Personal Statement AACOMAS

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PKU

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Hey all,

How big is the personal statement in DO applications/interview invites.

Just wondering because much of what I wrote in my PS was about my rough childhood, addiction during university years, etc.

Thanks.
 
Here is how an admissions counselor described it to me.

Your personal statement is your letter about yourself. It is crucial that you nail your personal letter because it is your only chance to really set your self apart on a personal level from everyone else. While reviewing applications, everything except your personal statement is just viewed as data. This is where you get to break that mold and have the reader know you outside of the numbers.

Good luck!


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Hey all,

How big is the personal statement in DO applications/interview invites.

Just wondering because much of what I wrote in my PS was about my rough childhood, addiction during university years, etc.

Thanks.

I truly think that my PS is what got me accepted into school, period. I heard from every interviewer how much they enjoyed my PS and I think it was key to getting my foot in the door. Just my .02


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I truly think that my PS is what got me accepted into school, period. I heard from every interviewer how much they enjoyed my PS and I think it was key to getting my foot in the door. Just my .02


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Thanks buddy.

A lot of people end up stating why they want to become a doctor, etc. Although I did state why, my personal statement was geared mostly towards my personal life. How as a young kid I developed anxiety issues due to my mother being a victim of domestic abuse and how that anxiety really ruined my social life. I also talked about a sports gambling addiction I developed at 18 which haunted me through my 4 years of university (eventually managed to quit in my last year). I didn't want to make it look like I was making excuses so I also mentioned how I overcame these problems and still managed to get away with a decent gpa for DO schools.
 
Thanks buddy.

A lot of people end up stating why they want to become a doctor, etc. Although I did state why, my personal statement was geared mostly towards my personal life. How as a young kid I developed anxiety issues due to my mother being a victim of domestic abuse and how that anxiety really ruined my social life. I also talked about a sports gambling addiction I developed at 18 which haunted me through my 4 years of university (eventually managed to quit in my last year). I didn't want to make it look like I was making excuses so I also mentioned how I overcame these problems and still managed to get away with a decent gpa for DO schools.

Honestly, originality goes a long way! I think it'll greatly benefit you so long as it's cohesive and presents a genuine voice. It sounds like you've overcome great odds and I'm sure that'll definitely be picked up by ADCOMs reading your PS.


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Thanks buddy.

A lot of people end up stating why they want to become a doctor, etc. Although I did state why, my personal statement was geared mostly towards my personal life. How as a young kid I developed anxiety issues due to my mother being a victim of domestic abuse and how that anxiety really ruined my social life. I also talked about a sports gambling addiction I developed at 18 which haunted me through my 4 years of university (eventually managed to quit in my last year). I didn't want to make it look like I was making excuses so I also mentioned how I overcame these problems and still managed to get away with a decent gpa for DO schools.

Your personal experiences and circumstances are what make you unique and original. If you're able to tie everything back to the why doctor or DO question, you're rock solid. Sometimes it's also good to state that your adversities are actually your opportunities to learn to become a better student or future physician.
 
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