Spring Break - Want to start working on personal statement

[ToKingdomCome]

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I'll be applying in June, but I want to get a head start on writing my PS. Also because some of my professors want it when writing their LOR.

So....

1. What is the personal statement about? Is there a specific question? I presume it's why you want to go into medicine.
2. What's the word limit?
3. Any other tips on writing a good personal statement?

 

[drshark]

I'll be applying in June, but I want to get a head start on writing my PS. Also because some of my professors want it when writing their LOR.

So....

1. What is the personal statement about? Is there a specific question? I presume it's why you want to go into medicine.
2. What's the word limit?
3. Any other tips on writing a good personal statement?

Tip: Use the search function on this website...

 

[ToKingdomCome]

Would it be in my best interest to address a poor MCAT score?

 

[FxnOverload]

I'll be applying in June, but I want to get a head start on writing my PS. Also because some of my professors want it when writing their LOR.

So....

1. What is the personal statement about? Is there a specific question? I presume it's why you want to go into medicine.
2. What's the word limit?
3. Any other tips on writing a good personal statement?

1. "Use the space provided to explain why you want to go to medical school."
2. AMCAS (MD schools) = 5300 characters, AACOMAS (DO schools) = 4500 characters.

But yeah, use the search function. If you go to last year's thread (for the 2012 matriculants), I'm pretty sure you can find pages upon pages of stuff.

 

[hallowmann]

Would it be in my best interest to address a poor MCAT score?

No. Why would you? Its not like you have any good or compelling reason/explanation for the poor score, so why even bring it up? If/when it comes up at the interview address it then. Besides if you apply early and broadly, you should be fine. 24/25 is low, but not unheard of. You have a good app, focus on your strengths.

 

[dsoz]

The best one there ever was written

http://www.studentdoctor.net/pandabearmd/2006/05/26/my-personal-statement/

Props to Uncle Panda.

Seriously, write about why you chose to go into medicine. What makes you special and qualified to be a physician. Don't make it a list of accomplishments. Pick one or two things and make them your focus.

There are many books on this topic. Go to amazon.com and buy one or two. I found a couple in my local library that I checked out.

Remember, it will be one of the most important papers that you will write. A poor PS will close doors where a good one can open the door to an interview.

Your stats also help.

dsoz

 

[Mosonik]

Would it be in my best interest to address a poor MCAT score?

The PS is the time to address anything and everything BUT numbers/stats.
Trust me, the time will come soon enough address it, you aren't the first or last
unimpressive MCAT score they will see. Use the PS to show them what else
you bring to the table, show them the "holistic" view of yourself😉

 

[CDTcorp]

The best one there ever was written

http://www.studentdoctor.net/pandabearmd/2006/05/26/my-personal-statement/

Props to Uncle Panda.

Seriously, write about why you chose to go into medicine. What makes you special and qualified to be a physician. Don't make it a list of accomplishments. Pick one or two things and make them your focus.

There are many books on this topic. Go to amazon.com and buy one or two. I found a couple in my local library that I checked out.

Remember, it will be one of the most important papers that you will write. A poor PS will close doors where a good one can open the door to an interview.

Your stats also help.

dsoz

+1
That truely is the best ever.

 

[lars3632]

I don't know if it worked yet but I'm applying this year, but I went with something unconventional. I didn't say things like "I was born to be a doctor" yadda ya because a large amount of applicants do that.

 

[coolingglasses]

Tip: Use the search function on this website...

This is "rule zero."

 

[coolingglasses]

If you can, ask your advisor if they have any sample personal statements they'd let you read, or better yet if they hold a workshop for personal statements, go to it.

And +1 to not making it a rehash of your accolades. Nobody wants to read your primary application in essay form.

 

[cabinbuilder]

I'll be applying in June, but I want to get a head start on writing my PS. Also because some of my professors want it when writing their LOR.

So....

1. What is the personal statement about? Is there a specific question? I presume it's why you want to go into medicine.
2. What's the word limit?
3. Any other tips on writing a good personal statement?

No, it is NOT why you want to go into medicine. They already know that. It's about your personal journey, what makes you unique, your interests, your vision of yourself, your personal accomplishments. Your struggles and how you overcame them.

Don't give a redo of your CV. I read one where the guy just listed all his volunteer work over. NO NO NO.

Make it a story, make them want to meet you,

 

[ToKingdomCome]

great, thanks for the advice