As I mentioned in my penultimate (I love that word) blog entry, it’s time to get started on your medical school personal statement. We’ve talked about distinguishing yourself with your accomplishments. Now, let’s start at the top and briefly consider the intro.
Catching the reader’s attention is a way to make an excellent first impression and increase the odds that your essay will be read – not skimmed. Consider a topic that is distinctive to you that also demonstrates traits, talents, and/or perspective that other applicants might not have. I’ve read excellent essays that start with a description of applicants’ unique hobbies, international experiences, performances, and sports events. Note that these may seem to have nothing to do with medicine at first blush. However, once they are conveyed for a few sentences (not more!), the skilled writer can link the introductory stories to traits, talents, and/or perspective that make the writer a good match for medical school.
