personal statement

[hopeful26]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Does anybody out there know if theres any websites/books to help write personal statements? Does anybody have any recommendations of what i should be looking at? I know that Im applying late, but I seriously have no idea where to start with the personal statement. Thank you soo much in advance...

 

[cabinbuilder]

The PS For ERAS: The numbers correspond to the paragraph

1. Intro about yourself. Something unique and attention grabbing. Usually something non-medical related or a shocking quality. Make yourself stand out.

2. What made your decision about that particular field, give an anecdote from something in med school rotation that clinched your desire to do that field.

3. Should be about what you are looking for in a residency program. Travel, clinic, procedures, type of clients, region, research, etc. Hands on, or theory?

4. How you see yourself after residency. Your life goals as a doctor. I call it the 20 year plan. How do you see yourself practicing medicine. Tie it in with the residency you're are seeking.

5. Closing paragraph. Go back to who you are. Something else about you. Tie it all together. Remember that the essay is there to make them want to meet you. They also want to see that you can write well and hold their attention. Remember not to say the same phrase over and over. It gets boring and the eyes glaze over.


I hope that helps.

 

[hopeful26]

That really does help, thank you so much, I didnt even know where to start. I heard that theres a first aid book for the matching process, do you think thats helpful? Is there anything else i should be looking at?

 

[cabinbuilder]

I don't really know how a book will help you unless you are just a bad essay writer. If you put in those points I stated, you should be ok. The trick is to make yourself sound really interesting so they will want to meet you.

Matching really is out of your control. You need to get interviews and do well when you get there. Talk to the residents. Don't seem obnoxious. Remember that a residency program has to live with you for 3+ years. They don't want to be stuck with a know-it-all, obnoxious jerk.

So, IMO, matching really boils down to a few points. Good board scores in the range they are looking for, good evals, good letters, a great personal statement that makes you interesting, a good impression at the interview.

Don't waste your money on a match book.

 

[RTrain]

Just my two pennies, but I would strongly consider branching out from the outline above. Not that it's a bad place to start, but that's the Stock Personal Statement Formula™ that program directors and selection committees read over and over again for months. "Paragraph one: I realized [insert specialty here] was for me when I [insert anecdote here], Paragraph two: I hope to match in a strong academic program with a great variety of clinical experiences and opportunities for clinical and basic science research, Paragraph three: My ideal practice is in an academic medical center where I can provide patient care while still focusing on research and teaching the next generation. The End."

Creating a personal statement that will make you stand out rather than blend in could be the difference between getting an interview and getting mired in the "maybe" pile. Relate your specialty choice to another fascinating interest or experience you have, introduce a role model and talk about how you strive to live up to his/her influence, say something (slightly) funny... That said, I'm not advocating making your personal statement an interpretive dance or anything. Don't be weird, but do be interesting. 👍

 

[Hard24Get]

Does anybody out there know if theres any websites/books to help write personal statements? Does anybody have any recommendations of what i should be looking at? I know that Im applying late, but I seriously have no idea where to start with the personal statement. Thank you soo much in advance...

http://www.medfools.com/personal-statements.php

You need to get crackin', Kimosabe. Better to have a run of the mill personal statement and a complete application than to be left empty-handed. Interviews in almost every specialty are being handed out and interview dates are filling up. Many programs have deadlines which are fast-approaching. Bang it out, have someone check it for grammar and spelling, and submit on Monday. You have come too far to **** around now.