personal statement for SMP

[redrabbit]

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Hi everybody,
I am applying to some SMP programs. For the personal statement, some schools ask for your career goal and why XXX program. How long should the essay be? Can I use something similar to my AMCAS essay? One school gives 2 pages to write about why a certain program.... i really don't think its possible to write two pages just on that....

thanks

 

[braluk]

This belongs in the postbac forum (I am also an advisor for that forum so I will answer your question as well). I am in an SMP right now as well.

Your first question: Your answer is the same one I and many veteran SDNers will give to students asking about how long their personal statement should be.

It should be to the point, succinct, and should be devoid of "filler" to make it look longer and sound "prettier". I believe I used my AMCAS personal statement for some of the statements about why I want to become a physician, etc...etc... (they're going to want to see that you have alot of the bulk material that you will probably submit to AMCAS later- it demonstrates a student that could be accepted to medical school, and ultimately, it will reflect well on their program). As for specific questions asking about why a particular program or school, I'd cite specific statistics about their program and demonstrate that you've done your research on it (browse through SDN postbac forums- you'll definitely find something). That aside, don't get too far out of scope with the essay and you should be fine. Good luck!

 

[redrabbit]

thank you....