personal statements

[Bevo]

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wondering what approach everyone took.

Plus I was told on my ps that I needed to include something about my view on the philosophy of medicine ?

 

[mpp]

Check <a href="http://www.essayedge.com/medical/essayadvice/course/" target="_blank">here</a> for some essay ideas and sample essays (Use the VIEW ESSAYS button on the left side to see 10 sample medical school essays).

I took sort of the chronological approach to explain my diverse background and how I ended up deciding to pursue medicine, what I hope to get out of the career, and what I am looking for in a school.

The personal statement is a strange creature and if you totally despise writing these types of things you are not alone as I can't stand showing off in this manner. Some books say the essay is incredibly important in garnering interviews. Others say it is the least important. I think it probably depends on the school and who is reading the essays at each school.

For an osteopathic school essay it is reasonable that there is some discussion on your reasons why osteopathic medicine is the right fit for you. Realize that you have limited room for the essay. Get many people to read and critique it and don't stress too much over it.

Good luck and kudos for starting to early...

 

[Ryan]

This is a good topic. I really feel that the ps is a vital part of the application process, b/c up until the interview, that is the only personal contact that the school has with you, and, at least I feel that it was one of the most important aspects of helping me to get and interview, esp. at osteo schools. This is b/c these schools really place an emphasis on being an extremely well rounded applicant. So, that said, it is definitely worth the time to make sure you do the ps well. My undergrad school had a health professions advising office, and I became good friends with the head of the office. We revised my ps a total of six times, but it turned out to be very good. Your use of verbage, and how concise your sentence stucture is really important, esp. on the osteopathic application, b/c I think the maximum # of words is 325. So you need to be very concise. Hope that this helped.

 

[bla_3x]

Is the Osteopathic personal statement a part of the AACOMAS application, or is it a different piece of your application sent to the schools during secondaries? Also, is the max # of words really 325???

 

[PalCareGrl]

Hi, I just finished the application process and what I can tell you is this: the AACOMAS essay isn't that important...but it still counts. It's only about 3/4 of a page. I would limit it to the basics, why medicine, why osteopathy and what your goals are (I think they mention these focuses in the app). The secondary essays are extremely important, and differ slightly for each school. Some give you ample room and some limit your space. LECOM, TUCOM, and NSUCOM secondaries are all online if you are looking for examples of essays. Usually it's the basics- why their school, why medicine, what makes you unique. If you are applying next year, it doesn't hurt to start playing with ideas now so that you can have a good idea of what to right by next summer when you start getting the secondary applications.

Hope this helps!

 

[Bevo]

actually planning on applying this summer after the april mcat.

Ive started writing it, and Ive made a lot of changes including a complete rewrite from scratch a couple weeks ago. I like my final essay and I think it takes care of why I want to go into medicine, addressed my poor academic performance at my first school, some clinical experience and what I think shows some maturing on my part as a person.

Since I have been trying to have as many people as possible read the essay I am getting more suggestions that Im leaving stuff out that needs to be in there.

Which is where I am now. I would like to add some of the stuff everyone recommends, but I have a ps that would barely fit into the applications as it is now.

 

[jhug]

I really think many schools look heavily on the personal statement. I had quite a few directly quote what i had written, one even commended it--major confidence boost!!! I re-wrote my ps about 4 times and finally went with one that i almost wrote at one sitting at 1:30 in the morning. Don't let too many read/change it- that is what caused me to start over so many times. Pick a few trusted/well versed people and stick to them-- that way you don't get confused with so much feedback. Also, remember that the tone is in the reader. I tried to make my ps as much of a converstation as possible- almost like a one-ended interview. Ask yourself why medicine, osteopathy, this school and jot down the sincere answers- let that be a starting ground. If you have any more ?'s post or email.

 

[NurseyK]

I have to disagree with PalCareGrl about the essay not being important. I found that the schools I interviewed at asked me more questions about that essay than their own secondaries.

JMHO -

Kat

 

[Maximus]

I'll be honest...i think that the reason that some committees comment more on the AACOMAS essay over the secondaries is that the AACOMAS essay is probably the first one in the packet...probably the only essay that they read.

The essay's are important, however. Especially if you are "questionable." It is kind of the equivalent of you being there in the meeting, speaking up for yourself. They might not read your essays...but you don't know if they will or won't...so you definately have to make them count.

JHUG's recommendations are great. My essays followed roughly the same format that he indicated.

Good Luck!!!

 

[jhug]

Thanks maximus-- i can always count on you for that much needed pat on the back!!!

 

[Maximus]

Always, My friend...Always.