Personal statement question

[yellowjellybean]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey guys,

I am applying to a mix of schools but do I need to talk about research in my personal statement if I am applying to some research oriented schools?

 

[thlaxer]

Hey guys,

I am applying to a mix of schools but do I need to talk about research in my personal statement if I am applying to some research oriented schools?

No, it's not absolutely necessary. I used about two sentences to mention research in mine and that was about it. I also applied to mostly research-oriented schools and this was never brought up as an issue at any interview. You've got enough room to talk about your research experience in the EC/work section anyways 🙂.

 

[LostInPreMed]

If you can fit it in so its actually a jermane part of your PS, by all means put it in. However, if you read it and it sounds like you are trying to throw it in for the sake of throwing it in, then by all means DON'T! I'm sure that you have encountered people who mention things they've done or try to name drop and it makes them sound like acomplete tool...you don't want that. There are other places to talk about research and you may even have he oppertunity to talk about it at your interview. Don't try to throw it in there, just to say "look at me, I did research!"


Onwards!

 

[yellowjellybean]

Thank you so much for the quick responses!

 

[acarreb]

No, it's not absolutely necessary. I used about two sentences to mention research in mine and that was about it. I also applied to mostly research-oriented schools and this was never brought up as an issue at any interview. You've got enough room to talk about your research experience in the EC/work section anyways 🙂.

I agree. If research helps answer why you chose medicine then I'd say include it because it's relevant. Focus in answering the question honestly.

You will have space in the activities section to explain your research work in depth and if your work was significant, you'll also have a letter or recommendation from your research adviser to speak on your behalf.

Best of luck with your applications!

 

[abruzz75]

No, you don't need to write about any particular thing in your PS. Just write about something that you think will make the adcoms like you as a person and prospective doctor.

 

[OwlPower22]

Not unless research is one of your greatest passions, then no. Your PS must be personal and compelling. If research is uninteresting to you, then writing about it on your PS will make it uninteresting.

 

[yellowjellybean]

Great! but just to clarify before finalizing my draft--I liked research and it is probably one of my strongest ECs (2 years, pubs, blah blah blah) and I want to go to a research oriented school and want to do a research project in the summers while in med school, but is NOT the primary reason why I want to be a doctor and does NOT fit in with my personal statement (because I talk about service), it is OK that I do not mention it at all? And research oriented schools will not think I don't care about the research?

 

[thlaxer]

Great! but just to clarify before finalizing my draft--I liked research and it is probably one of my strongest ECs (2 years, pubs, blah blah blah) and I want to go to a research oriented school and want to do a research project in the summers while in med school, but is NOT the primary reason why I want to be a doctor and does NOT fit in with my personal statement (because I talk about service), it is OK that I do not mention it at all? And research oriented schools will not think I don't care about the research?

Talk about your research in the EC section and mark that experience as being one of your "most meaningful" activities. If it doesn't fit, it doesn't fit, no need to force everything into your PS 🙂. Having said that, are you sure you can't even briefly mention some thoughts about research? But again, I doubt a school is going to base their decision off of whether you mentioned research in your PS. I wouldn't worry too much about it.