Sharing Personal Statements, I'm lost!

[MOUTHLOVER]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hi,
I am interested in applying this June 1st to dental school. I want to start writing my personal statement... problem is, I don't know what exactly I should write. All i know is that it must be no longer than 4500 characters.

I was wondering if you would be willing to share your personal statements. Accepted Dental student personal statements would be preferred.

I just need some ideas!

Thanks!

 

[birdsflyinghigh]

Hi,
I am interested in applying this June 1st to dental school. I want to start writing my personal statement... problem is, I don't know what exactly I should write. All i know is that it must be no longer than 4500 characters.

I was wondering if you would be willing to share your personal statements. Accepted Dental student personal statements would be preferred.

I just need some ideas!

Thanks!

http://www.dmdstudent.com/2007/04/16/aadsas-personal-essay-for-dental-school/

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

This is the format that people generally use to forge a decent acceptable personal statement.

Introduction

• Give some brief personal background info oneself. (Some opt for a sob story)
• Usually talk about what led said individual to dentistry
• Talk about what they like about dentistry
• Basically answers the big question of "Why Dentistry?"

Body

• Disguise their CV and blend it into the PS
• Talk about why said experiences listed in CV will make them a great dentist.
• Basically answers the big question of "Why should we pick you?"

Conclusion

• Reiterate points as to what makes the writer not only a good candidate but also a good potential future dentist.

The cookie cutter build...

 

[white fang]

This is the format that people generally use to forge a decent acceptable personal statement.

Introduction

• Give some brief personal background info oneself. (Some opt for a sob story)
• Usually talk about what led said individual to dentistry
• Talk about what they like about dentistry
• Basically answers the big question of "Why Dentistry?"

Body

• Disguise their CV and blend it into the PS
• Talk about why said experiences listed in CV will make them a great dentist.
• Basically answers the big question of "Why should we pick you?"

Conclusion

• Reiterate points as to what makes the writer not only a good candidate but also a good potential future dentist.

The cookie cutter build...

What is CV?

 

[STxHorn]

What is CV?

Curriculum vitae


Sent from my medical tricorder using Tapatalk

 

[Kentuckylover]

This is the format that people generally use to forge a decent acceptable personal statement.

Introduction

• Give some brief personal background info oneself. (Some opt for a sob story)
• Usually talk about what led said individual to dentistry
• Talk about what they like about dentistry
• Basically answers the big question of "Why Dentistry?"

Body

• Disguise their CV and blend it into the PS
• Talk about why said experiences listed in CV will make them a great dentist.
• Basically answers the big question of "Why should we pick you?"

Conclusion

• Reiterate points as to what makes the writer not only a good candidate but also a good potential future dentist.

The cookie cutter build...

👍

 

[Waldo2012]

There are also a lot of good resources on predds (dot) net

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

I kid you not.

Look at those 9 donated samples from the site listed up above... Aside from that, I just get the feeling that, that is how most people write their PS.

Not that there's anything wrong with it, its a tried and true method in my opinion but of course if you really want to stand out, you have to spread your wings and break out of the cookie mold 😉

 

[lululime]

I kid you not.

Look at those 9 donated samples from the site listed up above... Aside from that, I just get the feeling that, that is how most people write their PS.

Not that there's anything wrong with it, its a tried and true method in my opinion but of course if you really want to stand out, you have to spread your wings and break out of the cookie mold 😉

mmmm cookies....

But in all seriousness, best way to start your statement off is make a list of all your good qualities, skills, and talents. Then see how they can make you a good dentist. Then find a way to link them in a coherent order that flows, whether it is chronological (when I was five years old....) or grouped by a characteristic (this activity and this particular experience helped me to develop....). Include as much as you can. This is the first of many drafts.

Your first draft probably exceeds the character limit, so cut out all the boring stuff and keep all the interesting/unique stuff about you---things that show how special you are. Now, try to make everything easy to read. Don't use big words. Make sure your grammar is right, etc.

The key to a good essay is lots of editing. Get mum and dad to read it. Ask the dentist you shadowed. Even ask your professors who are providing you letters. Good luck!

 

[lululime]

Hi,
I am interested in applying this June 1st to dental school. I want to start writing my personal statement... problem is, I don't know what exactly I should write. All i know is that it must be no longer than 4500 characters.

I was wondering if you would be willing to share your personal statements. Accepted Dental student personal statements would be preferred.

I just need some ideas!

Thanks!

It's actually June 4.

 

[timwatley]

Hi,
I am interested in applying this June 1st to dental school. I want to start writing my personal statement... problem is, I don't know what exactly I should write. All i know is that it must be no longer than 4500 characters.

I was wondering if you would be willing to share your personal statements. Accepted Dental student personal statements would be preferred.

I just need some ideas!

Thanks!

Depends on what your stats are. If you are below average I would stay away from the "I've always wanted to be a dentist since I was 3" type of thing. Try to write something entertaining and fun. Put yourself on the admission committee and imagine reading hundreds of boring personal statements all day. If you can make them say "wow, that was actually a pretty decent read" they will likely remember you.

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

mmmm cookies....

But in all seriousness, best way to start your statement off is make a list of all your good qualities, skills, and talents. Then see how they can make you a good dentist. Then find a way to link them in a coherent order that flows, whether it is chronological (when I was five years old....) or grouped by a characteristic (this activity and this particular experience helped me to develop....). Include as much as you can. This is the first of many drafts.

Your first draft probably exceeds the character limit, so cut out all the boring stuff and keep all the interesting/unique stuff about you---things that show how special you are. Now, try to make everything easy to read. Don't use big words. Make sure your grammar is right, etc.

The key to a good essay is lots of editing. Get mum and dad to read it. Ask the dentist you shadowed. Even ask your professors who are providing you letters. Good luck!

I just feel that, that is what everyone ends up doing or trying to do.

I am good at x and y, and that'll make me a good dentist because it relates to aspect z of dentistry. <~ Some form or variation of this is always the main focal point to the answer of "Why we should pick you"

Maybe its just personal taste but after coming across so many essays, which have done that... I just turned around 180 degrees and took a completely different approach. Nowhere within my essay will you find a list of any skill or talent of mine and not once did I ever say or hint about the possibility of me becoming a good dentist. I then took it a step further by not having it critiqued by any mortal eyes because I felt that any input would taint the purity of it.

I know what you're all thinking... What is this guy, NUTS?!

Anyway, the point that I'm trying to make is, this is one part of your application that is very, very open ended so you should let your creativity run amok a little. There is also no right or wrong response either but what it will be judged on is by how entertaining it is as tim puts it!