Personal Statement difficulties

[Dark Ace]

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Hello,

So I am hearing 2 different methods of writing the PS. Some say to make it about why you deserve to be a physician. Others say it should be a unique story that reveals who you are as a person not why you want to be a doctor. What do you guys think?

 

[DolFAN]

You deserve nothing. You earn it.

 

[Dark Ace]

You deserve nothing. You earn it.

You're right. Perhaps I didn't phrase it the best way, but you know what I meant.

 

[DolFAN]

Hello,

So I am hearing 2 different methods of writing the PS. Some say to make it about why you deserve to be a physician. Others say it should be a unique story that reveals who you are as a person not why you want to be a doctor. What do you guys think?

Try to give a unique story, perhaps a patient interaction and what drove you towards medicine.

 

[HalfListic]

Hello,

So I am hearing 2 different methods of writing the PS. Some say to make it about why you deserve to be a physician. Others say it should be a unique story that reveals who you are as a person not why you want to be a doctor. What do you guys think?

Both ways are correct.

There are many ways to write a PS. In fact, the more you research it, the more you see that there are several "types" of PS that people can write. For example, qualities of a good physician; or why you want to be a physician; or creative sharing of your experiences...etc.

In any case, you need to remember that you arent story telling for entertainment. In my opinion, your personal statements is always (directly or indirectly) answering both why you want to go into medicine and what qualities/experiences you have (had) that make you a good candidate for medicine (and medical school).

Write several drafts, have a catching/interesting intro...have thesis and conclusion.

Good luck!

 

[pathologyDO]

Hello,

So I am hearing 2 different methods of writing the PS. Some say to make it about why you deserve to be a physician. Others say it should be a unique story that reveals who you are as a person not why you want to be a doctor. What do you guys think?

Both.

 

[Yogurt4All]

You deserve nothing. You earn it.

Agreed and make sure your personal statement makes it clear that you understand this... and that once it is earned, it's a privilege to be able to treat people.

 

[cabinbuilder]

So I am hearing 2 different methods of writing the PS.

Some say to make it about why you deserve to be a physician. NO NO NO NO

Others say it should be a unique story that reveals who you are as a person not why you want to be a doctor. THIS ABSOLUTELY!!!




Its about your character and your journey. They know you want to be a doctor. You need a great story about yourself to set you aparts amongst the sea of essays.

 

[TriagePreMed]

Why you want to be a doctor is part of the person you are, correct? It would serve you best to talk about your experiences and how you've come to wanting to do medicine.

 

[HalfListic]

So I am hearing 2 different methods of writing the PS.

Some say to make it about why you deserve to be a physician. NO NO NO NO

Others say it should be a unique story that reveals who you are as a person not why you want to be a doctor. THIS ABSOLUTELY!!!




Its about your character and your journey. They know you want to be a doctor. You need a great story about yourself to set you aparts amongst the sea of essays.

I agree with the overall thought of your comment, and usually agree with all your posts. And again, I do see what you are saying, but I think a PS can definitely include why you want to be a doc, as well as qualities of why youd be a good doc.

In fact, as I stated earlier, I think the main theme of a PS should be why do you want to go into medicine and why would you make a good doc.

HOWEVER, like you emphasize cabinbuilder, if you can express those ideas by means of interesting stories and unique experiences, all the better. In fact, you almost MUST be smooth and even a bit subtle with how you express why youd be a good doc. You can't say, 'id be a good doc because...' but youd have to share a story where you showed empathy, determination, commitment, understanding of people and/or medicine, etc. The readers are intelligent to form their own conclusion that those traits would make a good physician.

So, hopefully that helps. There are several types of PS's out there. If you have an amazing story (like cabinbuilder...read her PS sometime, its epic!). But there are other strategies and forms a PS can take as well. Just make it interesting, and on topic, and polished and you should be just fine.

 

[Dark Ace]

If you have an amazing story (like cabinbuilder...read her PS sometime, its epic!). But there are other strategies and forms a PS can take as well. Just make it interesting, and on topic, and polished and you should be just fine.

I would love to read cabinbuilder's PS. Do you know if it is somewhere here on sdn?

 

[HalfListic]

I would love to read cabinbuilder's PS. Do you know if it is somewhere here on sdn?

She had posted it on a thread somewhere, but I couldnt tell you. But, if you click on her profile, right up there a few posts, and shoot her a PM, Ill bet she can link it to you.

👍

 

[cabinbuilder]

I agree with the overall thought of your comment, and usually agree with all your posts. And again, I do see what you are saying, but I think a PS can definitely include why you want to be a doc, as well as qualities of why youd be a good doc.

In fact, as I stated earlier, I think the main theme of a PS should be why do you want to go into medicine and why would you make a good doc.

HOWEVER, like you emphasize cabinbuilder, if you can express those ideas by means of interesting stories and unique experiences, all the better. In fact, you almost MUST be smooth and even a bit subtle with how you express why youd be a good doc. You can't say, 'id be a good doc because...' but youd have to share a story where you showed empathy, determination, commitment, understanding of people and/or medicine, etc. The readers are intelligent to form their own conclusion that those traits would make a good physician.

So, hopefully that helps. There are several types of PS's out there. If you have an amazing story (like cabinbuilder...read her PS sometime, its epic!). But there are other strategies and forms a PS can take as well. Just make it interesting, and on topic, and polished and you should be just fine.

While, I don't think my PS is EPIC, per se I know I wrote it in the form of a novel so I made them want to meet me. That person did get hold of me btw. I did the NO NO NO because I don't believe anyone DESERVES to be a doctor, like others said, one earns the privilege to be called doctor.

 

[NontradCA]

I'm sure you could read about Cabin Builder more *somewhere* on SDN.

 

[survivordo]

In my opinion your personal statement should address why you want to be a physician and what you have done to achieve that goal. Your ability to weave this into something interesting to read is what creates a strong PS.

Survivor DO

 

[coolingglasses]

Take your personal experiences and tie them to your desire to practice medicine.

 

[Goro]

Both.


So I am hearing 2 different methods of writing the PS. Some say to make it about why you deserve to be a physician. Others say it should be a unique story that reveals who you are as a person not why you want to be a doctor. What do you guys think?