Admission to medical school is a complicated process, and there are multiple steps along the way that can make or break the process. The personal statement is one of these. This essay gives you a chance to shine as a candidate, showing the admissions team why they should take a chance on you as a candidate for their program. Since over half of all medical school hopefuls do not get accepted , you want to make sure this essay really stands out.
The personal statement essay is the primary factor that can help a pre-med student stand out from other applicants. When all other factors are equal, and sometimes even when they are not, a quality personal statement is the deciding factor. Here’s a closer look at how you can write a medical school personal statement that will grab attention and increase your likelihood of success.
The topic of your personal statement is personal to you. This is where many students get hung up, as they focus more on the topic than the content. Here are some things that admissions teams are looking for:
As you consider your topic, consider focusing on an experience that highlights these qualities rather than getting stuck on any one topic.
Considering those topics above, you should realize that the statement is more about your character qualities than it is about the setting of your statement or the topic. So, to start writing, list the character qualities you have that translate well into your chosen career field. Here are some ideas:
After you’ve made this list, hone in on a topic or experience that highlights them. While it might be helpful to tie your essay into a medical setting, you don’t have to. In fact, it may grab attention if you start with a different experience and then weave in your passion for medicine later.
When you study effective medical school personal statement examples, you will see a trend. Rather than simply writing an essay about what makes them a good candidate, these applicants write a story. Using storytelling hooks the reader, makes them take a second look, and moves your essay from feeling dull and routine to being effective.
Here is an opening paragraph that could work quite well in a medical school personal statement:
In this opening paragraph, the writer sets the stage. They explain where they are and even give insight into their teachable nature and resilience. It hooks the reader, too, by showcasing that they’ll be telling a story, not just listing their accomplishments.
Don’t start your essay simply stating why you want to go to medical school. Remember, admissions teams read hundreds of essays each week, so you need to make them stop and take a closer look at yours. You need a hook. Be creative and expressive in the first statement so the reader knows they are reading an unexpected submission. Here are some examples:
None of these actually says anything about medical school, but they all work and make the reader want to keep reading.
Now, when you sit down to write, don’t start with your hook. You can get hung up here, which can keep you from writing a compelling essay. Write the hook after the rest of the essay so you can hone it in and make it specific and effective.
Your medical school personal statement should eventually move the reader from an engaging story to knowing why you want to pursue medicine, but don’t just tell them. Show them. Demonstrate your qualities in every part of your essay rather than simply stating them. Give examples that show the reader your compassion, grit, and resilience. Here is an example:
Discover what makes a standout medical school application with the following real-life examples. These samples provide a window into the storytelling and personal reflection that can turn a good application into a great one.
Creating a personal essay with a good hook that shows your character qualities and ties them back to medicine is great, but it will fail if you make errors in the essay. Some common mistakes to avoid include:
These mistakes will prevent your essay from standing out, even if all other aspects are excellent.
Writing a med school personal statement is not easy, especially if you’re trying to get into a top-tier school. Getting professional help on your medical school journey could be a game-changer. At ACT, our Pre-Med Student Advisors are dedicated to guiding you step-by-step through the application process, significantly boosting your chances of gaining admission. Receive tailored mentorship and advice from experienced Physician Advisors who can assist with your personal statement and other critical aspects of your application.
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