How to structure your Personal Statement
Those who prepare for medical school know the importance of a personal statement. It is a place where you showcase your skills and interests to study a particular course.
The statement is an essential part of the UCAS application. In the application process, this personal statement becomes a critical factor because in some cases, it can determine whether an offer is made to invite you for an interview.
At MED SCHOOL ENTRY, our advice is that you are not sure how the Personal Statement is being used. It could be for shortlisting, in the interview, or to distinguish between borderline cases. It is a mandatory requirement for all applicants; therefore, it is worth doing your best.
You should research first
It is important to show that you have the basic knowledge and understanding of the subject you are applying for. For that, you should read related literature, such as journals, newspapers, and books and you can access online resources, such as a virtual lecture or an online article. Discussing with doctors and gaining work experience is a must.
Always include evidence and examples
As experts on how to write a personal statement for medical school, Med School Entry will encourage you to use personal examples which are reflected upon. Through these, showcase your understanding and motivation for a career in medicine. Also, demonstrate that your knowledge, skills, and experiences have prepared you for meeting the demands of the course.
Read more: Personal Statement Reviews
Structure of personal statement
The structure of a personal statement is now three questions. As in the old version, it begins with an Introduction. Discuss why you wanted to study the course through personal experiences. This will be followed by a second question about your qualifications, showcasing your academics.
You can use the classic Personal statement tip for medical school applications, the PEEL method – Point, Evidence, Explain, and Link, which is a simple framework for you to go in-depth about an event.
The final question is about experiences outside of school, which could include volunteering or work experience and how this demonstrates that you have the suitable qualities to be a future medic.
Structuring the personal statement can take a long time with edits and re-edits, but it is in your control, and there are no surprises, as the questions are known. Therefore, to craft a successful personal statement using Med School Entry guidance is very achievable. Attend Dr Ahmed’s Personal Statement Webinar for more detailed guidance, or you can book an in-depth 121 Review. For both services, you will receive a Bonus Personal Statement Cheat Sheet!