This article is currently at the top of the New York Times’ most emailed list. It’s written for those entering the work force, but it is very pertinent for applicants to medical school, residency, fellowship, and post bacc programs.
I hope everyone has a happy holiday season!
In writing their personal statements, many applicants ask me if it’s okay to include their accomplishments. After all, they say, their achievements have already been noted in the application, dean’s letter, and letters of recommendation. Think of the medical admissions process as an onion. Your application (AMCAS, ERAS, post bacc CV, AADSAS) and letters serve as one layer of that onion, albeit a thin one. In other words, your accomplishments are conveyed simply and succinctly there. The personal statement is your opportunity to apply a thicker layer, one in which you flesh out your achievements, thus persuading the reader of your distinctiveness. Finally, the interview is your chance to add on the thickest peel. Discussing your accomplishments in detail can seal the interviewer’s positive impression of you. So yes, you are going to be redundant throughout the application process, but each part serves a different and additive purpose. If you do not include your achievements in your personal statement, how will you be viewed as distinctive? Remember: Who you are is what you’ve done… and what traits and skills you’ve gained accordingly.
A tip for your CV and the application process in general:
Unless you are prepared to conduct an interview exclusively in another language, use the term “proficiency” instead of “fluency” when describing your foreign language skills. You do not want to face embarrassment (or worse) regarding an overstatement of your abilities.
Don’t assume your CV (curriculum vitae) is being read just because you submitted it to letter of recommendation writers, admissions committees or professional recruiters. There are several pitfalls that can turn a reader off, so here are some quick tips to get your foot in the door:
1. Ensure the formatting is simple. This is one of the biggest mistakes I see: No need for multiple font changes, etc. Half the battle is readability.
2. Ensure the CV is streamlined. (This is where I help the most.)
3. Ensure you briefly describe any activity that will not be familiar to the reader so you get “full credit.” For example if you won a local award, list how you were selected and out of how many other candidates. This way the reader will understand the weightiness of the honor.
Contact me for help with your CV. Having an excellent CV early is useful – not only for current needs. It also allows you to simply add accomplishments as they come throughout your medical career.
Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to
stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital.
She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated
Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more
