Reapplicant: Is it really necessary to re-write "Most meaningful Experiences"?

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premed2000

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So I am going to be a reapplicant this year. How bad will it be if I don't re-write my "most meaningful activities" short essay? I feel like they really didn't change much from last May to this May. And I highly doubt my unsuccessful cycle last year was because of my "most meaningful experiences" essays.

What do you guys think? Or should I completely rewrite them? Or just make minor modifications?

And also, I've heard people say that you should have LORs coming from your "most meaningful activities". How bad will it be if I don't have an LOR from one of my most meaningful experiences?

Thanks!
 
I didn't rewrite my activities section, and it didn't hurt me (I did add new ones, though); there doesn't seem to be a purpose to rewriting them if they haven't changed significantly. If they have, be sure to include the updates.

For the LORs, it depends on the quality of the letter--if you feel that they are strong and highlight your personal qualities well, it would be wise to keep them. If they aren't as strong, or come from people who don't know you well (example--spent two months volunteering at X and got a letter from the supervisor with whom you spoke three times), it might be a better idea to find a new one.

Don't forget to rewrite the PS- this can be a very strong selling point to your app, and using the same one as last cycle just looks lazy (remember, schools you applied to last year will compare your two apps to see changes).
 
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FWIW I only had one LOR that was associated with a meaningful activity (out of 3). I don't think it matters.
 
Thanks Silvercat! anyone else can chime in on this?

I am about to be a reapplicant myself and when I spoke with schools about my rejection they all said just to be sure to either rewrite or seriously change your personal statement because schools will compare the two. It doesn't make sense to change your activity section because more likely then not nothing new has occurred with your old activities. Personally, I am adding multiple activities including a new most meaningful experience.
 
Here's my question, what if multiple editors said your original PS was very strong and there is not much to improve upon. Had my personal statement reviewed by a couple physicians and my english prof. so i knew it was a strong one when i applied. I might think of touching it up a little bit, but not drastically change it?

any input would be greatly appreciated!! thanks in advance.
 
You dont have to re-write them if you feel they are good enough. Re-write them if you think they affected you adversely this cycle (if you got interviews, i def would not touch them)

Typically a meaningful exp is something that you have prioritized and committed a lot of your time into. a letter writer from that particular exp will only serve to further emphasize that meaningful exp. i think it would definitely be better if you can get a letter from that particular exp.

good luck!
 
Well they didn't get you in the first time, so what makes you think they'll get you in this time? It's up to you, but consider that. I'd definitely at the very least reread them and make sure they're good enough.
 
No point rewriting it if it is done and over with. You won't remember the experience better than the previous time you wrote it.
 
Well they didn't get you in the first time, so what makes you think they'll get you in this time? It's up to you, but consider that. I'd definitely at the very least reread them and make sure they're good enough.

This is how I feel.

First, you need to sit back and examine what went wrong. Did you blow the interview or did you even get an interview? If you didn't get one, then there is something wrong with your application and needs to be identified and addressed. This could mean rewriting things.
 
Well they didn't get you in the first time, so what makes you think they'll get you in this time? It's up to you, but consider that. I'd definitely at the very least reread them and make sure they're good enough.

I thought about it, but I think a few factors affected why i did not get in. I had multiple interviews this cycle despite the fact that most of my secondary applications were not complete until late october. That led me to believe my PS was indeed pretty strong and did not need to be touched upon too much for this round of applications. I could be wrong, but that was my rationale.

Thanks for your advice
 
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