Personal Statement- Sad?

[tik-tik-clock]

I have a very sad story about myself. Although its the truth, should I not relate things to my story in my personal statement? because I thought, the admissions committee would get an impression that I'm trying to get admission by deriving pity?

Am I right?

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[UMMedM1]

If it applies to medicine and your desire to study it, go for it. But I don't think the pity vote helps much, and you're right, you can seem insincere by citing something very sad that doesn't apply. If it truly affected you, though, and you can relate it to medicine, it's worth mentioning. If you've already written it and want an opinion, you can send it my way.

 

[Psycho Doctor]

just don't make it seem like a pity party; turn a positive slant on it and how it affected your decision to pursue medicine.


i wrote about a very painful and sad event in my life, because it directly had an effect on me pursuing medicine. The only thing I warn you about is...be prepared to talk about it at an interview. If you can't talk openly about it, don't write about it. I hate to admit I actually became choked up in one interview because the interviewer asked too many questions about the incident and the campus also brought back bittersweet memories.

 

[tik-tik-clock]

Regarding talking about it at the interview, I can talk hours and hours about it. Just because it has existed since my memory came into being. And NO, its not a physical/health issue its just my life so far. It completely overpowers my decision to go to med school, so , if I dont write that, i'll have to make up something, which I wont be able to talk on my interview about- atleast not by maintaining eye contact with the interviewer.

Thankyou for your input.

 

[Psycho Doctor]

Regarding talking about it at the interview, I can talk hours and hours about it. Just because it has existed since my memory came into being. And NO, its not a physical/health issue its just my life so far. It completely overpowers my decision to go to med school, so , if I dont write that, i'll have to make up something, which I wont be able to talk on my interview about- atleast not by maintaining eye contact with the interviewer.

Thankyou for your input.

then by all means write about it; it seems to have shaped your life

 

[dbuck64]

I have a very sad story about myself. Although its the truth, should I not relate things to my story in my personal statement? because I thought, the admissions committee would get an impression that I'm trying to get admission by deriving pity?

Am I right?

I am in a similar situation...Here is the advice I received for this....Do NOT sound like you are apologizing or having pity for yourself. Mention your situation and what you learned from it. Be positive. You are a great person for living through <whatever>, you have learned <BLANK>, you rock. This makes you unique because <Blank>.

Most of this advice comes from a friend of mine. MD in canada that reads letters for his med school.

good luck!

dbuck

 

[Flopotomist]

OK - my $.02. I recently was interviewing people for an open research position in my office, and from the interviewers perspective, it is AMAZING how many people think an interview is an opportunity for a free therapy session. I assure you that if there is even the slightest hint that you are attempting to play the pity card, your file will be tossed into the "no" pile.

Having said that, if you can put a POSITIVE spin on your story, and it was a very significant life changing event for you, include it. Be very very careful though.

 

[OldMD]

My personal statement was definitley sad, but I put a positive spin on the trials of my life as they relate to medicine. Our life experiences shape our views and goals, so if you have had sad life experiences that have affected your decision to attend med school, then definitley mention them.

Your sad story WILL be brought up in your interviews, so be prepared to talk frankly about it. Good luck!

 

[gotgame83]

Only mention it if it really has to do with why you choosing medicine. One of my first drafts of my PS didnt include that my sister has cancer. My teacher read it and she said it was good but she was suprised that I hadnt mentioned that aspect because she knew that having that experience is what really motivated me to pursue medicine. And she was right. So i redid my PS for the 97th time lol. If its something that strongly affected your decision to attend med school they i think you should definitly include it.

 

[Psycho Doctor]

My personal statement was definitley sad, but I put a positive spin on the trials of my life as they relate to medicine. Our life experiences shape our views and goals, so if you have had sad life experiences that have affected your decision to attend med school, then definitley mention them.

Your sad story WILL be brought up in your interviews, so be prepared to talk frankly about it. Good luck!

yea, so did I. and that's exactly what i said about talking about it.

There is nothing wrong with sad; as long as it doesn't come across as pity, and i seriously can not believe people come in to interviews as if they are looking for free therapy. ouch!

 

[Psycho Doctor]

Only mention it if it really has to do with why you choosing medicine. One of my first drafts of my PS didnt include that my sister has cancer. My teacher read it and she said it was good but she was suprised that I hadnt mentioned that aspect because she knew that having that experience is what really motivated me to pursue medicine. And she was right. So i redid my PS for the 97th time lol. If its something that strongly affected your decision to attend med school they i think you should definitly include it.

amen