Medical School Personal Statement: Not the Time to Pull an All-Nighter

Author: Michelle Finkel, MD

I’m amazed at how many applicants study hard for the MCAT, prepare zealously for tests, and yet don’t spend the time necessary to write a strong medical school personal statement. Of course top grades and competitive MCAT scores are essential for a viable medical school candidacy (you must be this high to ride), but the essay is the admission committees’ clearest window into what you’ve done and what your priorities are. It is your way of distinguishing yourself colorfully. Conversely, it allows the committee a means to screen out medical school applications whose lack of effort or poor judgment is reflected in the personal statement.

Writing a great essay takes work and a lot of lead time. Before you hit the keyboard, consider alternate approaches – three or four topics for your introduction, for example. Also, make a list of all of the accomplishments you want to highlight. Moreover, don't overlook the basics: Start with an outline to ensure sound organization, develop graceful transitions between paragraphs, and provide convincing examples that support your assertions.

Don't let the red ink frighten you. Expect to write ten or more revisions of the medical school personal statement before you are ready to submit. Get help from someone who has extensive medical admissions experience by accessing the resources available to you: If you are fortunate to have an adviser, relative, or family friend who has sufficient expertise, ask that person to review multiple drafts. 

You may not require the services of an experienced admissions consultant. A motivated applicant who has strong interpersonal and communication skills and full access to sound medical advising can - not only survive - but thrive in the applications game. However, for those applicants whose advising resources are less optimal, who are targeting highly competitive institutions or programs, who are applying with specific geographic constraints, who are coming from lesser-known or international institutions, or who do not feel sufficiently confident in their current writing and interviewing skills, the right admissions consultant can make a positive difference with long-lasting consequences.
Bottom line: Writing your medical school personal statement is not the time to pull an all-nighter.


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