Friday, January 8, 2021
Premed Tip # 9-Drafting Your Personal Statement
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Now that you have some idea of what you want to write about (see Tip #8 for more specifics of picking topics), it is time to focus on what to expect from the drafting process. If you saw Tip #8, write a couple of drafts each with your outlines at least and then really focus on one of them. You can always return to the other drafts later if you need.
For all of your drafts from your various outlines, remember these points:
- Always remember the point of the essay- Why you want to be a physician
- There are many books out their on how to style your personal statement, but remember, it needs to be interesting and unique to you. The easiest way to do that I think is to write it like a story. Make it a narrative that is specific to you and makes your points clear. Don't get lost in the story.
- Your main reason for becoming a physician can be your essay theme but make sure that your essay is not too repetitive proving this point. For example, I wrote about I want to go into medicine to work directly with patients and to move forward medical innovation through personalized care. I made sure that each of my experiences/stories showed a piece of that that came into a complete statement at the end of the essay.
- End all of your transition points with clear statements on what that narrative was intended to get across. You want to make sure that all of your stories have purpose. Personal statements are a fine balance between narrative and precise points.
- You will go through many many many drafts. I went through 26 in total. Do not be afraid to throw out complete drafts or sections if you have to.
- Once you have gone through many drafts (and hopefully some friends/family reading them), find a professional writer, writing center or premed advisor to read it. I used my university's writing center to read 3 of my drafts, which was super helpful because many of them have seen hundreds of drafts of personal statements.
- Don't forget to take breaks between drafts so that you look at the draft with fresh eyes. That being said, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to write your statement.
Writing a personal statement can be very difficult, but do your research, talk with professionals, and write plenty of drafts. I read many books on the topic to help. I will have a post in the upcoming weeks with a reading list of all the books I read to help be through the application process. Feel free to contact me via the contact form or comment below with questions or comments.
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