This was my first application cycle reading personal statements for applicants. I enjoyed it and loved being able to offer some advice to new applicants, but I noticed a few issues along the way that could make the process go a lot more smoothly for everyone involved. Here are a few do's and don'ts I have to share:
1. DO use the personal statement readers on SDN. The more feedback you can get on your PS, the better it will be!
2. DO start your PS early, and start sending it to readers as soon as possible. You'll probably need to write multiple drafts, and since most of the readers are students they will have less time to devote to your PS the closer the school year gets.
3. DON'T expect your PS readers to drop everything for you. We have lives of our own, and we're not getting paid for this. Sending me your PS at 9pm on a Friday and expecting me to have it edited so you can submit it by Saturday evening is ridiculous and rude.
4. DO use your own judgement. Every ps reader will have different ideas and opinions. You are not required to adhere to our recommendations. It's up to you whether you want to make the changes we suggest or not. That said . . .
5. DO thank your PS readers, even if you don't like what they have to say.
6. If you're asking someone from another field (e.g. you're pre-med and asking a vet student to read your PS) DO include any prompts or instructions you were given on your application. If your reader is unfamiliar with the admissions process of your specific field, it will help them analyze your ps more effectively.
7. If I have a backload of statements to read and won't get to yours for a couple of weeks, I will let you know. But if you happen to write new drafts during that time, please DO send them to me so I don't waste time reading an old draft that is now completely irrelevant.
8. If English is not your first language, DO start on your PS and send it to readers as early as possible. Unless you're totally fluent, you'll probably have more spelling and grammatical errors that need correcting, or use certain turns of phrase which don't necessarily make sense in English. In that case, reading your ps takes more time, so it's wise to plan accordingly.
9. DON'T be offended if the feedback you receive sounds harsh. It's nothing personal, and we're just trying to help. Remember that constructive criticism is what will help make your ps better!
10. If I email your PS back to you, and that email just so happens to have my full name attached, please DON'T start adding me as a friend on Facebook, LinkedIn, Skype, or any other social media. That's just creepy.
For anyone thinking of being a PS reader:
1. DO make sure you have the time to do it. I had WAY more statements to read than I ever thought I would!
2. DON'T assume that you'll still have time to read once school starts, especially if you're starting your first year of vet school! There are a few statements I never got to, and now I feel bad.