done early. Your dean may also require you have this information before preparing your dean's letter.

I personally don't think there is any advantage in interviewing during a particular part of the interview season. One thing to consider is that further in the winter months weather could make trouble more difficult, depending on the region you are interviewing in.

 

[doc05]

and remember not to refer to your patients as "crazy" ...for some reason that doesn't go over too well.