personal statement trouble

[AtomicLuv]

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hello all.
I am really having trouble with the personal statement. its not the actual grammar/writing/format that troubles me, it's what to write!
what can I possibly write that won't sound cheesy, ordinary or repetitive?
I don't have any dramatic stories about my life to relate. the only thing I was considering using was my volunteer experience in a hospital pharmacy, but how is that interesting? I am so lost about what we are supposed to write and how creative the essay should be.
can someone please please give me some suggestions ? (and I know about the sticky explaining personal statements, I just need some extra advice).

thank you! 😕

 

[fatevsdestiny]

This was how my essay was developed (last year):
1. Introduction (state what makes you intereted in Pharmacy, e.g. an event, a job, a volunteer job, a class, a research project, etc)
2. I talk about my research, with a thesis that research experience contributes to my interest in pharmacy.
3. I talk about my work (which you can talk about your volunteer job). Honestly, I don't think it's the boring part . It can really help you if you know how to relate. Tell them what kind of insights you gained from this experince into the field (e.g. educating patients with knowledge and background on medication is very important in ensuring compliance, etc. )
4. Conclusion. Make it short, clear, impressive. Let them know your goal is and how determined you are and what your contribution is to their school based on the experience/insights you have gained.
But most importantly, show them you are both intellectually and emotionally mature. Grades are important but maturity is what they're also looking for, remember, not just grade, but how you learn and grow up as a person.
My best wishes to you.

 

[binghamkid]

hello all.
I am really having trouble with the personal statement. its not the actual grammar/writing/format that troubles me, it's what to write!
what can I possibly write that won't sound cheesy, ordinary or repetitive?
I don't have any dramatic stories about my life to relate. the only thing I was considering using was my volunteer experience in a hospital pharmacy, but how is that interesting? I am so lost about what we are supposed to write and how creative the essay should be.
can someone please please give me some suggestions ? (and I know about the sticky explaining personal statements, I just need some extra advice).

thank you! 😕

The personal statement is a reflection of you first and foremost. It's an essay that you hope the adcoms will read and as a result, understand your personality, your skills and thought processes, and your motivations and qualifications for pharmacy school. I'm sure you have many more experiences than just your hospital pharmacy experience. Pick something that defines you to start off your essay. The essay should be as creative as you are. If you are a creative person, then by all means, be that creative person. No one knows better than you do why you want to become a pharmacist and why you are qualified for it, so be prepared to explain! If you don't have enough reasons for becoming a pharmacist to write an essay about it, you should seriously reflect upon your chosen path because it's not one that should be taken lightly. But seeing how you have the pharmacy experience, I think you do.

Don't force an essay to be funny, or to have a story. Write your experience as if you would narrate it to someone; you can worry about style later. Use your experiences as opportunities in your essay to showcase your maturity (as mentioned above) as well as the skill sets that distinguish you as a candidate. Best of luck =)

 

[AtomicLuv]

thank you both so much for the awesome advice, I think I have a better idea of what to write! 😀