what makes a good personal statement?

[whitey]

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Howdy,
What do y'all think make a good personal statement? I would like to think that I am a halfway decent writer but writing PS's makes me uncomfortable. Probably because I feel like a conceted chode telling how damn wonderful I am. In the past my PS's have been very forced. My father and brother still break out into laughter over a rough draft of a undergrad application statement they proof read and vetoed in which I described myself as a "Modern Day Renaissance Man." What do you think makes a good statement?

 

[dustin04ag]

I think a good personal statement is one that truly captures who you are and why you want to go into medicine. Just pick a few experiences that define that ( mine was my first experience with death while riding on an ambulance and also a medical mission trip to Nicaragua). Now every time I read it I get a little teary-eyed because it captures me and my motivation so well. Good Luck

 

[siempre595]

I agree with dustin, you should pick about 2 experiences that display who you are and why you truly desire to be a physician. The PS is a the best way to sell yourself to a committee and make them want to meet you, so be interesting, creative, unique, etc. Don't pull the "I like science and wanna help people," it's in everyone's essay. I'd also suggest an attention-getting first sentence/intro. Try to get stuff into the PS that would make good interview discussion material, you'll be glad of it later.