Personal Statement: Some Do's and Don't Tips

This insightful blog has been authored by Dr. Dhakshitha Peddisetty USMLESarthi student.
One key element that remains within your control and can leave a lasting impression on others is something you can actively manage. Understanding how to make the most of this opportunity is crucial.

When you find yourself at the stage where you've completed your necessary steps, gathered your scores, and perhaps even secured your letters of recommendation and CV, you might wonder what more you can do during the application process to present yourself in the best light possible. That element is the Personal Statement.

A personal statement holds significant weight when it comes to securing interview invitations, with some institutions using it as a factor in their ranking process.

So, what exactly is a personal statement?
"A statement authored by you that shares your 'personal story,' your 'personal attributes,' and your 'personal challenges' – all of which combine to define the person you are today.
What is the primary objective of a Personal Statement?
While a CV primarily serves to showcase your accomplishments, a Personal Statement is designed to illuminate 'you' as a 'person.'​
How do you go about crafting an engaging Personal Statement?
Think of a Personal Statement as akin to a movie. What makes a movie worth watching? A compelling story. When I read someone's Personal Statement, I'm attempting to discern who they are. It's like a motion picture playing before my eyes. If your Personal Statement can achieve that effect, then it is well-written.

​Everyone has their unique approach. Some kick off with a quote, while others draw abstract parallels between everyday life and medicine, and still, others dive straight into the point. There are no strict rules.​
However, there are several critical points that must be addressed, including:
  • Why have you chosen this specialty?
  • Why are you a suitable fit for this specialty?
  • Are there any red flags or major issues that require addressing?
  • Why the United States?
  • Why that specific program?
  • How do you align with the goals of that particular program?​
Why this speciality?​
​Consider all the aspects that make your chosen specialty appealing to you. Jot down these points or create bullet points. These are your thoughts, but you need to provide evidence. You must illustrate how events in your life have influenced your choice of specialty. Write about it.
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Common reasons found in Personal Statements include: Experiences with family members' illnesses. Encounters with intriguing medical cases. Personal interests related to the specialty.
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Note: It's not always necessary to explain why you chose to pursue 'MBBS/Medicine' unless it directly relates to your current specialty choice. Explore all the events in your life, consider possible incidents, and write about the one that resonates with you the most. Sometimes, your clinical experiences can serve as compelling evidence.
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Another approach is to ask yourself: "What drives my determination to pursue this specialty?"
Why are you a good fit for this speciality? ​
This is about summarizing your personality in a way that showcases your most valuable traits for your chosen specialty. A common mistake here is mentioning various traits without providing relevant events or examples to support them. Simply stating you are a 'reliable' person, for instance, is insufficient. 
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You must demonstrate what makes you reliable. You can do this by sharing snippets from your life. For instance, when highlighting reliability:
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Good write-up: "Reliability is one of the reasons why I am highly regarded. My colleagues know they can depend on me to execute tasks flawlessly even in demanding situations."

Less effective write-up: "My colleagues appreciate my reliability and my inherent work ethic."

Both statements convey the same idea – that you can be counted on to work diligently.

​However, the first example provides concrete evidence, while the second lacks specificity. Stay focused on discussing one trait thoroughly and minimize transitions between different traits.

Note: All the traits you mention should be relevant to the medical field. Although many applicants may mention qualities like 'hardworking' or 'team leadership,' your selection of traits will reveal what you prioritize. Another way to approach question 2 is to ask yourself: "What qualities are essential for a successful (specialty) resident/physician?"
How long should my Personal Statement be?​
A Personal Statement of 650-750 words is generally acceptable. However, my personal recommendation is to keep it under 700 words, but more than 600 words. Program directors typically allocate only a minute or two to review your Personal Statement.
Some Do's Tips:​
  • Begin planning your Personal Statement early. The ideal time to start is now.
  • Commence your first draft by June and aim to complete it by the end of June. In fact, consider drafting multiple versions.
  • Have your Personal Statement reviewed by individuals both familiar and unfamiliar with you. Ask for their overall impressions after reading it and incorporate their suggestions.
  • If possible, seek feedback from professionals in your field, such as residents or physicians you have worked with during rotations.
  • Begin your second draft by July.
  • Have your Personal Statement professionally checked for grammar and plagiarism (this might take a month, so plan for August).
  • Aim to have a final draft ready by August.
  • By September, compile a list of programs you wish to apply to.
  • If possible, create a personalized Personal Statement for each program.
  • It's worth noting that following these steps led to an interview invitation for me, with the program director expressing her impression of my Personal Statement.
Some Don't Tips:​
  • Avoid plagiarism at all costs.
  • Do not use the same Personal Statement for different specialties; craft separate statements for each specialty you apply to.
  • Do not procrastinate starting your Personal Statement in August; it's best to begin early.
  • Try not to duplicate information already present in your CV, unless you are emphasizing a specific point.
  • For instance, you can mention that your research experience under xxxx sparked your interest in the research track and your eagerness to further explore it while in the US. Your CV can complement your Personal Statement in this manner.
  • You can approach writing each paragraph for each question separately and then combine them into a cohesive whole, or you can employ a free-flowing technique without strict segregation. Both methods can be effective.
Best of luck! And remember to infuse your own personal style into your Personal Statement.
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