Personal Statement Frustration and Anger

[EMDream]

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So I was happily plodding along writing the first section of my PS, and though it was nothing near exquisite, I was pleased with how I had incorporated some bits of humor along with personality. I decided to share it with some non pre med that I considered somewhat intelligent and see what they thought and how I could improve.

Their reply was simply "uhm, you know i love you right? but that sucks. these are doctors you're writing to, you dont need to wow them with razzle dazzle" 😡 😡 Razzle dazzle? It was just a story about silly childhood experiences that related to wanting to be a doctor later.

So although they know nothing about med admissions, now I'm insecure about it and have no desire to keep writing it or start over. I looked up some example essays and they were similar in incoporating humor, but now mine just seems juvenile somehow. Ugh. I feel like its a little kiddy piece of junk.

 

[indo]

Just write something that will make them want to meet you.

BTW, pre-meds never know what they are talking about.


edit: also, razzle dazzle has just been added to my daily vernacular.

 

[OSU ACTON]

x

 

[medicomel]

go for at least two more opinions!!!
you can't rely on just one person to completely shatter your confidence.

and yeah, nonpremeds don't know squat. there are people in my human resources department that continue to ask me if I will be working here part-time when I begin medical school. 😕

 

[ZappBrannigan]

I had my premed advisor read mine. If your school has just as nice of an advisor, taken it to them. They read numerous statements and know what's good and what's not.

 

[Potato!]

Hey EMDream,

You mentioned that you read a couple of example PS....were these online somewhere, accessible to anyone? 😉

To everyone else out there, if you know of a good source where I can read some PS, let me know. I'm in the process of writing mine, and yah, let's just say I'm not even sure exactly what my end product is supposed to look like. Thanks!

 

[pinkey]

edit: also, razzle dazzle has just been added to my daily vernacular.

Makes me want to dance with a cane and top hat!

 

[IndyZX]

ive come to the conclusion that the personal statement doesnt show the adcom anything more than the writing ability of the applicant.

i would be willing to wager that almost all of your personal statements show good, solid reasons for why you want to be a doctor. a beautifully written PS is certainly a plus, but for someone who has what it takes academically, i dont think it should be that large of a concern.

 

[stoic]

I hear ya. The first incarnation of my PS was shot down hardcore by a friend I respect. He was like "normally, I would just nod and tell you it was great. BUT since this actually matters, here's the deal: you're statement made me want to hurt small animals. Try again."

OUCH!!!!

It really hurts cause this stuff is PERSONAL, not just some bull**** you have to write for class.

Anyway, I started over (a few time) and ended up with an essay I'm very please with and other seem to like. So hang in there!

 

[bigdan]

Yeah OP, I agree with the others.

I had my PS read by one "non-med school application related person", and that was to proof for spelling and grammar errors. I'd say you want two or three to read it, but in the end, if YOU like it, then send it in. Remember, opinions are like.....if you get too many, things will start to stink!

dc

 

[TripleDegree]

Just write something that will make them want to meet you.

BTW, pre-meds never know what they are talking about.


edit: also, razzle dazzle has just been added to my daily vernacular.

Do you really look like your avatar?? 😍 🙂

 

[Dr Trek 1]

Talk to your premed advisor only if you know that he/she is good. Some schools really have some pre-med advisors that just wanted a job, and it's not worth trying to get advice from them. Talk to people who know the field, and the admissions process.

I had my pre-med advisor read my personal statement, she loved it. My problem, though, is that it is about 4 pages (double spaced, 12pt. font). Can our personal statement really only be 5300 words long? Also, when the school sends a secondary, will they ask for a longer personal statement? Or will they not ask for one at all since they have your 5300 words one?

Thanks.

 

[Scubadoc]

Hey EMDream,

You mentioned that you read a couple of example PS....were these online somewhere, accessible to anyone? 😉

To everyone else out there, if you know of a good source where I can read some PS, let me know. I'm in the process of writing mine, and yah, let's just say I'm not even sure exactly what my end product is supposed to look like. Thanks!

I found some on accepted.com that you can read for free...

 

[bigdan]

Trek-

Bad news. Your PS can be no longer than 5300 CHARACTERS, including spaces and return key. That's not much space.

I actually did write an "initial" PS that was long, like yours. Then I whittled and cut and was left with the one I have now, which is only 5100 characters or so. No doubt you can cut some fluff...so get to it!

Good luck!

dc

 

[Machaon]

I had my Personal Statement reviewed by an advisor, a professor on our pre-med committee, a girl that got into 20+ med schools and her boyfriend that has been on the Stanford Med ADCOM for years, and I ended up with a different essay each time. I didn't have a totally different essay, but I added and subtracted variations on the same themes as I got more feedback. The basic ideas I got out of the whole experience were 1) have an engaging intro (humor, suspense, etc.), 2) don't go on forever about how and why you want to be a doctor because it gets cumbersome for a reader, and 3) talk up the funny/unique things about you that are good conversation starters: a lot of interview questions come from the PS, I hear, so set yourself up for an interesting talk. I'd be happy to review yours and/or send mine if you want an example. Much luck!

 

[Pinkertinkle]

Are things like essay edge legal? Seems kinda iffy to me.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

ehh?