New PS when reapplying?

[TheDuude]

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Hello,

I am wondering how one is to alter their PS when reapplying. Should an entirely new PS be written, or can the same one be readjusted? For my case, my PS was focused around several experiences I had during my undergrad years. I would say that my PS still holds very true to why I want to become a doctor/ why I am capable of becoming a doctor.

Thank you.

 

[Limetime]

I would personally rewrite it. I am sure you will mention some of the same things, but there should be new information in a new, fresh form. Most likely, they are going to pull your file from the previous application and reread it along with your new application to see where you have improved. I think it may look pretty lazy to not rewrite it or just make minimal changes. I would sit down and rewrite it without looking at your old one, and see if you have a different tone, more experiences to add, or new reflections and points of view. There is my $0.02. Good luck!

 

[angldee24]

The question is, 'Do you think you should rewrite your PS'? I think you should if you plan to apply to the same schools. That being said, where do you feel you can improve your statement, is it well organized, does it provide a clear understanding of your experience (good or bad)...

 

[gl0baltrader]

Hello,

I am wondering how one is to alter their PS when reapplying. Should an entirely new PS be written, or can the same one be readjusted? For my case, my PS was focused around several experiences I had during my undergrad years. I would say that my PS still holds very true to why I want to become a doctor/ why I am capable of becoming a doctor.

Thank you.

I wrote a completely new personal statement when i reapplied. I realized that my first personal statement did not accurately summarize me as an individual, hence got waitlisted.
I reapplied this year and got multiple acceptances.

 

[JackSwanson]

Hey,

I am in a similar situation. I applied my first time and didn't get in. I have done a lot to improve my standing but when it comes to my personal statement I feel I had a very strong and well written one. I was planning on making some adjustments for the sake of freshness but still feel is sums up why I want to pursue medicine very well.

I am not sure what to do... do schools really pull up your first application and read the old and the new personal statements side by side looking to see if it was changed??

thanks,
Jack

 

[Fabio001]

Hey,

I am in a similar situation. I applied my first time and didn't get in. I have done a lot to improve my standing but when it comes to my personal statement I feel I had a very strong and well written one. I was planning on making some adjustments for the sake of freshness but still feel is sums up why I want to pursue medicine very well.

I am not sure what to do... do schools really pull up your first application and read the old and the new personal statements side by side looking to see if it was changed??

thanks,
Jack

This is exactly how I feel too. I have been planning to just make adjustments to mine.

Like you however, I may change my tactics if the likelihood of schools pulling up your old application is high.

 

[gl0baltrader]

This is exactly how I feel too. I have been planning to just make adjustments to mine.

Like you however, I may change my tactics if the likelihood of schools pulling up your old application is high.

It's not a matter of them pulling out your old application and comparing notes but that you're first personal statement might not be strong enough to capture their attention for an interview/acceptance. I wouldn't risk submitting the same personal statement.

 

[Limetime]

I think there are basically three reasons to rewrite it.

1. If it was incredibly strong this time, you may have been more successful.
2. If you have done lots to improve your application, I am sure you have new things to say, and more reflections based on your experiences.
3. I know that lots of schools pull out your whole file. I wouldn't risk them reading your old statement and not seeing new thoughts and fresh reflections. Like "hmmm, I see they did a few actitivites, but don't really have new observations or reflections about how these have impacted their desire to be a physician."

I know it is a huge pain, but I think it is a great opportunity to show growth in your new application. It gives you a chance to show more of yourself, which I would take and use to my advantage. Again, just my opinion. Good luck!

 

[mnoon1]

Most likely, they are going to pull your file from the previous application and reread it along with your new application to see where you have improved. I think it may look pretty lazy to not rewrite it or just make minimal changes.

these are the exact points given by several board members at a reapplicant workshop I went to: they all pleaded with us to NOT use the same one. they said to use the same points but add what new experiences you've had this year/ what youve done as a reapplicant.

 

[D Boon]

these are the exact points given by several board members at a reapplicant workshop I went to: they all pleaded with us to NOT use the same one. they said to use the same points but add what new experiences you've had this year/ what youve done as a reapplicant.

I was a reapplicant this year and was accepted MD last month

Regarding the personal statement, I didn't do a complete rewrite, just added a few things about some new experiences, etc. It was more of an update. With regards to comparing applications from previous years, my interviewers definitely compared my app from last year to this year. We actually spent a few minutes talking about what I had been doing to improve. So, I would definitely say that you need to know where your app is weak, and improve upon it in some way for next year.


For the record, I think the personal statement is overrated bs, but I'm not an admissions specialist or anything

 

[0919mmk]

Oh - I'm a reapplicant this summer and have not been hanging out in this thread- must do that more.

Definitely rewrite your PS. The whole point in reapplying is to show that you have grown. Since your last application you should hopefully have been working your a** off at improving yourself as an applicant. Your PS should reflect this, and using your old PS is the opposite of this 🙂

Good luck!