# >> College & Higher Education >> Medical School

How to Write a Pre-Medical Post-Baccalaureate Personal Statement

Post-baccalaureate, pre-medical training programs prepare college graduates for medical school. By providing prerequisite coursework and training, pre-medical programs can increase the potential medical student's chances of acceptance.

Personal statements are often required of academic program applicants. Usually around 500 to1000 words (depending on the application instructions), the personal statement serves as a first impression of the applicant in his own words.

The primary purpose of the personal statement is to allow the applicant to present herself more individually, apart from standardized test scores and academic transcript information. The personal statement should address the primary reasons, both short- and long-term, why an applicant plans to participate in the academic program.

Computer
Writing paper
Pen or pencil

Instructions

- 1
  Perform background research before writing the personal statement. Plan ahead, since personal statements can take months to prepare. Perhaps you know which area of medicine you wish to practice, but have not yet become acquainted with the jargon of the profession. Professional language is very important in writing the personal statement, since it demonstrates knowledge of the field and professional commitment.
- 2
  Research the training program. The personal statement answers the application committee's questions as to the fitness of a candidate for the program, including the applicant's reason's for choosing their program over other options. Schedule a visit, if possible, and ask any questions you may have via the designated admissions contact for applicants. According to the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL), it can be helpful to research advantages of the program compared to others.
- 3
  Consider and write down your personal intentions and reasons for studying medicine. The personal aspect of writing the personal statement can be, ironically, one of the most challenging. Determine and write down your relevant experiences, area of intended medical practice and, most importantly, your reasons for applying to the specific program. Perhaps the pre-medical program places special emphasis on medical ethics, one of your passions.
- 4
  Draft the manuscript, focusing on content, not word counts. Be as specific as possible. Avoid vague statements like, "I participated in a community volunteer effort that got me interested..." Note the particular effort and its direct effect on your desire to study medicine.
- 5
  Edit the manuscript, paying special attention to the first paragraph. According to the Purdue OWL, the first paragraph should frame the essay and draw in the reader, as well as set the tone for the rest of the essay.
  
  Check for adherence to required word counts. Eliminate unnecessary words, not relevant information. A wordy sentence such as, "I plan to study the area in which I am most interested, that being oncology," might be more simply stated, "I plan to study oncology."

Medical Colleges in Baton Rouge

Medical Schools in Richmond, VA