personal statement help

[A89smile]

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Hi guys,
A little about me, I just graduated from SJSU and am planning on applying to dental school. this cycle. I will apply late in the cycle which i know will hurt my chances but I am still planning on trying. I am currently trying to write my personal statement, but have no idea where to start. Are the any rules (i.e. length, tone, theme, font)? Also any and as many tips would be very helpful. Should i make it more personal to my life and my struggles or more on answering why I would like to become a dentist? What do I stay away from? For example saying I want to make everyones smile better as everyone may say this. And what are common mistakes to stay away from? Anything will help as am I am just starting but also do not have much time.
Thank you!

 

[squigloo]

You can get a lot of info from reading through the first sticky on this board (PS Reviewing thread). What I got from reading the thread is that it should just be something that is unique to you. Typically, people seem to write about what experience(s) got them into dentistry, and a bit of showing off what you've done shadowing/service-wise to build upon that. Mention what you got out of those experiences. Length max is 4500 characters w/ spaces, IIRC. If you have had a personal struggle related to dentistry, feel free to write about it.

The biggest thing I would stay away from is trying too hard to flaunt your accomplishments - the adcom has already seen your 4.20 and 1000 shadowing hrs. What they really want to read is something personal and unique to you (and try to make it related to dentistry). One of my reviewers mentioned my PS using some excessive use of dental terminology, which can be seen as trying to impress the adcom, which I would suggest avoiding. Another thing to avoid is having too much filler. Just because 4500 characters are given doesn't mean you should use them all. And yes, if you have something more unique, avoid the "I want to make everyone happy with smiles and giggles and rainbows! 😀"

Never thought about font though... I'm assuming that the aadsas automatically puts it into a set font. Otherwise, make sure you choose comic sans!

 

[tommyinVA]

I am currently trying to write my personal statement, but have no idea where to start.

Your PS should answer the questions "Who are you?" and "Why do you want to be a dentist?"

A lot of people tend to try and answer the question of "Why would you be a good dentist?" which is okay...to a point. The truth is that you don't know why or if you'd be a good dentist. That's for the ADCOM's to decide with your app. So like squigloo said, go easy on tooting your own horn. You are not God's gift to dentistry. Be truthful and forthcoming, but not overbearing. You can be proud of your accomplishments while being humble at the same time, if that makes sense to you....

Another thing to avoid is having too much filler. Just because 4500 characters are given doesn't mean you should use them all.

👍 +1000

I would say this is rule #1. Think: these ADCOM members will be looking at their applicants in batches, probably in the 10's to 20's. If they've got to read 20 PS's, I can guarantee you they will NOT take kindly to the one that's exactly 4500 characters and describes "the unique enlightening experience of observing the arduous grueling task of scaling plaque off the belligerent noncompliant patient that your shadowed dentist graciously and deftly handled with the utmost of poise and professionalism."

Never thought about font though... I'm assuming that the aadsas automatically puts it into a set font. Otherwise, make sure you choose comic sans!

Papyrus. Everyone loves papyrus. (I effing hate papyrus)