Personal Statement Content?

[rlaxkdl]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm currently at around 3000 characters and I'm really stuck on my personal statement. Should I just call it good or add another paragraph?

I start off my describing my situation, how that situation relates to dentistry, how I grew from my situation, and then end with how all those above things made me want to become a dentist.

What I'm worried about is that I haven't really mentioned my academics or extracurriculars in my personal statement--I just focus on my situation and nothing else. I know the resume is there to explain all the things you have done and to demonstrate you have dental knowledge, but I'm wondering if I need to write about job shadowing, assisting, etc. and how it has made me want to pursue dentistry.

Job shadowing didn't really inspire me to become the best dentist ever or anything; it was reconfirmed that this was what I wanted to do and that I found it interesting.

Do most people include their dental experiences (and explain the significance) in their personal statements or leave that for the resume?

 

[JLT223]

A good personal statement should never focus on academics or extracurriculars alone. It should be a brief summary of who you are as an individual and focus on what you value as a person and how you can make your future dental school a better place with said attributes. What made you consider dentistry? Why is it a good fit for you? Have you considered other healthcare fields, and if so, why? What is your philosophy on treating patients? Give one or two circumstances from shadowing or another experience that made you truly learn something. State what it is you learned and how that relates back to your ultimate goal of becoming a dentist. Also, try to keep it ~650 words (about a page singled spaced). Shorter is sweeter.

 

[gsquared]

I agree with JLT223. I spent less than a sentence of my personal statement detailing my extensive (250+ hours) clinical experience volunteering and shadowing. Instead, I spent over a paragraph telling an engaging story related to my interest in dentistry. I have four acceptances so far.

 

[zEkii]

One of my good friends applied to Medical school and his personal statement was on point... It was about how his whole family was held hostage at gunpoint and how that initiated his first life saving response to his father who fainted. It was as if I was reading a short story.

Personal Statements are what nudges the ADCOM to send that invite button or hold you off.

PS(no pun intended): He had received a good amount of interviews and acceptances.

 

[zyzzbruh]

One of my good friends applied to Medical school and his personal statement was on point... It was about how his whole family was held hostage at gunpoint and how that initiated his first life saving response to his father who fainted. It was as if I was reading a short story

Watch every predent make up a story about being held at gunpoint and their father faints, chips a tooth and initiates their first dental response. 🙄

 

[DentistJoon]

I think you should write about an extra-circular that stands out especially if it somehow relates to your situation. It would be a good way to tie everything together. Your situation and what you're passionate about

 

[yihaej12]

I concur with what everyone above has said. No need to mention specifics about your extracurriculars and academics. Thats what the rest of the app is for.
Ive also noticed that personal statements that follow the format of a short story tend to do much better and are a lot more immersive and attention grabbing.

But in general if you want at least a decent PS, for the love of god do not write any of the sentences below or even any slight variations of it:
1. Ever since I was a child I knew I wanted to be a dentist
2. I like helping people/ I want to help people
3. I am good with my hands/I enjoy working with my hands
4. I enjoy human interaction/I am a people person
5. I am good at science/I like science

These are the most common sentences I have been noticing as I've read 30+ pre-dent personal statements.