Resources for writing a personal statement?

[cadingcading]

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Doe anyone have any good resources for writing a personal statement? Especially for non-trads who have a rap sheet (good one). I have had many life experiences that would be good to include but want to zero in on one..

 

[mavric1298]

Most undergrads have a careers/writing center that can be really helpful. Most that I've seen will continue to work with any alum. It's a great starting resource. Also did you do an MCAT prep? TPR did a whole session (3 hours) just on app processes and going over stuff about the personal statement. Also, as an officer of AED (our premed honors society) we have officers and other students go over essays. This was the advice I was given/give when asked.

Have a family member read/edit it - they will be able to tell you how honest you are being with your content
Have a friend read /edit it - they will have input based on knowing as a friend, and bring a different angle
Have a stranger (friend of friend) - they will be the most honest and won't be afraid to rip it apart
Have a professional (career center, etc) - they will have the best technical advice

Also, feel free to PM me if you want someone to bounce things against or someone to read it over.

 

[CCEMTP]

There are good books on amazon full of medical school essays and examples of do's and don'ts. Everybody says don't try to be catchy, but it really just depends on if you can pull it off, most can't and it ends up hurting them.

Just keep in mind who is going to be reading your personal statement. They're going to want it to tell them real life examples of things you've done that speak to your character, and your decision to become a doctor. They also want to see explanations for any negatives in your application (ie. grandpa died in the fall of my sophomore year which led to a couple B's or what not). Don't just tell a funny story that has no point.

Is that clear as mud? lol.

Best of luck to you.

 

[caffeinemia]

I help candidates write essays for all sorts of programs.

I actually developed my own guide in the past, but I've taken it down in the meantime to edit and revise it.

If you want to check it out. The updated version is going up slowly on my website: www.kswrite.com/portfolio

It's a foundational guide that explain the very essentials of writing a personal statement, but I am not sure that's what you're seeking though. Feel free to PM if you have further questions.

 

[JillyEdMed]

... or you could try scholar.google.com to find inspiration