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Crafting a Compelling Medical School Personal Statement: Tips from a Premed Coach

April 20, 20232 min read

The personal statement for medical school is a crucial part of the application process. It is a chance for applicants to showcase their personality, motivation, and passion for medicine. In this blog post, we will discuss the most important factors to focus on when writing your personal statement.

First and foremost, your personal statement should answer the question, "Why do you want to be a doctor?" The admissions committee wants to know why you have decided to pursue a career in medicine and what makes you passionate about it. It is important to show, not just tell, why you are interested in this field. This means providing specific anecdotes and stories that illustrate your motivations.

One common mistake that applicants make is simply rehashing their resume or listing their activities throughout their pre-med career. While it is important to mention relevant experiences, you should not simply summarize them. Instead, use these experiences to illustrate your personal qualities and how they make you a great fit for a career in medicine.

Another important point to consider is the narrative structure of your personal statement. You should aim to create a compelling story that engages the reader and provides insight into who you are as a person. This can be achieved through the use of anecdotes and personal stories that showcase your values, motivations, and character.

When choosing which experiences to highlight in your personal statement, it is important to be strategic. Choose experiences that are relevant to medicine and demonstrate your skills and qualities. It is also important to avoid clichés and platitudes, such as "I want to help people" or "I am a hard-working student." Instead, focus on providing concrete examples of your abilities and accomplishments.

Finally, make sure to proofread your personal statement carefully. Spelling and grammar errors can detract from the overall quality of your writing and make you appear careless. It is also a good idea to have someone else read over your personal statement to provide feedback and catch any mistakes that you may have missed.

In conclusion, the personal statement for medical school is an opportunity to showcase your passion, motivation, and personality to the admissions committee. It should answer the question, "Why do you want to be a doctor?" and provide specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate your personal qualities. By following these guidelines and carefully crafting your personal statement, you can increase your chances of being accepted into your desired medical school.

If you want help with your personal statement click here to see if one of our admissions packages would be right for you. 

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Adam Nessim, MD

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