Hard to believe, but it’s already time to start tackling the medical school personal statement. Over the course of the next few blogs, I’ll offer tips on how to get started on your essay, so that you can initiate a draft early and be on top of your application.

Remember that the goal of the personal statement is to distinguish yourself from all of the other applicants. The best way to make yourself distinctive is by showcasing your accomplishments. Your essay should be dense with achievements. Avoid purple prose. After all, who you are to the admissions reader is what you’ve done.

Here’s a short blog of mine from 2012 that reminds applicants that highlighting accomplishments does not mean regurgitating a resume (although the highlights of your curriculum vitae absolutely should be covered in your essay).