Personal Statement
Your personal statement is an opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants. It is the portion of the application where you get to discuss who you are and what is important to you, so take advantage of this opportunity!
To successfully utilize the personal statement, spotlight two or three particular experiences or examples that demonstrate your motivation and preparation towards making an informed decision about your career path. Unlike the majority of your application, which is largely concerned with what you did, your personal statement should provide depth into why and how you came to your decision that a career in the health professions is a good fit for you.
Here are some questions to help you in the brainstorming process:
- What characteristics and skills do you possess that enhance your prospects for success?
- What is special, distinctive, unique or impressive about you or your life story?
- What is the most important thing for an admissions committee to know about you?
- Did you take time off after earning your undergraduate degree? If so, why and how have you used this time to grow?
Health Professions Guidelines
|
AMCAS (MD) |
5,300 characters |
|
AACOMAS (DO) |
5,300 characters |
|
CASPA (PA) |
5,000 characters |
|
AADSAS (Dentistry) |
4,500 characters |
|
OptomCAS (Optometry) |
4,500 characters |
|
VMCAS (Veterinary) |
3,000 characters |
|
PTCAS (PT) |
4,500 characters |
|
OTCAS (OT) |
No character limit |
|
AACPMAS (Podiatry) |
4,500 characters |
For a full guide and details on each step in applying to medical school, read the Pre-Health Application Guide.
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