Personal Statement

[SCDP]

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How far in advance should I start working on the personal statement if I'll be applying this upcoming cycle?

Also, is there a specific topic that they want you to talk about or some prompt or something?

 

[Weakfart]

I'm writing mine like this weekend. Granted I have a pre-health committee deadline in like two weeks.

 

[sjv]

Also, is there a specific topic that they want you to talk about or some prompt or something?

From the guidebook a couple years ago:

The ADEA AADSAS application requires a personal essay on your reasons for pursuing a dental education. Where do you start? Put yourself in the shoes of the admissions committees that read application essays. They are looking for individuals who are motivated, academically prepared, articulate, socially conscious, and knowledgeable about the profession. What can you tell admissions committees about yourself that will make you stand out?

Here are some possible topics for your essay:

How did you become interested in studying dentistry? Be honest. If you knew you wanted to be a dentist from the age of six, that’s fine, but if you didn’t that’s all right, too. Explain how you discovered dentistry as a career possibility and what you have done to research the career. Admissions committees are looking for how well thought-out your career plans are.

What have you done to demonstrate your interest in dentistry? Have you observed or working in dental offices? Have you talked to practicing dentists? How good is your understanding of general dental practice? How do you envision yourself using your dental degree?

What have you done to demonstrate your commitment to helping others?

Do you have any special talents or leadership skills that could be transferable to the practice of dentistry?

Have you benefited from any special experiences such as participating in research or internships?

Did you have to work to pay for you education? How was that made you a stronger applicant?

Have you had to overcome hardships or obstacles to get where you are today? How has this influenced your motivation for advanced education?

 

[SCDP]

Ah so "your reasons for pursuing a dental education" is pretty much the topic. Is it really a big deal because I just feel like my reasons are pretty typical and I don't have any events that stand out... just the typical volunteering positions, dental shadowing, etc...

 

[l4dygaga]

Make your PS interesting!! I talked about astronomy and how my passion and attentiveness towards the stars related to patient care. Don't spit out what you can say on aadsas with a few words. Talk about something that moves you: a moment in clinic, your hobby, your parents, your inspiration. Imagine if you were adcom. The past 100 PS all talked about like you said "typical volunteering position, dental shadowing..." Then comes your PS out of the ordinary. The uniqueness will bump your app guaranteed. Just my 2 cents. I interviewed at a lot of schools because of my PS. I know that because like you, I had the most typical volunteering and shadowing experiences (less than 40 hrs each too).

 

[derbear]

Biggest mistake people make when writing a PS is showing off all of their achievements and life experiences (nothing wrong with being proud of what you have done). However, a little trick that will go a long way is just answering the simple question: Why dentistry?

As long as you keep that as your theme and you answer it honestly, you will have one kick-ass PS...I know from personal experience 🙂.

 

[ajj70]

Is using humor a good idea or bad idea....appropriate humor??

 

[arkenstone]

Is using humor a good idea or bad idea....appropriate humor??

I would keep the personal statement humor dry and save the jokes for your interview. (Personally)

 

[TourdeTeeth]

The earlier you start writing drafts of your PS, the better. I'd try to write 3-4 paragraphs total if I were you. Paragraph 1: Who are you and why dentistry. Paragraph 2: What experiences do you have that you think will make you successful. Don't discuss gpa or DAT scores, tell stories. Paragraph 3: Why will you be a good dentist? Use more stories or reference characteristics from paragraph 2 stories. Paragraph 4: What will you bring to dentistry that will be different from other people. For example, you could want to create a completely "Green Friendly" practice and think that will help your community or something.

But don't try to follow this formula exactly. Just write what comes naturally and make sure it answers these sort of questions.