PreMedicalDental Center a nd the University Writing Center By Christopher Iverson Assistant Director University Writing Center Today We Will Cover What is a personal statement Why write a personal statement ID: 1031892
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1. Personal StatementsPresented by the UConn Pre-Medical/Dental Centerand the University Writing Center By: Christopher Iverson Assistant Director, University Writing Center
2. Today We Will CoverWhat is a personal statement? Why write a personal statement? Do’sDo not’s How to submitAMCASResourcesQ&A
3. Getting Started: What is this thing? A short document (5,300 characters) that:Sets you apart from other applicantsProvides a more complete picture of you than test scores or a resume/CV canShows what you value Proves that you can write clearly and coherently for your audience
4. Getting Started: Why am I writing this thing? Medical schools want to know: Who you areYour past experience (more than your plans) It’s easy to make up plans for the future, but harder to fabricate your past Obstacles you have overcomeSuccesses you have enjoyed
5. Do’s: Rules of ThumbStay focusedStay simpleStay on topicStay within the rules
6. Do’s: More Rules of ThumbFind your angleRepresent yourself honestlyAvoid being too positive or negative about yourself Get feedbackThis will come up again in this presentation because it is probably the most important rule
7. Don’ts: Common MistakesWriting before thinkingOmitting the desire to be a physicianTrying too hard not to sound generic Listing positive attributes without examplesWriting too poetically or philosophically
8. Don’ts: More Common MistakesApologizing Don’t worry about every “C”Passive Voice Controversy Forgetting the interviewBe prepared to talk about what’s in this statement in person!
9. Big Mistake: Not DraftingProofread, proofread, proofreadShare your work with: People who know youPeople who know writing and grammarPeople who know your field
10. Submission: Where is this thing going? American Medical College Application Service: AMCASOnline system for applying to medical schools across the US
11. AMCAS Specs: How do I write this thing? Plain text, unformatted5,300 characters, including spaces (approx. one page) Typed directly into application Proofread, proofread, proofread AMCAS application has no spellcheckStandard writing practicesCase, capitalization, punctuation
12. AMCAS Specs: How do I write this thing? Avoid plagiarismNo need to repeat informationThis information goes to all schools you specify
13. Additional Information2017 AMCAS Instructions: www.aamc.org/amcasThe Princeton Review: www.princetonreview.com/med-school-advice/medical-school-personal-statementKaplan Test Prep: www.kaptest.com/mcat/medical-school/medical-school-personal-statement US News: www.usnews.com/education/blogs/medical-school-admissions-doctor/2014/03/25/craft-a-stellar-medical-school-application-with-a-personal-storyUConn Writing Center: http://writingcenter.uconn.edu/
14. Questions?
15. Personal StatementsPresented by the UConn Pre-Medical/Dental Centerand the University Writing Center