Writing My 4th Personal Statement... Need Advice?!

[BowlingDoctor]

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I am now applying to dental school for the 4th time. Currently I am working on my Personal Statement, why is it so hard to write as the cycles go on? I'm stuck.

I have rewritten my personal statement every year but for some reason.. I'm on draft 10293847. I just don't know what direction to go, I feel like there is only so many ways to say, "I want to be a dentist, so let me into your school so I can pay you 1/2 a million dollars."

Joking aside, what would you write about? What sort of direction? Talk about growth and journey?

TIA!

 

[artist2022]

Questions I have first, from that older thread of yours:
1) Are you going to apply to more than just your state school this time?
2) Are you going to retake your DAT?
3) Why did you do an MBA instead of an SMP?

I stayed away from that thread but I'm wondering if any of those things changed and if it would be worth it for you to apply for a fourth time...

 

[HabituallyPlacid]

I’d suggest talking mostly about what you’ve been doing to improve upon yourself since the last times you applied i.e., what struggles you’ve previously encountered along your journey and how they’ve helped culminate the person you are today. You could also expand on how the process has only further renewed your passion for dentistry.

 

[SmileyKris]

Idk if my personal statement is good, but I wrote about why I became interested in dentistry and my journey that has led me to applying again. I was also a reapplicant... but a couple more cycles or rejections than you. It’s definitely hard to rewrite the same story over and over again. I did focus my last two paragraphs on what I have overcame and the things I have done to strengthen my application. I mentioned volunteer work, research participation (paper being published on stem cells related to dentistry), and managing two jobs while completing a masters degree. I felt like I needed to overcome and prove to admissions that I was capable of being successful in dental school in a face paced learning environment. That’s the message I tried to convey.

let me know if you have any other questions. I can try and help!

 

[BowlingDoctor]

1 - Multiple Schools.
2 - I retook it already.
3 - I was advised an MBA would be a great addition from a couple advisors since I did the post bacc already.

Kindly don’t suggest if it’s worth it or not for me to continue on applying. I’m merely trying to figure out how to design my PS to set me apart.

 

[BowlingDoctor]

Idk if my personal statement is good, but I wrote about why I became interested in dentistry and my journey that has led me to applying again. I was also a reapplicant... but a couple more cycles or rejections than you. It’s definitely hard to rewrite the same story over and over again. I did focus my last two paragraphs on what I have overcame and the things I have done to strengthen my application. I mentioned volunteer work, research participation (paper being published on stem cells related to dentistry), and managing two jobs while completing a masters degree. I felt like I needed to overcome and prove to admissions that I was capable of being successful in dental school in a face paced learning environment. That’s the message I tried to convey.

let me know if you have any other questions. I can try and help!

I like that. I’m not really volunteering right now but I am working on becoming an “Expanded functions” dental assistant. So I could talk about what.

 

[SmileyKris]

I like that. I’m not really volunteering right now but I am working on becoming an “Expanded functions” dental assistant. So I could talk about what.

Yes. I’m not even sure what that is to be honest, but since it’s dental related you can talk about that and how it’s igniting your passion.

 

[BowlingDoctor]

Yes. I’m not even sure what that is to be honest, but since it’s dental related you can talk about that and how it’s igniting your passion.

What's an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant?

What the duties of an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant? How much do they earn? How can I become an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant? Where can I find classes near me?

dentalassistantedu.org

There are some certifications that allow assistants to fill a tooth. The dentist drill but the assistant fills the tooth. I’m not entirely sure on how you get certified like that but as far as the expanded functions you have to pass some tests.

 

[setdoc7]

For a while I read PS’s for this site, and found many either poorly written from a grammar and spelling standpoint, or just plain boring. The question of why Dentistry should be answered with an answer that demonstrates a fundamental knowledge of what Dentistry really is.... not just what you observed shadowing a random dentist.
Rather than give my own answer, you should think it through, and come to a thoughtful conclusion.