Using a famous qoute in your PS

[Chemdude]

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Is it ok to use a quote in your PS? More specifically, start your PS with a qoute that defines your mentality...

 

[thebillsfan]

what's the quote?

 

[RunningDiva]

Is it ok to use a qoute in your PS? More specifically, start your PS with a qoute that defines your mentality...

eh, it is easy to come off as cliche. unless you're the next truman capote, i wouldn't try it. its probably better to describe yourself in your own words anyway then use some one else's (even if quoted).

 

[Chemdude]

eh, it is easy to come off as cliche. unless you're the next truman capote, i wouldn't try it. its probably better to describe yourself in your own words anyway then use some one else's (even if quoted).

Yeah, I was thinking that I would could come off as being a douche/cliche.

The quote:

Greatness is more than potential. It is the execution of that potential. Beyond the raw talent. You need the appropriate training. You need the discipline. You need the inspiration. You need the drive.

-Eric Burns

 

[TexasHopeful]

Save quotes for interviews, IMO.

 

[RunningDiva]

Yeah, I was thinking that I would could come off as being a douche/cliche.

The quote:

Greatness is more than potential. It is the execution of that potential. Beyond the raw talent. You need the appropriate training. You need the discipline. You need the inspiration. You need the drive.

-Eric Burns

You can use it as a road map for your PS and describe how it fits you w/o actually quoting it. Your discipline in your major, job, etc. The inspiration you have from shadowing, volunteering, etc. Quotes only work if it seamlessly fits into your story. The only person I know to use one was a creative writing major applicant and it fit perfectly w/o being cliche.

 

[Hifey]

Is it ok to use a quote in your PS? More specifically, start your PS with a qoute that defines your mentality...

eh I wouldn't do it. We had a bunch of seminars on applying and writing essays etc. and they said that unless the quote DEFINES your ENTIRE personal statement, don't do it. And even then, it can come off sounding cliche. Just be yourself.

 

[sewcurious]

I've heard from the Career Counselor that quotes are looked down upon because you're using someone else's words where they want to hear your own. I also agree that it is very difficult not to sounds cloche. I love quotes, so it was really hard for me not to use one, but i just expressed what I wanted to add in my own words and I think it made it stronger.

 

[DuckFook]

I definitely used a quote at the beginning of my personal statement, and it tied in to the rest of my PS. It definitely didn't hurt me in the long run, as I got into medical school and was happy with my options. 👍

 

[teenmachinery1]

Yeah, I was thinking that I would could come off as being a douche/cliche.

The quote:

Greatness is more than potential. It is the execution of that potential. Beyond the raw talent. You need the appropriate training. You need the discipline. You need the inspiration. You need the drive.

-Eric Burns

no. this, to me anyways, sounds definitely douchey.

 

[kjv0924]

Yeah, I was thinking that I would could come off as being a douche/cliche.

The quote:

Greatness is more than potential. It is the execution of that potential. Beyond the raw talent. You need the appropriate training. You need the discipline. You need the inspiration. You need the drive.

-Eric Burns

Sounds a little cheezy.

 

[AnthroMD]

👍 TexasHopeful: Save quotes for interviews, IMO.

👍 RunningDiva: You can use it as a road map for your PS and describe how it fits you w/o actually quoting it. Your discipline in your major, job, etc. The inspiration you have from shadowing, volunteering, etc.

I would use it as a road map, and should it come up in the interview you can explain your inspiration and elaborate.

 

[lorenzomicron]

Sounds a little cheezy.

i agree. quote sounds too political, than poetic.

 

[dancingDO14]

I used a quote interwoven in the first paragraph of my PS and it worked out fine for me...IMO, I wouldn't use a quote in the beginning. I think your quote of choice would be off-putting if it starts off your personal statement, but if you somehow work it into the beginning of your PS (which will be a challenge), then I think it could work. Good luck!

 

[el aye]

IMO quotes in personal statements and speeches are annoying.

 

[EpiIV]

Please don't. That will only escalate the natural PS cheese to epic cheese levels. This is not a good way to set yourself apart.

Besides, saying you liked what someone else said instead of sharing your own words and opinions can be interpreted as a cop out. I'm with the previous posters to make it a theme. This is about your perspective and voice on medicine anyway right?

 

[Narmerguy]

IMO quotes in personal statements and speeches are annoying.

Same. It makes me feel as though I'm being talked down to because I I'm not as well acquainted with the great theories of whomever is being quoted.

 

[tjquinn]

I used a quote from Plato's Apology in my quote, "the unexamined life is not worth living". Three of my interviewers wanted to discuss Ancient Greek philosophy and mythology. Of those three interviews I was accepted at 1 and waitlisted at the other 2. Who knows if it is cliche... but since I happen to be minoring in philosophy (specifically Greek), I was able to discuss it naturally and significantly. Don't just use some quote that makes you sound like you care about something, but REALLY care about it.

By the way, this quote was in the concluding paragraph of my essay, NOT at the beginning. You want to be sure to demonstrate YOUR ideas before you use something someone else has said to summarize your look on the world.

 

[plsfoldthx]

The quote:

Greatness is more than potential. It is the execution of that potential. Beyond the raw talent. You need the appropriate training. You need the discipline. You need the inspiration. You need the drive.

-Eric Burns

Thanks. I'm gonna use it.





























LOL JK