Medical school personal statement tips  

The personal statement is tailored to tell a professional program yourself in your own words. The ultimate goal of your essay is to convince the reader that you belong at their school. There is no one correct way to write a personal statement, but in general those who will read your essay (the Admissions Committee) are looking for two important things. They want to evidence of your achievements that isn't reflected in other parts of your application and why the events that you describe have shaped your attitude, focus, and intellectual vitality.

Offer the Evidence

Provide specific examples when you are describing your strengths and what you bring to the program. This can include a brief story that shows you have experience in the field or community outreach.

Don’t Repeat Information

Take this unique opportunity to provide insight into who you are; don't regurgitate your resume.

Keep it Simple

Keep the English and your story simple, the way you would for a good friend. Making the reader your friend – not “impressing” the reader – is your goal in the admission essay.

Maintain Proper Tone

You don't need to be overly formal, but remember that this is a professional document, not a post on your blog. Skip the outrageous stories and casual slang.

Edit and Get Feedback

One of the best possible pieces of advice is to read your essay aloud. This allows you to catch many mistakes you would not otherwise have seen. Have someone ready your essay. A professor, premed advisor, or friend whose judgment and writing skills you trust is invaluable.

Approaches to Avoid

Avoid generalities. Admissions officers read an enormous number of essays. If you want to be remembered, use specific incidents and examples from your life

No gimmicks. Don't write a satire or a front-page newspaper article. Don't rhyme.

Don’t revisit grades or test scores. They speak for themselves. Trying to explain away bad credentials just draws unnecessary attention to them