How to Write a Personal Statement for Medical School

When applying to medical school, prospective students must complete a personal statement. Schools use the statement to evaluate the personality and motivation of prospective students: without a personal statement, the school would have only a dry list of facts to use in evaluating each student. Admissions boards read personal statements carefully, and a personal statement can greatly impact a student's chances of admission.

Things You'll Need

  • word processor
  • application instructions
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Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain and read the guidelines for writing a personal statement; note that applicants are left with considerable latitude to choose what they write.

    • 2

      Think carefully and honestly about why you want to go to medical school: examine your motivations, your history and the process you used to decide to become a physician.

    • 3

      Choose a theme for your statement, which may describe a life-changing event, an important relationship, or a specific aspect of the practice of medicine that appeals to you.

    • 4

      Write the statement, taking care to avoid remarks that might convey arrogance or offend. Write a complex statement that demonstrates your ability to grasp the complexities of medicine.

    • 5

      Ask another person to read, revise, and evaluate the essay honestly. Pick somebody who will tell you the truth.

    • 6

      Revise your essay to reflect feedback. Polish it. Leave it untouched for a week, and then return to it and revise it again.

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