OP can you please give some guidance on writing the personal statement? should it be a more general aamcas ps (why I want to be a doc, etc) or should it be heavily focused on why tufts specifically will help me achieve the goal of being a doc (and leave out personal experiences that helped me realize why I want to be a doc)? thank you!
Although I used parts of my 1st AMCAS PS, make sure to answer the prompt given by the MBS program. Generally speaking, it should include motivations behind pursuing a career in medicine, any hardships/challenges you've had along the way, and how the MBS program fits into your plans to strengthen your application before applying to dental/medical school. It can be straight to the point. No need to be super creative. Try to avoid fluffing it up with unnecessary/colorful language.
In my case, I spoke specifically about my background/family values, initial motivations, and my most meaningful clinical experiences. After an unsuccessful application cycle, the next logical step for me was to strengthen my academic credentials by taking medical school level coursework before re-applying. There are lots of options for SMPs. If you have any friends who have done Tufts MBS, I think it would be helpful to incorporate what they think makes Tufts the best place to do your SMP. I personally spoke to the close-knit community, opportunities to work alongside med students at Sharewood/in student orgs, accessible faculty, etc. Anything that you think sets Tufts apart from other institutions. When I give tours, I tell people to write about how they learned first-hand from previous students about these aspects of the Tufts community and to give specific (and brief) examples. I feel like this definitely gives their claims more credibility in the essay. You don't have to name drop people who have done MBS, but it is nice to show that you have "done your homework" about the program.
One last note...
While the essay is important, I do not believe a good essay alone is enough to get you in. For example, if your stats are not up to par, a stellar essay may help, but ultimately your metrics may hold you back. This also rings true for medical school applications, although the bar for MBS is definitely not as high. Looking back on my MBS PS now, it's actually pretty cringey. It has some cliches here and there and doesn't flow very well. I would say my essay was generic and neutral at best. I think my MCAT score and recent post-bacc grades were what got me in. The ADCOMs are aware that your essay can be edited/changed before you apply to medical school, but your past metrics will always follow you. If you can prove your academic potential, the essay is likely not as important (unless you come off as narcissistic or depict yourself in a negative light). You don't need to get too caught up in a poor academic record or make excuses for it. Instead focus on your achievements and how you have grown as a result of your setbacks (if you had any).
Lastly, I will share something physicians and ADCOMs have told me.
The personal statement, typically, can only hurt you. Unless you have overcome incredible adversity, your essay should not be overly dramatic or try to be too abstract/creative. While it's true that a well-crafted essay may give you a slight edge, it is safer to write one that is straight to the point and easy to follow. If you are trying to stand out, make sure that you do not stand out for the wrong reasons. Otherwise, most premeds have very similar stories, hobbies, etc. Chances are, there's another applicant just like you out there somewhere. Do not worry too much about this. Write a decent essay, and if your scores are competitive, you should have a shot at getting in. Keep in mind that April is considered "late" in the cycle. As the cycle progresses, seats become limited, and you may need higher than average stats to get in.
