How to Write a Personal Statement
The art of crafting a personal statement is a crucial skill for a student to learn. When applying to college, university, or medical school a prospective student must learn how to write a personal statement. This statement should present themselves, their accomplishments, goals, and dreams in a way that inspires, communicates, and moves the reader.
Below, Avalon University’s Admissions Team offers some tips on how to write a personal statement.
How to Write a Personal Statement:
Tell your story
“When I read a personal statement, I want to see YOU! I can tell whether or not you are a good student based on your GPA and your transcripts. I want to know why you are the way you are and what it is that drives you to be a better doctor than your counterparts”
- Hannah Westover, Admissions Specialist, Avalon UniversityCheck your grammar, spelling, and punctuation
“When I see that a student has taken the time to review these things, it tells me that they pay close attention to detail. Paying attention to the details is a key attribute in a successful medical student.”
- Tara Santiago, Admissions Specialist, Avalon UniversityExpress your goals/ motivation clearly and honestly
Learning how to write a personal statement is vital to your success as a medical student. Developing this skill early can provide more opportunities as you build your medical career.
See the below example of a well written undergraduate personal statement.
“As I dissected my 17 year old self’s letter I came up with a few conclusions:
- Decision-makers appreciate raw honesty,
- They want to know some things unique to that candidate, beyond the ‘same-old, same old’ – which they read over & over again,
- They certainly appreciate a degree of selflessness
- If the candidate, upfront, relates how she/he wants to show their appreciation to the school or residency program for ‘taking a chance’ with them, that is bound to be appealing also.”
Dr. Lanny Wilson, M.D.
