How to write a personal statement
Personal statements are the words behind the STEP scores. After reviewing thousands of Personal Statements, our editors were able to compose a list of helpful tools that will enable you to stand out among all other applicants in a creative, thoughtful and unique way.
1. Get your ideas on paper and prepare a rough draft. Do not worry if the rough draft is not well structured and with incomplete sentences. We invite you to visit our Statement Development Service (S.D.S) page where you can access our questionnaire here to help you through the process of developing your Personal Statement.
2. Once the rough draft is complete, go back and organize your ideas into flowing paragraphs. To find inspiration look at any previously written essays for the medical school application or your CV.
3. The recommended length for Personal Statements is 600 words.
4. The tone for Personal Statements should be friendly but professional with very little joking and wittiness.
5. While writing, keep in mind the specialty you are applying for. Discuss the characteristics you possess that would make you the strongest candidate for that specific specialty.
6. First paragraph should be the introduction where you get to make a lasting impression on the Program Directors. This is where you should start with something that will capture the attention of the reader and urge him/her to continue reading. Here you can start with an account of why you decided to pursue a career in medicine.
7. When writing your personal statement, be precise and clear. Do not use vague language, unnecessary words and repetition of ideas.
8. Cautiously avoid spelling mistakes. These make you look unprofessional and your essay unfinished. (Make good use of Spell Check).
9. Avoid clichés and slang expressions. Any words from a foreign language should be italicized.
10. Once you are done with your introduction, start working on your body paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea. In the second paragraph right after the introduction you should talk about your experiences in Medical School. In the third paragraph you may talk about your experiences during your clinical rotations and what you have gotten out of them.
11. The conclusion is another very important part of your Personal Statement. Here is where you should tie all your ideas into one conclusion. State how you would contribute to the Residency Program if accepted. You may also mention some of your future goals as well. End you Personal Statement on a high note so that the Program Directors are left with a positive impression.
12. Throughout your Personal Statement, make sure you demonstrate your enthusiasm, honesty, dependability, determination, and personal capacity to excel in the challenging Residency Program.
2. Once the rough draft is complete, go back and organize your ideas into flowing paragraphs. To find inspiration look at any previously written essays for the medical school application or your CV.
3. The recommended length for Personal Statements is 600 words.
4. The tone for Personal Statements should be friendly but professional with very little joking and wittiness.
5. While writing, keep in mind the specialty you are applying for. Discuss the characteristics you possess that would make you the strongest candidate for that specific specialty.
6. First paragraph should be the introduction where you get to make a lasting impression on the Program Directors. This is where you should start with something that will capture the attention of the reader and urge him/her to continue reading. Here you can start with an account of why you decided to pursue a career in medicine.
7. When writing your personal statement, be precise and clear. Do not use vague language, unnecessary words and repetition of ideas.
8. Cautiously avoid spelling mistakes. These make you look unprofessional and your essay unfinished. (Make good use of Spell Check).
9. Avoid clichés and slang expressions. Any words from a foreign language should be italicized.
10. Once you are done with your introduction, start working on your body paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea. In the second paragraph right after the introduction you should talk about your experiences in Medical School. In the third paragraph you may talk about your experiences during your clinical rotations and what you have gotten out of them.
11. The conclusion is another very important part of your Personal Statement. Here is where you should tie all your ideas into one conclusion. State how you would contribute to the Residency Program if accepted. You may also mention some of your future goals as well. End you Personal Statement on a high note so that the Program Directors are left with a positive impression.
12. Throughout your Personal Statement, make sure you demonstrate your enthusiasm, honesty, dependability, determination, and personal capacity to excel in the challenging Residency Program.
