PS: to include research or to not include research???

[cfx]

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I'm rewriting my PS, and really pushing the character limit. Writing about my research, I keep falling into the cliche of "Research is good, but I want to work with people...," which I feel is boring and probably every adcom has read it a million times, and likely assumes that this is the case if you're applying to medical school.

I really don't have much else to say about it, though, except for writing about what traits I have developed as a result, but that doesn't answer "why medicine?".

I'm having a hard time just eliminating any discussion of it, because I feel like research is kind of a big chunk of my UG experience. I guess I keep feeling inclined to write about all of my ECs and try to relate them to my motives for med school. Mistake?

Keep it or cut it?


(EDIT: I'm expecting at least one answer saying "only keep it if it had an influence on your choice of medicine," so I'll just say it here and get it out of the way. But seriously...would I be remiss for not discussing something so big?)

 

[SpaceDementia]

A successful application is all about being interesting and unique. The personal statement is a key part of that. Tell a story, show sincerity and thoughtfulness, give insight into who you are and what you envision finding in a medical profession. Be as creative and original as possible and avoid being cliched or methodical. Telling your story might entail a discussion of how your research experience impacted you, as it relates to practicing medicine, but it should only be a piece of the story. Rehashing your activities out of compulsion is a bad idea (and uninteresting to schools)... instead, use them whenever necessary to provide anecdotes or support the narrative or themes you're conveying.

 

[SweetRain]

I also had the same problem. I spent two years doing my independent project and had a really hard time taking that out of my PS.

I want to go into primary care, but I was basically clinging onto my research experience and trying to fit that in there somehow. In the end, I took it out because it disrupts the flow of the essay and doesn't really display my interest in medicine even though it was one of the biggest part of my college career.

You do have a chance to list it as your EC, so if it shows your time commitment and achievement, you will likely to be asked about it during your interview. Then you can share your story.

Personally, if I were on the adcom, I don't think I'll enjoy reading about other people's research. It's basically jargon if it's not within your area or expertise.

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

I would say....don't put it in IF it does NOT relate to your passion for medicine. That's why I do clinical research...it puts me right there working with people to help them improve their quality of life! 🙂