For anyone who wants your PS read:
Send a PM to one (or a few) people on the list to ask if they'd be willing to read. Sometimes we have a lot going on, or too many to get through.
Even if you don't like their advice, still thank them for their time!
Most of us are happy to give further feedback, read later drafts, whatever.
Remember that not everyone is going to love your PS and that's ok. Seriously think about someone's comments before you dismiss them, but there are many different opinions about what makes a good PS.
Make sure in the end it is still YOU. Don't take so much advice from everyone that suddenly your PS isn't in your voice or doesn't say any of the things you want it to say. More than anyone else you need to be happy with it.
Wildcatj - I will look at everything for the most part. I'm probably better towards the beginning of the writing process than at the end. I make A LOT of comments and have a tendency to tear things apart. I don't usually do a lot of editing to the actual essay, more so leave comments and add prompting questions. I'm big into going through a few edits with people, so if you feel like you might need some extra help I'm your gal. If you want a real nice overhaul of your essay and a critical eye I can be of help.
TooLove - I will go over everything and make suggestions on what to change/cut out/keep. I will point out obvious grammar or wording issues, but there will be people who will check grammar more thoroughly than me. I can give you my overall impression of a PS, make suggestions and steer you in the right direction if you're in the early stages, or give you some ideas if you're stuck. You can send them directly though PMs on SDN, and I should have a pretty decent turnaround time once this semester is over, but please ask first! 🙂
Gugoodoll - I will look at everything- grammar, flow, content, ideas etc. I'll be busy the last 2 weeks of March but free otherwise until classes start in August. Just shoot me a PM!
98cats- I will look at everything as well. Like wildcat, I will write comments on the side unless it's a grammatical error, then I'll just fix it for you (and let you know where I did). I can also work with areas that sound awkward and maybe give you ideas for how to make the piece flow better. I like to work with full rough drafts; I'm not going to be very good at prompting you on where to go next unless you have a rough outline already.
allieoop2714 - I can help at any point in the writing process, whether you're struggling to start or just finishing it up. I am a huge grammar and spelling person, but I also like to help with structure and flow. I will tell you whether you should go a different direction or expand even more on what you're saying. Overall, I will help you make yourself stand out. I have a ton of free time from now until, well, August. Feel free to contact me at any time!
DalmatianDoc17 - I would love to help anyone out! I am by no means good at grammar or the technical aspects of writing (although I can tell you if something sounds awkward to me), so I will mostly help with content. I felt my personal statement was very creative and that's where my talents lie. I will work with you at any stage just pm me! (I should be pretty free this summer so I'll have a lot of time to help out, but I move (to start vet school! eek!) in August, so that's when I will be slower in responding)
equineconstant - I'm good at the technical aspect of writing, but I'll focus on big picture first. I rock at organization and coherence--I like pulling out connections to make your PS flow more clearly. I'll be happy to work through multiple drafts with you as long as we have enough time before the deadline!
allykd - I'm particularly good with grammar, flow, and organization, but I can also help with content as long as you already have more than an outline. I tend to be very honest about my opinion. I'm not in school and have a lot of downtime at work, so I'm pretty much available whenever.
loxodonta51 - My focus is usually creating a consistent flow and common message throughout your PS, but I am also very strong on grammar. I am a vet student at Cornell, so my time may be a bit limited. But I usually can get back to you pretty promptly!
Ashgirl - I may not be the best person to go to for grammar issues, but I'm pretty good at flow, content, and connecting everything back to vet med. Any stage of work is welcome (though of course I will be able to offer you more advice as you progress to the end product). I will be busy until the beginning of May, and then pretty much available all summer until mid-August, where I will still respond, but it might take a few days to get back to you.
Minnerbelle - I can read through your PS and tell you if I think it sucks or not. If I think it sucks, I'll let you know why, and things you might want to think about when you rewrite it. If I think it's pretty good, I can fine tooth comb it on track changes, and give you more targeted comments. I'm more than happy to read through multiple drafts. I think I've read through enough at this point over the years that I can tell you whether it sounds just like every other one, or if it actually stands out. After this week, I should be fairly free time-wise. That may change mid-June, but we'll see. I tend to have strong opinions, and I can't guarantee they'll align with the adcoms'... but you get what you pay for.
Farmgirl1992-I'm happy to help with the overall "picture" you are trying to portray and helping to steer things in the right direction. I hate fluff and disconnected thoughts and ideas, so hopefully I can help you organize yourself with a theme. I'm not the person to go to for grammar though.
JM313- I will read through your statement and will tell you honestly what kind of impression it left on me. I will point out the strongest and weakest points. I am also good at correcting grammar and can help with proper sentence structure. I can help with organization and rephrasing things to sound better. I can also give ideas on how to relate things to veterinary medicine. I am not in school, so I have quite a bit of free time. I will be moving at the end of June/early July so around then I may have a longer turn around time. I will also be happy to work on multiple drafts.
epivetlove - I'd be happy to help with any aspect of your PS. I work as a consultant for the University Writing Center, so I like to think I know my stuff. I can help with grammar, content, flow, structure, mechanics, etc. I can help through all stages from rough to final draft. I'll be available starting 5/1 until August.
wolfpackprevet - I really need to change my name now... but I can help with general flow and transitions, as well as trying to help focus on making sure that it doesn't read like a resume. I can also try to help you with grammar; even though I have terrible grammar on here, I'm generally a grammar nazi. I'll be able to help much more after May 3rd, but can definitely help somewhat beforehand. I'm putting out a warning: no matter what we say, your personal statement is yours -- we got in, but our ways aren't the only way to do it. Anyway, I had 15 drafts so I got some practice. I'm also willing to help brainstorm with you, as my hardest part was choosing what to highlight. I'm big on cutting down on fluffy emotions, so brace yourself.
beatles1964- When it comes to proofreading, I usually ask people what they'd like me to focus on. I can make suggestions for improvement with smaller, nit-picky things like grammar and word choice, but can also give advice regarding overall flow and structure. Sometimes I can be sorta harsh when it comes to finding minor flaws that can be tweaked here and there, but I definitely take the time to read and reread sentences to make sure things make sense. I will have time to devote to reading PS's starting mid-late June through August.
Gwenevre- My strong suits are definitely sentence flow and making awkward transitions a little less awkward. I'll also make suggestions on how to take your experiences and really relate them back to the veterinary profession and how you've developed. I'm not big on fluff, so be prepared for a little harshness there, and I'm not too much of a grammar nazi. I'll be most available between md May-mid August and will happily work with you on multiple drafts.
