Personal statement input

[mohad]

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So I started writing my personal statement, and I'm wondering if this is a good way to go about writing it. Basically, my parents pushed me to be a doctor in high school, and quite frankly, I listened to them a lot. I grew up wanting to earn their approval, and so I said sure. In my PS, i want to talk about how I eventually grew some cojones and came to the conclusion that i want to do medicine to fulfill my goals and dreams for myself instead of doing it to meet my parents' expectations. I feel like this is a risky way to go about writing my personal statement, so that's why I wanted some input on the situation.

 

[NeuralNetwork]

So I started writing my personal statement, and I'm wondering if this is a good way to go about writing it. Basically, my parents pushed me to be a doctor in high school, and quite frankly, I listened to them a lot. I grew up wanting to earn their approval, and so I said sure. In my PS, i want to talk about how I eventually grew some cojones and came to the conclusion that i want to do medicine to fulfill my goals and dreams for myself instead of doing it to meet my parents' expectations. I feel like this is a risky way to go about writing my personal statement, so that's why I wanted some input on the situation.

This is just one person's opinion..but I think that route would make you seem "young" to adcoms - as if you are a rebel, or are bound by your parents firmly. You could still make an excellent statement talking about how you came to see medicine as a venue to fulfill your goals and dreams, but instead focus on something more revealing about your personality than "growing cojones" and breaking away from your parents ambitions for you. Ironically, you will still have fulfilled their wishes..perhaps they are excellent at mind control?
Goodluck!

 

[mohad]

This is just one person's opinion..but I think that route would make you seem "young" to adcoms - as if you are a rebel, or are bound by your parents firmly. You could still make an excellent statement talking about how you came to see medicine as a venue to fulfill your goals and dreams, but instead focus on something more revealing about your personality than "growing cojones" and breaking away from your parents ambitions for you. Ironically, you will still have fulfilled their wishes..perhaps they are excellent at mind control?
Goodluck!

hahaha yeah, the whole "cojones" thing was just putting it crudely. I was just going to explain how each experience I had helped shape my decision and made me realize that I wanted to do it to because I wanted to do it and not because my parents were pushing me to do it.

I know a big problem is coming off immature to the reader. I don't want to sound like I wanted to rebel against my parents or be a pushover and say yes to everything they said. I guess the development of my personality is where that comes in.

 

[LazyElemental]

Honestly, I would leave the parents out of it and simply discuss how you came to the decision that it was the right choice. Its the same story but without someone pressuring you into a career you haven't thought about. From your brief description it sounds like you had enough experiences to convince you that you wanted to pursue medicine, so go for it!

 

[Dr. Ducky]

I remember when I was in middle school, and this bully would always make me give him my Little Debbie cakes. I finally grew some cojones! I mean.....I still gave him the Little Debbie cakes......BUT, I CHOSE to give them to him because for me, it was healthier to NOT eat them.

Just kidding, OP. 😉

I, personally, would remove all doubt of your authenticity and dedication by not mentioning what your parents wanted. Bc you don't want the PS to be about your rebellion anyway....you want it to convey that you are genuine in your pursuit of becoming a physician and you know what it takes.

*clink clink (just my two cents)