StatementWritingHelp.com
by Dr. Robert Edinger
Helping Applicants Since 1995 
drrobertedinger@gmail.com

My research shows that medical school admissions committees are dedicated to selecting applicants likely to help improve access to medical care for the underserved. They want to provide the training and experience to those applicants that make a convincing case for their long term goal of helping those with the greatest need. Diversity is a plus. I am convinced that your ethnic background and professional experiences in a foreign country, or volunteer experiences in one's country of origin, are of critical importance to your application. These factors can be powerful assets if they are portrayed in an eloquent essay with an effective structure and agile transitions. I would like to help!

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Sample 1st Paragraph:

 

Born in England, we moved to America when I was 5 and I grew up in suburban Virginia. I am an Indian man much like other Americans, an individualist seeking my own path and challenges. Through a lot of hard work, I have established myself as a highly competent researcher working alongside a professor and a PHD student for 2 years now on the effects of heat on human mortality; and we are well on our way to publication. As an EMT basic, I am pleased to be the first one selected on a run for the ‘underserved’ here in Charlottesville. My other singular and most formative experience so far was my 4-month medical internship with a clinic on the outskirts of Lima Peru. My eyes are now permanently turned south and I am growing as a medical student in two languages, Spanish as well as English.

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Sample 1st Paragraph:

 

Since childhood, it has been my intention to spend my life ‘making a difference’ rather than just making a living, to this end I pursued a bachelor degree majoring in Biology with the intention of qualifying as a physician. I see the medical profession as the field where I can take fullest advantage of my character and aptitudes so as to maximize my service to society. I have sought as much exposure to the world of medicine as possible before and since finishing my undergraduate studies in Biology. This exposure has confirmed my ambition and I am now eager to acquire the skills and knowledge to enable me to practise as a physician.

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Introduction:

The application process for medical school is an arduous and competitive journey that demands patience, resilience, and meticulous preparation. As aspiring medical professionals eagerly submit their applications, a period of anticipation ensues, filled with hopes and uncertainties. This article delves into the personal experience of an applicant who embarked on this challenging path, offering insights into the waiting game, interview invitations, and the dynamic nature of the interview process.

 

The Waiting Game:

After submitting the application on July 5th, the waiting game began, intensifying the anticipation felt by every aspiring medical student. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Finally, on September 15th, the first glimmers of hope arrived in the form of interview invitations. It was a pivotal moment, marking the transition from uncertainty to possibility.

 

Navigating Conflicting Dates:

Having applied to a total of 17 programs, the applicant was fortunate to receive interview invites from 11 of them. However, with conflicting interview dates, a difficult decision loomed. Eventually, the applicant accepted nine interview invitations, with regrets about declining two due to the unavoidable scheduling conflict. Making such choices can be tough, as the fear of missing out on potential opportunities weighs heavily. Yet, embracing the belief that everything happens for a reason and maintaining a positive outlook becomes paramount during this period.

 

The Interview Circuit:

The interview journey led the applicant to renowned institutions across the United States. Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Denver Health, St. Louis University, Iowa, NYU Lango, Tampa University of Florida, Naples, Cincinnati Children's, Texas A&M, and UNMC in Nebraska were among the destinations where the applicant had the privilege of showcasing their potential. While the itinerary involved traversing different cities, meeting new people, and experiencing new environments, it also demanded significant dedication and energy.

 

Virtual vs. In-person Interviews:

In adapting to the changing landscape, a blend of virtual and in-person interviews characterized the applicant's experience. Two virtual interviews allowed for remote connections, while the majority, comprising seven interviews, required physical presence. Navigating through the coordination of travel, especially during back-to-back interviews, posed a unique challenge. Nevertheless, the opportunity to explore different locales and establish connections with professionals in the field added a sense of excitement to the journey.

 

Tackling Challenging Questions:

Among the numerous interview questions, one stood out for its uniqueness and thought-provoking nature. The applicant was asked to describe themselves professionally using an animal analogy. This unexpected query required introspection and quick thinking. Examples such as comparing oneself to a beaver, known for its meticulousness in dam-building, or likening oneself to a bulldog, a symbol of advocacy and unwavering dedication, illuminated potential paths to navigate such imaginative questions.

 

Preparing for Success:

Interviews serve as a platform to assess an applicant's thought process, reasoning abilities, and suitability for the program. Adequate preparation and practice are essential to ensure confident responses to commonly asked questions. Leveraging firsthand experiences, one's unique personality, and the content presented in the personal statement and application materials contribute to a compelling interview performance. Additionally, honing skills in addressing case-based clinical questions fortifies an applicant's candidacy.

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The interview process within the medical school application journey represents a crucial turning point for aspiring healthcare professionals. 

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Writing a compelling personal statement is essential when applying to medical school. It's your chance to sell yourself on paper, showcasing your qualities, experiences, and aspirations. To create an impactful personal statement, follow these key tips:

 

Follow Directions:

Ensure you address the prompt directly and avoid going off on unrelated tangents. Avoid crafting overly dramatic stories solely to pull at heartstrings. Instead, focus on genuinely answering the question posed by the application.

 

Customize for Different Schools:

Craft a strong foundation for your personal statement, making it versatile enough to be modified for various schools. While each application may have slight variations in word count or topic, having a solid base allows you to save time and effort when applying to multiple institutions.

 

Proofreading is Vital:

Thoroughly proofread your essay to eliminate grammar errors, typos, and inconsistencies. Enlist someone else to proofread as well, preferably a mentor or a trusted individual with a fresh perspective.

 

Don't Wait until the Last Minute:

Give yourself and your proofreaders ample time to review your personal statement. Rushing through this crucial step might lead to overlooked mistakes or poorly refined content.

Take Feedback Gracefully:

 

Be open to constructive criticism from proofreaders and mentors. Accept suggestions for improvements with a positive mindset, using them to refine your statement further.

 

Organize and Label Essays:

To avoid confusion, create specific folders for each medical school you are applying to and label your essays accordingly. This way, you won't accidentally send the wrong statement to the wrong school.

 

Convert Essays to PDF Format:

Save your essays as PDF files, as it ensures formatting remains consistent across different devices and operating systems. This eliminates any font or layout issues that could arise when using other file formats.

 

By following these guidelines, you can create a powerful personal statement that showcases your strengths, aligns with each school's mission, and presents you as an ideal candidate. Remember, your personal statement is an opportunity to stand out and demonstrate your dedication to pursuing a medical education. Make it count!