{"id":690,"date":"2020-07-27T18:43:26","date_gmt":"2020-07-27T18:43:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gillianmathews.com\/pugmed\/?p=690"},"modified":"2021-02-05T19:13:28","modified_gmt":"2021-02-05T19:13:28","slug":"how-not-to-write-a-personal-statement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gillianmathews.com\/pugmed\/how-not-to-write-a-personal-statement\/","title":{"rendered":"How Not To Write A Personal Statement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"personal<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The truth is there\u2019s no \u201ccorrect way\u201d to write a personal statement. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, most personal statements consist of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion, but…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each of us has our own stories, experiences, and characteristics that make us special and that have contributed to our career goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is however a wrong way to write a personal statement. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through my experiences working as an executive recruiter<\/em> fro a health sciences center and applying to medical school, I\u2019ve learned the common mistakes people make when writing their personal statements and how it affects your candidacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, I highlight these personal statement blunders so that you can avoid them and submit a personal statement that will impress the selection committee.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Using the Wrong Tone<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A mistake that many often make is having an informal tone when writing their personal statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of us fall into this trap because it is easier to write. However, it\u2019s not the type of writing that your audience appreciates.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, the audience for your personal statement will be academic faculty or administrators. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This audience is focused on teaching, clinical experiences, and scholarly activity.<\/strong> (They usually need all three to get tenure, so it’s what most professors care about regardless of the institution or program.)\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They spend their time reading and writing academic papers and they expect those who are applying to get into their school to have an affinity for professional writing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Based on this information, your tone should be professional. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal is to connect with your reader while still presenting yourself professionally <\/strong>enough to show your ability to become their peer in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Note: You can still include personal story to set up your essay, while still maintaining your professionalism.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not Grabbing Your Audience’s Attention <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Your audience has read hundreds of personal statements before… so you want to grab their attention early and keep it to the end.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do you do this? <\/p>\n\n\n\n