Sad story in personal statement?

[Joebird123]

So I have a sad story, but should I include it in my personal statement. Prior college, both of my parents passed away. I believe the incidence is part of the reason of who I am today. What do you think? A short clip of it?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[CleverThought]

So I have a sad story, but should I include it in my personal statement. Prior college, both of my parents passed away. I believe the incidence is part of the reason of who I am today. What do you think? A short clip of it?

Eh. A blurb if anything. I am usually in the camp of not using sad stories, but a simple "my high level of maturity stems from losing my parents at a young age, (insert specific detail about having to work or care for young siblings)"

 

[gymbee2013]

So I have a sad story, but should I include it in my personal statement. Prior college, both of my parents passed away. I believe the incidence is part of the reason of who I am today. What do you think? A short clip of it?

I dont have any acceptances to speak of yet to back what I say

however, I believe that the personal statement is how you choose to portray yourself, and taking the advice from strangers on something as personal as this will not help you. I sometimes don't think there is a bad interview if you were well spoken and answered questions to the best that you can. However, if adcoms don't like you for your personal statement or your answers then it is an indicator that they don't believe that you are the right fit for their school. Best of luck.

 

[NMC2010]

I would advise against including this in your personal statement, or make it minimal as CleverThought said. I don't mean to sound insensitive, but we've all lost people close to us that we love, and admissions committees have seen that sort of thing in personal statements a million and a half times before. You want to tell a story about yourself that shows your passion for dentistry while illustrating that you're going to be successful in dental school and as a professional. You want to use your extracurriculars to show what you've learned, how you've grown, etc. (not just,"I did ____ activity that helps my qualifications.").

You want to inspire them and make them want you in their school, not make them feel sad and sympathetic.

 

[lwen5]

First off, I'm sorry for your loss.
Unfortunately, I do not think you should elaborate on it. You should make it as a comment in passing. Only 1-2 sentences max.
If it affected your college performance negatively and you got really bad grades your first semester because of it, they have a special place on the app for you to explain any extenuating circumstances. Try to word it so it doesn't look like you're looking for pity though. CleverThought's post is probably the best way you should mention it.

Good luck.

 

[Dr.PetesAFDDS]

If it has shaped you into who you are, include it. I would assume that anyone who has suffered such great loss and overcome it would make for an excellent candidate for dental school. Adcoms want to know the depth of an individual, they want to know that you are so certain this is the field for you, so anything that strengthens your character also strengthens you as an applicant. I'm sorry for your loss, but I can imagine you are an incredible individual that has worked through one of the toughest situations anyone could go through; show your character in that personal statement.

 

[Joebird123]

Thank you for the replies, when I was talking about personal statements. I was also talking about the optional essays too, for example as a Texas resident, the optional essays are:

lease describe any personal characteristics and/or important or challenging experiences you have had that will contribute to the diversity (broadly defined) of or provide educational benefits to the student body.

Briefly discuss any unique circumstances or life experiences that are relevant to your application which have not previously been presented.

Would you think it is appropriate to have short blurb in any of these?

 

[slm266]

If you do include it, be sure to focus more on how it has driven you to success, will help you through dental school, and make you a better Dr.

If them bringing it up in an interview will get you choked up then I might not mention it. It might kinda throw you off you game if it's still a very raw and emotional story.

Adcoms really are just trying to get a picture of who you are and the type of character you have. I imagine their passing has played a great role in who you are today. I'm sure you've learned how you handle stressful and trying times and that will translate to dental school.