- Joined
- Apr 20, 2006
- Messages
- 325
- Reaction score
- 0
hi there everyone
s
s
Last edited:
share your personal statement!
- Thread starter think
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2006
- Messages
- 52
- Reaction score
- 0
I doubt you get many takers on this one. I know that I personally spent hours upon hours on my personal statement and other interview questions and do not feel that its fair for others to benefit from my hard work (especially when some will copy parts of it). You are going to have to work hard to create your own personal statement. I believe that it is this time consuming activity that seperates those that truely want to get into pharmacy school and those that dont.
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2006
- Messages
- 110
- Reaction score
- 0
this is a public forum..i dont quite think its ok to post personal statements on here. many students just visit the forum to read information and what we call "lurkers". how am i supposed to trust my personal statement on a forum? What if someone copies it and sends it to the same schools?
I would actually advise everyone NOT to post their statements anywhere.. just not safe..
I would actually advise everyone NOT to post their statements anywhere.. just not safe..
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2007
- Messages
- 116
- Reaction score
- 0
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2006
- Messages
- 24
- Reaction score
- 0
same same....
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2006
- Messages
- 835
- Reaction score
- 3
I spent hours on my PS, posting on public forum so other people can more or less copy it and send it in as their own? na
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2007
- Messages
- 2,414
- Reaction score
- 4
Though you may have good intentions think, none of us know if random lurkers or even registered members have good intentions. The last thing anybody wants is to be rejected b/c schools accuse you of plagiarizing someone else's statement.
Even if a friend you trust asks you for your personal statement, you never know if that friend decides to provide your statement to his or her "best friend" who may not be trustworthy to you. So, you may lose control of your statement even if you think that you've kept it private.
Lastly, a really good personal statement is based on you meaning that the contents are specific to you and would be difficult to be used in someone else's statement.
So, a better question to ask would be to ask what type of stuff makes a good personal statement. This question prevents people from putting excerpts into their answers, and it allows them provide general support and clues that still require you to think about what to write as opposed to following someone else's formula.
Even if a friend you trust asks you for your personal statement, you never know if that friend decides to provide your statement to his or her "best friend" who may not be trustworthy to you. So, you may lose control of your statement even if you think that you've kept it private.
Lastly, a really good personal statement is based on you meaning that the contents are specific to you and would be difficult to be used in someone else's statement.
So, a better question to ask would be to ask what type of stuff makes a good personal statement. This question prevents people from putting excerpts into their answers, and it allows them provide general support and clues that still require you to think about what to write as opposed to following someone else's formula.
A good personal statement is going to be individual. The reason it takes so long to write is because it involves having answers to questions few of us would think about so deeply unless forced to. It involves a lot of insecurity and vulnerability so beyond not wanting to put it up for fear others would benefit from my work, I would not put it up because it is so intimate. My wife only read my personal statement after I submitted it.
A personal statement isn't a formula. Let's say that you wanted to enter pharmacy because you wanted to make a lot of money and you fear that medical school is too competitive or that doctors workload is too demanding. After thinking about it for a long time, you really couldn't come up with any better reasons. You might think that no adcom wants to read a personal statement like that, but the beauty of the personal statement is that it works as long as you are honest.
Suppose that the reason that you care so much about money is that you grew up poor, and are still struggling now. Let's say that you worked as a pharmacy tech and by your own observation, and the encouragement of a pharmacist mentor, you have found out you could do the job. Maybe you can't do an extraordinarily demanding workload for medical school because you have kids (and maybe that's another reason you want to make money). Perhaps you had a friend from college/high school who got divorced in residency. Finally, since you are really only looking for the bucks, you are willing to work in underserved areas without the attitude that you're too good for it. (Hell, that's where you tech now.).
So the first set of reasons isn't going to get you very far, but the second one which builds on the first's foundation has the possibility (in my opinion) of being a strong personal statement.
A personal statement isn't a formula. Let's say that you wanted to enter pharmacy because you wanted to make a lot of money and you fear that medical school is too competitive or that doctors workload is too demanding. After thinking about it for a long time, you really couldn't come up with any better reasons. You might think that no adcom wants to read a personal statement like that, but the beauty of the personal statement is that it works as long as you are honest.
Suppose that the reason that you care so much about money is that you grew up poor, and are still struggling now. Let's say that you worked as a pharmacy tech and by your own observation, and the encouragement of a pharmacist mentor, you have found out you could do the job. Maybe you can't do an extraordinarily demanding workload for medical school because you have kids (and maybe that's another reason you want to make money). Perhaps you had a friend from college/high school who got divorced in residency. Finally, since you are really only looking for the bucks, you are willing to work in underserved areas without the attitude that you're too good for it. (Hell, that's where you tech now.).
So the first set of reasons isn't going to get you very far, but the second one which builds on the first's foundation has the possibility (in my opinion) of being a strong personal statement.
hey kids?!!! lol, honestly even if you are 20 to 50 years old ( and im 25) i dont think anyone is a kid anymore if they are considering grad or professional school. takes too much maturity to get through these programs.
oh yea, the max for pharmcas PS is 4500 characters (including spaces)
oh yea, the max for pharmcas PS is 4500 characters (including spaces)
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2006
- Messages
- 2,397
- Reaction score
- 10
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2004
- Messages
- 1,389
- Reaction score
- 13
Really, that offends you? I'd better stop saying "Hey kids!" when I enter the study room to study with friends. I always meant it as a term of endearment. Better yet, I'll ask them if it offends.
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2006
- Messages
- 400
- Reaction score
- 0
yeah, you should probably stop saying that... unless you're 65 or so.
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2006
- Messages
- 627
- Reaction score
- 0
It depends on how its said.. I hardly ever find the term "kid" offensive unless its someone of authority who is obviously talking down to me. Then it isn't even the "kid" that I find offensive but the talking down part.
But back on topic, ITA, you should NEVER post your PS online, you never know who might see it, some desperate pre-pharmer with no ideas might simply just "Copy + Paste" and change their name. And TA-DA you've screwed yourself over if you are applying to the same schools.
But back on topic, ITA, you should NEVER post your PS online, you never know who might see it, some desperate pre-pharmer with no ideas might simply just "Copy + Paste" and change their name. And TA-DA you've screwed yourself over if you are applying to the same schools.
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2006
- Messages
- 95
- Reaction score
- 0
I agree with you guys. I worked so hard on my PS, and I would never let anyone read it that would be applying to pharmacy school. I don't mean to offend anyone, but you never know what someone will do when they are desperate. I feel that it is my masterpiece...and personal🙄
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2006
- Messages
- 250
- Reaction score
- 1
As I've posted in another thread, if you can't put into words why you want to be a pharmacist you are doomed if you get an interview. They aren't looking for a piece of fine literature, all they want is insight to who you are and why you want to go to their school.
I'd never post my PS. It was very personal and I'd be extremely angry if anyone used it.
I'd never post my PS. It was very personal and I'd be extremely angry if anyone used it.
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2006
- Messages
- 2,397
- Reaction score
- 10
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2007
- Messages
- 102
- Reaction score
- 0
Hi there,
In my opinion you should buy a book--thats what I did. Worked great! There are plenty of very good, inexpensive books on writing a personal statement.
Writing a personal statement is much more than a piece of paper. Knowing how to properly describe your strong points, as well as your weaknesses, are essential. In addition, you will need skills of this type during school/job interviews, writing a resume, and even while making new acquaintances!
FYI: A personal statement should be 100% UNIQUE!
HEY THINK, LISTEN TO YOUR OWN USERNAME--"THINK" AND THEN WRITE YOUR OWN *PERSONAL* STATEMENT. THE "BENEFIT" YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT IS CALLED CHEATING (NOT JUST WORD FOR WORD COPYING AND PASTING BUT THE SHARING OF IDEAS). YOUR USERNAME IS IRONIC IN THIS POST.
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2006
- Messages
- 353
- Reaction score
- 0
People definitely shouldn't post their personal statements online because you don't know what will happen to it. If you want an idea of what types of personal statements have been successful in getting people admitted, PM the people and ask them for some advice. I think advice is the best thing people can offer, and you can expand on their general ideas to make a more tailored essay.
If I could offer you advice for the PharmCAS essay, I would talk about what experience(s) confirmed why you want to go into pharmacy. If I were reading an essay, I want this essay to prove to me that this person knows what he/she is getting into and is confident that he/she is fit for the field. It could be anything from a pharmacy volunteer experience to even a tutor job. You can expand on how, for example, you enjoyed tutoring kids and that with pharmacy, you're really interested in patient counseling. Or even a specific event, possibly personal, that sparked your interest in pharmacy. But that's just my two cents. From there and others' advice, you can think about what you can portray in this essay.
If I could offer you advice for the PharmCAS essay, I would talk about what experience(s) confirmed why you want to go into pharmacy. If I were reading an essay, I want this essay to prove to me that this person knows what he/she is getting into and is confident that he/she is fit for the field. It could be anything from a pharmacy volunteer experience to even a tutor job. You can expand on how, for example, you enjoyed tutoring kids and that with pharmacy, you're really interested in patient counseling. Or even a specific event, possibly personal, that sparked your interest in pharmacy. But that's just my two cents. From there and others' advice, you can think about what you can portray in this essay.
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2006
- Messages
- 577
- Reaction score
- 0
I think writing a PS is part of the journey. I would want to say that some people choose a career for very broad reasons, like "I want to help people" and then just pick a career. But when you start writing that PS, it really makes you think about why you chose the career you did. It will clear up your thoughts and confirm your decision, or may even change your life and make you realize that maybe it's not what you want to do. (I hope it's the former for you)
I'm sure you had good intentions. Maybe you wanted to make sure you'd be on the right track. As another poster said, there's books on sample PS, and you can find some samples online. But there's no right way on how to write one. Don't worry and just write what you feel!
I've already posted this on another thread, but I'm up for proofreading/giving suggestions on anyone's PS. Just PM me.
Good luck!
I'm sure you had good intentions. Maybe you wanted to make sure you'd be on the right track. As another poster said, there's books on sample PS, and you can find some samples online. But there's no right way on how to write one. Don't worry and just write what you feel!
I've already posted this on another thread, but I'm up for proofreading/giving suggestions on anyone's PS. Just PM me.
Good luck!
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2006
- Messages
- 835
- Reaction score
- 3
See I think proofreading PS is important and everyone should have theirs looked over? But by someone online....? If you don't want to post your PS for someone to see why would you send it to some random person online to proofread? You can't really know if they are going to keep a copy of it to use or share with friends. Almost every school has a writing center that will look at your PS for free or have your parents, or English major friends look over it.
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2006
- Messages
- 577
- Reaction score
- 0
Idesire makes a good point. For me at least, I haven't given my PS to anyone on this forum that has not claimed to already be in pharmacy school, which means they have already written their PS. I have friends and a writing center at my school for things such as organization and grammar, but the type of content (such as, you should be focusing on why YOU want to do pharmacy instead of the experiences you had itself) is something that I think current pharmacy students would be a great resource.
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2006
- Messages
- 2,812
- Reaction score
- 26
So, on a totally unrelated subject:
On my applications - there are a bunch of essays I need to write... Its not mandatory - but could you guys please post your essays on "Why Pharmacy?" and "Why School X?" Thanks in advance...
How about NO - you crazy dutch bastard!!!
~above~
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2006
- Messages
- 325
- Reaction score
- 0
HEY THINK, LISTEN TO YOUR OWN USERNAME--"THINK" AND THEN WRITE YOUR OWN *PERSONAL* STATEMENT. THE "BENEFIT" YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT IS CALLED CHEATING (NOT JUST WORD FOR WORD COPYING AND PASTING BUT THE SHARING OF IDEAS). YOUR USERNAME IS IRONIC IN THIS POST.
how sad ...u have such negative thinking!..dont accuse others of what u do!
and i bet u lots of ps are similar in their ideas but put the ideas to use in different unique ways... of course
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2006
- Messages
- 325
- Reaction score
- 0
... CAN U GIVE ME A NAME FOR THE BOOK? THANX
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2006
- Messages
- 1,615
- Reaction score
- 3
Your highschool psychology won't work here.
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2007
- Messages
- 102
- Reaction score
- 0
How about a PERSONAL STATEMENT FOR DUMMIES book?
Use half.com and search.
Read some reviews and figure out which is best for you.No offense, but what part of the word "unique" is so difficult for you to understand?
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2006
- Messages
- 325
- Reaction score
- 0
How about a PERSONAL STATEMENT FOR DUMMIES book?
Use half.com and search.
No offense, but what part of the word "unique" is so difficult for you to understand?
thanx....
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2006
- Messages
- 353
- Reaction score
- 0
This is what I think: if you really have the passion for pharmacy, you shouldn't have a problem with what to write. The only people who will have problems with what to write are the ones who don't know the real reasons why they are choosing the field. Everyone will have questions on how to word sentences or write a catchy introduction and thorough conclusion...but those are all little technical things that will come after writing a bunch of drafts (I wrote at least 5-10 drafts with different introductions and all) and/or with the help of proof readers. Just start jotting down your reasons and expand on it over time. If you start now, you'll be ready by the time PharmCAS opens up again 😛
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2003
- Messages
- 15,455
- Reaction score
- 6,732
I love that one of the pillars of pharmacy school admissions today is how well you can write a propaganda speech.
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2006
- Messages
- 172
- Reaction score
- 0
u guys dont know what village is? its the pilgrims and indians
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2006
- Messages
- 325
- Reaction score
- 0
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2006
- Messages
- 60
- Reaction score
- 1
Okay, enough with the remarks, guys........we are all here to help each other. I must agree that while none of us are dumb enough to post our personal statements, this person really needs some kind of guidance. I will PM you with some pointers that I used in mine. I am in the same kind of situation as you are, so I am glad to help.
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2006
- Messages
- 2,812
- Reaction score
- 26
In light of the previous post - I will admit that the community reacted somewhat harsh (myself included)... It seems like this cycle has had an increase in the amount of people asking for handouts, rather than simple advice. That being said, she seems genuine, so I shall treat her as such.
This book, found on amazon, seems to be a good stepping stone for people looking to write a PS from some form of dissadvantage.
Being a lone hope from a small village in Viet Nam certainly qualifies as such.
http://www.amazon.com/Winning-Personal-Statement-Graduate-Professional/dp/1560798556
Check it out and see if it hits the mark.
Good
~above~
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2006
- Messages
- 60
- Reaction score
- 1
hey,
i know that this thread isn't for me, but i wanted to say thank you for your post, and the help you have given think. i know this forum has turned kind of crazy because of certain individuals, but thanks for stepping up and helping out.....we can't let the crazies over-run here and what we are all here to do: Help each other because we are all pre-pharm, and some more experienced than others, and I'm sure other people are thanking you too for your help....I'm just doing it with class and style 😉 LOL
i know that this thread isn't for me, but i wanted to say thank you for your post, and the help you have given think. i know this forum has turned kind of crazy because of certain individuals, but thanks for stepping up and helping out.....we can't let the crazies over-run here and what we are all here to do: Help each other because we are all pre-pharm, and some more experienced than others, and I'm sure other people are thanking you too for your help....I'm just doing it with class and style 😉 LOL
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2007
- Messages
- 10
- Reaction score
- 0
Wait, I'm confused, was it the angry mob that is from a small village or the original poster? Because the only thing wrong I see with the latter is being a bit too naive.
I thought I had found myself a great, helpful little community here. Maybe I was wrong? 👎
I thought I had found myself a great, helpful little community here. Maybe I was wrong? 👎
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2006
- Messages
- 124
- Reaction score
- 1
I think the OP has realized that the personal statement is based upon individualism, and he/she probably does not need another person bashing him/her for asking for insight into the personal statement. There's many other posts that could probably use some attention, so let's stop being so derisive and give the OP a break.
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2007
- Messages
- 1,040
- Reaction score
- 3
one thing you do NOT want to do is say something like "i would go to med school but..." you want to prove the point that pharmacy is your first choice not because it's more convienent, easier (if you think so), less time required, regular hours. Those are not good reasons to be a pharmacist, therefore do not include them in your personal statement even though you are being honest. There are much better reasons to be a pharmacist. If you cant find them or don't believe them then maybe there is something else out there for you
