Personal Statements

[Gurl21]

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My experience with dentistry is really extensive, but my grades are just average. I haven't taken the DAT yet. I know that I need to make my motivation really shine through on my application, but I'm not sure how I can do that other than by my personal statement essay. Does anybody know of any good guides for writing personal statements, or something that shows examples of good ones? Thank you!

 

[crazy_sherm]

predental.org has a few sample essays listed that might help get you started. Having a not so great GPA unfortunately limits the pool of possible schools one can get into. Definitely try to rock that DAT and find out which schools look at DATs more heavily. UOP is one for sure. They even gave me a scholarship just for scoring high on the DAT, because I know it sure wasn't for my GPA. (People with a high GPA and DAT scores got more $$$ than me though...)

 

[PERFECT3435]

My experience with dentistry is really extensive, but my grades are just average. I haven't taken the DAT yet. I know that I need to make my motivation really shine through on my application, but I'm not sure how I can do that other than by my personal statement essay. Does anybody know of any good guides for writing personal statements, or something that shows examples of good ones? Thank you!

check essayedge.com out.

 

[Gurl21]

thanks, i will def. be checking those out 👍

 

[blankguy]

How should I present the fact that I have a blemishes in my academic record a long time ago? Should I say the standard had a rough time but now I am mature and overcame whatever was holding back thing or is there something else that should be included??

 

[edkNARF]

How should I present the fact that I have a blemishes in my academic record a long time ago? Should I say the standard had a rough time but now I am mature and overcame whatever was holding back thing or is there something else that should be included??

I would keep it VERY simple. Just state that you got your act together, let your recommendors talk about your blemishes.

 

[dexadental]

I wouldn't be guided by any site in the writing of your personal statement. Maybe formalities involved within the statement on these sites may help you, and I definitely reccomend essay edge to proofread and review your statement. I wouldn't go browsing around the internet looking for ideas though, try to make your statement as personal as possible; definitely let a few people review it before you deem it as final.

 

[ruben22]

theessaydoctor.com (geared toward pre-Med students, but it should work out just fine).

 

[blankguy]

I would keep it VERY simple. Just state that you got your act together, let your recommendors talk about your blemishes.

The problem is that my post-bacc professors would just know it by the transcript, they are not my undergrad professors that know of this first hand.
😕

 

[dexadental]

I plan to keep my personal statement SIMPLE...no detailed explanations about my flaws or personal life, of which there are many issues and problems involved. No adcom wants to hear about this, as many people have problems and they hear about them all the time I'm sure. I've worked hard for four years, got the grades, WILL have the stellar DAT I'm sure, and WILL go to dental school...mark my words!!!
heh....
Good luck.

Note: I will also be contacting essay edge too!

 

[Sprgrover]

The problem is that my post-bacc professors would just know it by the transcript, they are not my undergrad professors that know of this first hand.
😕

I wouldn't raise the issue of some of your past grades at all in your personal statement. First off, you have a limited amount of space and I believe that it would be better spent writing on something else. Second, doing so might come across as being defensive (something you want to avoid) or too apologetic. I understand what your motives, but if you don't call attention to it then it might not be an issue. And if by chance it does come up, or if there is space on a secondary application in which they ask you to explain such performances, then go ahead and expound on it at such a time.

 

[msf41]

I looked at examples of essays for medical school in some book that I got at Barns and Noble. I think it was called "essays that get you into medical school." or something really creative like that.

Whatever you do, make sure you show your essay to a few professors and have them tell you what they think. I showed my essay to my wife, and 3 professors and thier feedback was very helpful.

 

[tavloolove]

How should I present the fact that I have a blemishes in my academic record a long time ago? Should I say the standard had a rough time but now I am mature and overcame whatever was holding back thing or is there something else that should be included??

Its better to show a positive trend of grades going from not-so-good to GREAT rather than the opposite. The grades will speak for themselves. There is no need, in your essay, to discuss this if it is the result of the "standard...rough time". Focus more on letting the adcoms get to know who you are, why you want to persue dentistry, and why you are the candidate for them. Good luck with that personal statement and the entire application process!!

 

[airvent]

Some secondaries have an "academic notation" page to explain deficiencies in grades and such. I think the ADSAS application has a section for that too.

Use your essay to sell yourself. When you get an interview they will give you a chance to explain your grades