When applying to residency, most people dread writing personal statements.
Having written and given feedback on many personal essays over the years, here are 5 tips that I think can make it a little easier. // 🧵
Having written and given feedback on many personal essays over the years, here are 5 tips that I think can make it a little easier. // 🧵
1.Writing a personal statement requires reflection, not invention.
Remember that 99% of your essay is already written because you’ve spent the last however many years searching for and refining your reasons.
Ask yourself... /
Remember that 99% of your essay is already written because you’ve spent the last however many years searching for and refining your reasons.
Ask yourself... /
...what has kept you going through some of your worst days? What would you tell a person who doesn't think you can do it?
The answers you are looking for are hidden behind those questions. /
The answers you are looking for are hidden behind those questions. /
2.Opening with a story is effective, but it’s also easy to get carried away.
The purpose of a story is to engage the reader and make them care about what you have to say next - in this case, why you would make a great future “X.”
So, get there quickly with intention! /
The purpose of a story is to engage the reader and make them care about what you have to say next - in this case, why you would make a great future “X.”
So, get there quickly with intention! /
3.State your desire, and commitment plainly.
These types of sentences may feel generic, or implicit (why else would you apply?), but they are so, so important.
Don’t underestimate the power of plainly stated truths in persuading others of your resolution. /
These types of sentences may feel generic, or implicit (why else would you apply?), but they are so, so important.
Don’t underestimate the power of plainly stated truths in persuading others of your resolution. /
4.Resist the urge to say too much, even if it’s all positive.
I understand that because the stakes are so high, the more we want to include every detail or feeling.
But sometimes simplicity is the most elegant, and memorable tool...
I understand that because the stakes are so high, the more we want to include every detail or feeling.
But sometimes simplicity is the most elegant, and memorable tool...
Try to be remembered for ONE great thing, instead of five good things.
Essays that say too much risk losing clarity, and ultimately the reader.
5. LASTLY, this one may be controversial but...
Essays that say too much risk losing clarity, and ultimately the reader.
5. LASTLY, this one may be controversial but...
...acknowledge that you cannot be certain of where this path will take you. You may change. The field may change. It is a really complicated journey ahead.
Some people worry this is a sign of weakness, but I think it is a sign of humility, maturity and resilience.
Some people worry this is a sign of weakness, but I think it is a sign of humility, maturity and resilience.
After all, faith is strengthened by doubt, and experiencing some degree of uncertainty is a reflection of having lived it and thought about it more seriously.
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