This is part of our Postbac Admissions Series where we explore the ins and outs of applying to postbaccalaureate programs, including tips for finding the best programs, writing the best essays, finding the best recommenders, and more. Click here to get the complete guide.
One of the most important parts of the application to postbaccalaureate programs is your personal statement. This piece of writing allows the admissions committee to get to know you – to hear your voice – and learn more about the obstacles you have overcome to pursue your educational goals. There are three important ways that you can make your personal statement resonate with your reader:
1. Honesty
By sharing how your interest in medicine developed, whether it was through an unusual sequence of events or took years for you to find your career path, the more honest you are about your experiences, the better. Writing what you think the admissions committee would like to hear will appear generic and will not help you shine as the unique individual that you are. Tell your story!
2. Reflection
Taking the time to think through the events of your life can help you see with more clarity what you would like to tell the admissions committee through your personal statement. This is your chance to evaluate how your life experiences have made you the person that you are today. Using old journals or photo albums can help facilitate this process and allow you to remember those moments that shaped the motivations that govern your values and life goals.
3. Structure
By creating an outline and following it as you write your essay, you will be adding structure to it. Those essays that are well written are more likely to attract the attention of a reader who can become an advocate on your behalf during the admissions process.
Submitting a strong and well-structured piece of writing can make an enormous difference in how your application is viewed.
By sharing how your interest in medicine developed, whether it was through an unusual sequence of events or took years for you to find your career path, the more honest you are about your experiences, the better. Writing what you think the admissions committee would like to hear will appear generic and will not help you shine as the unique individual that you are. Tell your story!
2. Reflection
Taking the time to think through the events of your life can help you see with more clarity what you would like to tell the admissions committee through your personal statement. This is your chance to evaluate how your life experiences have made you the person that you are today. Using old journals or photo albums can help facilitate this process and allow you to remember those moments that shaped the motivations that govern your values and life goals.
3. Structure
By creating an outline and following it as you write your essay, you will be adding structure to it. Those essays that are well written are more likely to attract the attention of a reader who can become an advocate on your behalf during the admissions process.
Submitting a strong and well-structured piece of writing can make an enormous difference in how your application is viewed.
These are only a few of the ways that you can significantly improve on the quality of your personal statement. By taking the time to read this special report, you are setting yourself apart as an applicant who is committed to success. Trust that with a little extra effort you will write a beautiful statement that represents you well and will lead to your acceptance!
Alicia McNease Nimonkar is an Accepted advisor and editor specializing in healthcare admissions. Prior to joining Accepted, Alicia worked for five years as Student Advisor at UC Davis’ postbac program where she both evaluated applications and advised students applying successfully to med school and related programs. Want Alicia to help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!
Related Resources:
• Learn How to Write a Great Application Essay!
• Standing Out in Your Application, a podcast episode
• How to Get Started on Your Personal Statement with One Easy Technique
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This article originally appeared on blog.accepted.com.
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