Personal Statement Emphasis

[DDS1386]

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I feel that pre-dental students seem to be putting way too much emphasis on their personal statement. It seems that it takes some people weeks and weeks to write it. I had average stats, wrote mine in 3-4 hours, reviewed it, and sent it in. I had average GPA and DAT and was accepted to NYU, Case, and Ohio State (my state school).

Does everyone who works on it for weeks try to come up with an elborate epiphany story about why dentistry is their calling? I would think many adcoms can see through these as being fake, am I wrong? If I were a committee member I would want to hear the simple truth rather than a life changing moment that made you realize you 'had to be a dentist.' In my statement I simply explained why dentistry is a good fit for me and reasons/experiences (physical skills, examples of dexterity, shadowing) that would help me become a good dentist. I received 6 interviews out of 14 applications despite what would be considered a straightforward personal statement.

Do you think people are putting way too much emphasis on the personal statement? Any opinions?

 

[TarheelKid24]

It depends on who you are in my opinion...

Some people are not strong writers and need more time. I think Adcoms probably look at the PS's to make sure students aren't on a 2nd grade writing level (there's no writing portion to the DAT like the MCAT, GRE, or PCAT). So in that sense, it could be important. Also, if you have lower DAT and GPA scores, then yes, I would think EVERYTHING else on your application would need to be strong in order to get consideration...

just my thoughts though.

 

[SMCohen]

I don't think you should underestimate the importance of the personal statement - aptly named, it is the only 'personal' part of your application. Every other field in AADSAS is just a number or a list; whereas your PS allows your personality to show through. I do agree with the above poster, however, that a strong PS is likely more important for average to below-average applicants.

 

[DrReo]

I wonder how often they get looked at, initially. Isn't it pretty much a numbers game at most schools? Heaven for bid if Harvard's AA and TS averages dropped below 20.

I'm sure they have an importance if their is a close call between applicants

 

[doc toothache]

From a limited experience, a fair number of ps are poorly written, but in most cases that is the least of the problem. A larger number write the usual- enjoy helping save the world with emphasis on the social interaction especially with the underprivileged and underserved. Most appear to forget that the most critical aspect of dentistry is performing procedures, and as you suggested, there needs to be a good fit between the applicant's attributes and the qualities required for dentistry. Without a doubt it is an extremely important component of the application process, making a difference between invite or no invite for interview. A good ps is likely to trump better stats from a candidate with a mediocre ps.