Personal Statement
Next Lesson
Medical School Admissions
Summary
The Personal Statement is a critical component of medical school applications, serving as a significant determinant in the admissions process, second only to the MCAT and GPA.
- Defining moments and personal experiences that inspired the pursuit of medicine are essential to include in the statement.
- A common mistake is listing accomplishments, which detracts from the narrative and should be avoided.
- The statement should highlight humanism in medicine, demonstrating empathy, teamwork, and a genuine desire to care for people.
- A recommended format includes an introductory paragraph about oneself, followed by a significant experience that motivated the medical career choice, and how this experience has fueled ongoing commitment.
- It's crucial to have the personal statement meticulously reviewed for errors, as grammatical mistakes can significantly undermine an application.
Chapters
00:00
The Importance of the Personal Statement
01:04
Crafting Your Narrative
02:25
What to Avoid in Your Statement
03:24
Humanism in Medicine: The Core of Your Statement
11:38
Finalizing and Reviewing Your Personal Statement