Personal statement advice?

[ZenX]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hi,

I am a D3 and will be applying to a GPR at UW this year. I have sort of a unique situation which I can’t help but think might need to go into my personal statement/ might be brought up in my interview.
I’m originally from Seattle and moved to Charleston 6 years ago with my husband because he was in the Navy. I did part of my undergrad there and applied to dental school and got in so I decided to stay here for that. Between my first and second year I ended up getting a divorce but stuck with dental school here as much as I wanted to go home. Now I’m wanting to move back and want to highlight that I’m originally from WA in my personal statement. Is it wise to speak a little about what brought me to Charleston? I’m sure it’ll come up during the interview.
It was a nasty divorce and I don’t really like talking about it but it made me a stronger person and school pulled me through. I don’t want to spill my whole life story I’m just having a hard time trying to figure out how to work it in as the inevitable questions come up tastefully.
Thanks!

 

[SirBrotherJam]

If it was a nasty divorce I would probably avoid that altogether. I don't think you would be asked why you moved to Charleston from WA, but if you did say that you just wanted to get out and see other parts of the country. If you think you can spin it and avoid the divorce topic, you could always say how being a Navy wife made you more self sufficient while he was underway, deployed, etc. People respect military wives as much or more than active duty (I'm in the Navy btw). If that doesn't fit, I would just talk to friends and family for what makes you unique and why a GPR? Another thing you could say is that you know the quality of faculty and education that is taught here (at WA) and you feeI comfortable that a GPR could greatly enhance your clinical abilities and knowledge. I hope that helps a bit.

 

[setdoc7]

Your personal situation may play a minor role, but your grades, EC's and letters of recommendation will be far more important. Presenting yourself as a strong candidate will go further. Here are a few points you may wish to incorporate, which may ring home to the PD:
emfacize conscientiousness
you will put work and learning at the program first (first to arrive, last to leave)
dedication to lifelong learning
you are born and raised in WA and wish to return
openess and agreeableness

Just a few things to think about.