Should I assume the reader of my PS will not have read the disadvantaged & activities section essays beforehand?

[SentientWave]

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From reading some random advice on SDN over the past couple days it appears as if I should not assume that the reader has necessarily read my disadvantaged and activities essays beforehand and should highlight any pertinent info and events in my essay more explicitly, is this true? Because it seems a bit implausible and I would have to rework my PS if so.

 

[Catalystik]

From reading some random advice on SDN over the past couple days it appears as if I should not assume that the reader has necessarily read my disadvantaged and activities essays beforehand and should highlight any pertinent info and events in my essay more explicitly, is this true? Because it seems a bit implausible and I would have to rework my PS if so.

Schools may give access to some or all of your application to reviewers. Schools may choose the order in which these areas are presented. Reviewers may have the option to look at portions of the application in any order they wish. You cannot assume the same person will read all the parts of your application, as some schools divide them out by section for the sake of quality control and to limit bias. Which schools handle applications in each way is not something they advertise.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

 

[cj_cregg]

The personal statement comes in the packet before any other essays/activities, at least when I was reviewing medical student apps. So I'd assume it's one of the first things they look at. Some reviewers may also only have certain parts of your packet, review things in their own order, etc. In short, each part of your packet including your PS should be able to stand on its own without the reader needing to get info from another part of your packet to understand what's going on.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

From reading some random advice on SDN over the past couple days it appears as if I should not assume that the reader has necessarily read my disadvantaged and activities essays beforehand and should highlight any pertinent info and events in my essay more explicitly, is this true? Because it seems a bit implausible and I would have to rework my PS if so.

Yes, as it was pointed out, each essay needs to stand on its own and answer the appropriate prompt. There should be no presumption of a chronological or logical sequence in your application essays will be read. In the end, your file may be reviewed from A to Z but only important pieces will be highlighted in deliberation.

 

[SentientWave]

Yes, as it was pointed out, each essay needs to stand on its own and answer the appropriate prompt. There should be no presumption of a chronological or logical sequence in your application essays will be read. In the end, your file may be reviewed from A to Z but only important pieces will be highlighted in deliberation.

Thank you Mr.Smile12 and everyone else for the important advice!