Personal Statement Tweak

[novafan3000]

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I've been spending time trying to get my personal statement relatively all the way done before I really start hitting the books for my April MCAT, but I feel as if my personal statement is too much about the things I've done to become a physician and not about why I "want" to be a physician. I know it sounds simple and I feel like that should be the easier part, but for some reason its not coming out right. I relate all my experiences to why it would help me and why it makes me a better candidate, but I feel they are too specific? Maybe its just me being picky, any tips?

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!!

 

[BABSstudent]

Try coming up with a few characteristics you think doctors should have and explain how your key things demonstrate it. At the end, loop all of them together to highlight everything to show you will be a good doctor.

Can't really give any other advice unless I were to read it.

 

[kickster]

One thing that helped me was to write a draft, put it away for 3 weeks to a month and come back to it. Don't try to perfect it in a week.

 

[ribbondino]

Some of the links in this thread may help you.

Also, here is the 2013-2014 personal statement guide and reader list.

 

[novafan3000]

Yeah it just sucks trying to find that fine line between showing that you've built yourself to become a doctor and not sounding like a verbal resume. Thanks for the tips though!

 

[dsoz]

If your theme is not why you want to be a physician, then stop tweaking your essay and scrap it. There is one purpose for your essay. ONLY ONE! Why do you want to be a doctor? Answer that question for everyone to see.

It is not a resume, they can see your activities in your application. If you are writing a resume for your PS, you are doing it wrong.

Don't spread yourself so thin by writing about several activities, pick one and go in deep. Explain that one thing so clearly that everyone can see the influence it had on you.

This is probably the most difficult thing to write. When I was writing mine, I had to take some very personal topics and put them out for the whole world to see. I am a very closed person, but I had to expose my thoughts and feelings to complete strangers. It is difficult, but you can do it.

dsoz

 

[cinamin]

If your theme is not why you want to be a physician, then stop tweaking your essay and scrap it. There is one purpose for your essay. ONLY ONE! Why do you want to be a doctor? Answer that question for everyone to see.

It is not a resume, they can see your activities in your application. If you are writing a resume for your PS, you are doing it wrong.

Don't spread yourself so thin by writing about several activities, pick one and go in deep. Explain that one thing so clearly that everyone can see the influence it had on you.

This is probably the most difficult thing to write. When I was writing mine, I had to take some very personal topics and put them out for the whole world to see. I am a very closed person, but I had to expose my thoughts and feelings to complete strangers. It is difficult, but you can do it.

dsoz

this is excellent advice. i kick myself for not doing this with my PS.