Personal statement story

[Alekshura2]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I have a story in my life that i don't know if i should use in my personal statement. It's basically how i got hit by a semi-truck while riding a scooter. I luckily only broke my arm. Could have cracked my skull open if i wouldn't of been wearing a helmet. Doctors said i was very lucky to only break an arm. They also told me i might not ever be able to extend my arm fully . That was complete shocking news to me. It was a very bad break. this happened last year, and i recovered by doing a 7 months of physical therapy. iv wanted to be a dentist since freshmen year in high school, and wasn't gonna let this incident stop me from my dream. My arm is fully functional now.
Do you think this would be too much whinning. Or is it ok to mention something like this. Please tell me what you think, Thanks in advance.

 

[4thMolar]

Yes, I would definitely mention it. It will stand out from many other personal statements and will show your determination in your pursuit of dentistry even though it seemed like reality said so otherwise. Personal statements are just that: personal. Including a life experience in a relevant manner will definitely help your PS out.

 

[sugarsting]

Agree with 4th. I think you should mention it, focusing on how it brought out your good qualitiesetermination, perseverance, etc.. not focusing on how horrible it was what happened to you. This way it won't seem whiny at all but enhance your application.

 

[sfrice80]

definitely agree, i would talk about it, interesting story and it definitely will set you apart from others.

 

[doc toothache]

As long as you do not make your accident the focal point of your ps.

 

[Emmie]

As long as you do not make your accident the focal point of your ps.

😀 lol, can't be anymore sarcastic!

 

[Alekshura2]

oh no not the main focus for sure, just a part to show that i really do want to be a dentist. I had to tackle 16 credits with my broken arm and visit the physical therapist 3 times a week. My accident was in the beginning of January, during break. I had surgery and 2 days later went to class. haha you should have seen me on oxicodone during first week of lectures. the professor had to ask me if i was ok. I was brutal for the first 3 months of classes. but i was not willing to drop any classes because i knew that would ruin my plans of applying for 2010 cycle.

 

[dentstd]

Can you explain how that deals with wanting to be a dentist or actually being a good dentist, exactly?

The topic matter will make you stand out, but the ultimate meaning within your PS may eventually be pointless. Without doubt it's a significant life obstacle, but how're you going to tie it to dentistry, aside from the trite "I'm a stronger person" to the vague "overcoming this obstacle reaffirmed my desire to become a dentist."

If you're planning to back up your claims with arguments surrounding sitting through class while doped up on meds and taking a normal course load, then you may be better off with another essay topic. Your support would be weak at best, and it comes off as juvenile. It could be an act of courage or lapse of judgment.

 

[Alekshura2]

Can you explain how that deals with wanting to be a dentist or actually being a good dentist, exactly?

The topic matter will make you stand out, but the ultimate meaning within your PS may eventually be pointless. Without doubt it's a significant life obstacle, but how're you going to tie it to dentistry, aside from the trite "I'm a stronger person" to the vague "overcoming this obstacle reaffirmed my desire to become a dentist."

If you're planning to back up your claims with arguments surrounding sitting through class while doped up on meds and taking a normal course load, then you may be better off with another essay topic. Your support would be weak at best, and it comes off as juvenile. It could be an act of courage or lapse of judgment.

I think i got the brains to not mention me sitting in class on meds. Like already said, it should not be my main focus of the ps. It will be an exprience that only made me a stronger person. Taught me to be careful in life, to not loose my dream. I believe there are many ways i go with this, just as long as i don't sound whinny.

 

[DDMess]

unless you can make it compelling without sounding all depressed/negative then don't do it. try to put a positive spin on it. you could put it in the "special circumstances" section.

 

[Sublimize23]

I wouldn't, it's not really relevant IMO. Maybe if you were applying to med school.

edit - Wait, this happened a year ago? I'd be more embarrassed to write I was riding a scooter when I was at least 20 years old! Are we talking like a razor scooter or a moped kind of thing?

 

[TedyBearSuicide]

I wouldn't, it's not really relevant IMO. Maybe if you were applying to med school.

edit - Wait, this happened a year ago? I'd be more embarrassed to write I was riding a scooter when I was at least 20 years old! Are we talking like a razor scooter or a moped kind of thing?

Wake up hummers and excursions are gone, environmentally friendly vehicles are the latest trend.

 

[Sublimize23]

Wake up hummers and excursions are gone, environmentally friendly vehicles are the latest trend.

I'll take my personal safety over environmentalism any day, but thanks. I'm currently driving a "clunker" SUV and couldn't be happier.

This is the OP:

Totally Rad

 

[dentstd]

I think i got the brains to not mention me sitting in class on meds. Like already said, it should not be my main focus of the ps. It will be an exprience that only made me a stronger person. Taught me to be careful in life, to not loose my dream. I believe there are many ways i go with this, just as long as i don't sound whinny.

Essentially everyone applying to professional school is at least somewhat focused and determined. I'd want to know why you think you'd make and excellent student and clinician. Having been involved in a freak accident and recovering doesn't win me over. (Congrats on it, thou) I hope you have an incredible spin on it thou, beyond "it demonstrates how determined I am to succeed."

BTW, the parallel between being determined to physically recover from an injury and being determined to absorb a crapload of knowledge is weak at best.