PS help (not editing help, but advice)

[DrShazam]

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I am done with the part in my PS that explains why I want to pursue a career in medicine (~2500 characters). I have tried my best to incorporate this element because it was the major criticism I received last admissions cycle, that I didn't talk enough about my motivation.

However, I am still confused how to show I am a match for a career in medicine without reiterating my works and activites section. This was the second major criticism the Adcoms had. They said everything I talked about was readily apparent in my application.

I think it is even harder this year because now you can pick the most valuable activities in your AMCAS application. Obviously, if the activity was meaningful or transformative, I already talked about that in my works and activities.

Any advice?

 

[Barcu]

You are supposed to talk about your activities and work, but you need to make it a story. Don't just talk about them in the same way as in your app. Tell SPECIFIC anecdotes that highlight those activities and that tie into your motivation to be a doctor.

 

[Tapepsi]

When I wrote my PS, I never onced mentioned any activities. Many may disagree, but in my opinion the PS isn't a time to talk about your EC's, it's a time for the schools to get to know who you are and why you want to enter medicine, and what you feel you can bring to the table. They can see if you're a good "match" by looking at your activities, GPA, MCAT, etc..., and they can read your EC's in the other section of your app.

 

[phnerd1105]

I agree with BOTH of the above posters. While it's not a time to restate your work and activities, you need to really explain if any activity has had an impact on your life or has given you a greater insight into the medical field. It's easier to show your motivation through your actions rather than just convincing them through words.

Obviously, you're not going to list everything you did for an activity in your PS like W&A. Just explain which, if any, parts helped motivate you

 

[MonicaMelquiade]

Maybe you should think of your personal statement as an argument for which your work and activities section can serve as supporting evidence. The way I wrote my PS, which I'm hoping (and have been told) is pretty effective, I told a story that ultimately made the point that I belong in medicine, using the story of how I came to discover that myself. I referred to some of my ECs mostly in passing, and am writing my EC descriptions with reference to the main themes that my personal statement uses. I might be mostly rambling right now, but sometimes for inspiration you just need to reframe what you're looking at. Don't forget that your application should tell one cohesive story. Hope this helps!

 

[RookTookIt]

Maybe you should think of your personal statement as an argument for which your work and activities section can serve as supporting evidence. The way I wrote my PS, which I'm hoping (and have been told) is pretty effective, I told a story that ultimately made the point that I belong in medicine, using the story of how I came to discover that myself. I referred to some of my ECs mostly in passing, and am writing my EC descriptions with reference to the main themes that my personal statement uses. I might be mostly rambling right now, but sometimes for inspiration you just need to reframe what you're looking at. Don't forget that your application should tell one cohesive story. Hope this helps!

I really like this and think it's a great way to frame your primary app.

 

[phnerd1105]

^haha this is exactly what I was trying to get at. Sorry if i wasn't clear.

 

[Dr Love]

You are supposed to talk about your activities and work, but you need to make it a story. Don't just talk about them in the same way as in your app. Tell SPECIFIC anecdotes that highlight those activities and that tie into your motivation to be a doctor.

Agreed, think of the personal statement as story time.

 

[senorsquishie]

A good bet to get where you are going:

Free write for 10-20 mins on the moment you decided to be a doctor. For example,

If you sitting at a family member's bedside wen you decided you wanted to be a doctor, what did the room look like? What did people say? What did you smell, taste, feel? Getting the details out will help you write a story instead of repeating you application. Feel free to have multiple stories as long as you can make them flow and have a strong cental theme to them.

 

[raltima07]

Just remember this though - your PS is probably not going to be anything new - dont try and go all out writing in a style that isn't your voice.