Personalizing the PS to each program?

[diamonddoc]

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Is it common or even necessary to personalize your personal statement to mention each program by name. For instance, if I'm applying to MGH, I would alter a line or two in my ps to say "I believe MGH would be the perfect place for me to do my residency because..."
Or should I just send one standard ps?

Thanks.

I think you can have a different ps for each program you apply to.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I don't think its common, but if there really is no limit to the number of PS you can upload, then go ahead.

 

[Snoopy]

It is definitely possible as I did it last year. If you're just going to change each one to name the program I don't think it is worth it. I actually discussed things that I thought made the program a good fit for me. This technique landed me an interview at a highly competitive program where I was desperately interested in matching at the time. On paper there's no way I should have received an interview there, but the program director told me that he was impressed by my personal statement and wanted to meet with me. If you can make your personal statement meaningful then it may be beneficial.

 

[Asher]

Just be careful to assign the PS to the correct programs. I'm sure that sending an essay on how great Big Hopsital is to Another Big Hospital won't win you any points with program directors.