Question about personal statements

[Live4Life]

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Several post-bac applications require two personal statements. The first statement is always "why do you want to become a doctor". The second statement wants the applicant to discuss anything they want the admissions committee to know that wasn't conveyed in their application.

Can anyone provide me with an example of what they discussed in the second personal statement? I don't want to see an entire personal statement; a one sentence summary would be perfect.

I know what I would like to write about but it would not be very long. Do you think it would harm my chances of admission if I split the second statement into two half-page statements? Does the second statement need to be a full page like the primary personal statement?

 

[Pemulis]

Back when I was applying for post-bac programs, my "secondary" essay was a humorous piece about my experience learning to play guitar as a teenager. This served several purposes: it provided an outlet for me to discuss my musical abilities and activities, which I couldn't really fit elsewhere in my application; I was able to tie it into a discussion of how I learn best, and why the particular school in question would therefore be a good fit for me; and it was a little bit offbeat and quirky which is always a good thing to be in an essay, if you can pull it off. A lot of admissions essays are boring; entertain your reader and you will be rewarded.

I would avoid splitting your essay up into two half-page statements, because you'll risk looking like someone who can't follow directions. Remember, you don't have to tell them everything about yourself; they know that's not possible. Just give them some clue as to who you are and why you'd fit in well at their school.