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Writing a personal statement:

Writing a personal statement:. It’s not as bad as you think. So what’s the point?. The personal statement is your opportunity to stand out! Let your personal statement work for you. Purpose. Provides the committee a “ picture ” of you Demonstrates unique qualifications for and commitment

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Writing a personal statement:

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  1. Writing a personal statement: It’s not as bad as you think

  2. So what’s the point? • The personal statement is your opportunity to stand out! • Let your personal statement work for you

  3. Purpose • Provides the committee a “picture” of you • Demonstrates unique qualifications for and commitment • Your chance to “SELL” yourself beyond the MCAT & GPA numbers

  4. Possible Topics(Pick only a couple!!) • Motivation • Why a physician? • Why NOT a teacher, nurse, scientist, etc? • Family Background • What individuals or incidents shaped your life? • Extracurricular Activities and Work/Volunteer Experience • What did you learn? • How did you contribute to getting the job done? • How have you matured as a result? • Future Plans (long/short term) • Explain/Clarify any outstanding issues

  5. Questions to ask yourself before you start… • What's special, unique, distinctive, and/or impressive about you or your life story?

  6. Questions… • What details of your life (personal or family problems, history, people or events that have shaped you or influenced your goals) might help the committee better understand you or help set you apart from other applicants?

  7. Questions… • Have you had to overcome any unusual obstacles or hardships (for example, economic, familial, or physical) in your life?

  8. Questions… • What personal characteristics (for example. integrity. compassion. persistence) do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in the field or profession? Is there a way to demonstrate or document that you have these characteristics?

  9. Questions… • Are there any gaps or discrepancies in your academic record that you should explain (great grades but mediocre MCAT scores, for example, or a distinct upward pattern to your GPA if it was only average in the beginning)?

  10. Questions… • When did you become interested in this field and what have you learned about it (and about yourself) that has further stimulated your interest and reinforced your conviction that you are well suited to this field? What insights have you gained?

  11. Questions… • What skills (for example, leadership, communicative, analytical) do you possess?

  12. Other tips for writing your personal statement • Tell a story: Use a story to illustrate the point that you really want to express. Stories are easier to remember than straight facts and this will make the committee members remember you. • Give supporting details: If you mention in your personal statement that you will be a great doctor because you are hard working, then you’ll have to provide proof! • Don’t be afraid to show them how much you know!

  13. Personal Statement Don’ts • Do not use the same answers as other applications • Do not include high school achievements (unless they are absolutely remarkable!) • Do not touch on controversial or political topics • DO NOT LIE!!! • Avoid clichés

  14. Grammatical Tips As with writing any essay remember these tips: • Always make the introduction pop. You want to draw them in! • Use the funnel approach in your introduction • Remember the basic structure of an essay: introduction, body, conclusion • CHECK FOR SPELLING AND GRAMMATICAL ERRORS!!

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