A unique, captivating introduction

The introduction could arguably be the hardest part of your personal statement to write. If you’re struggling to write your introduction, we recommend leaving it initially and focusing on the other sections to avoid being bogged down. The best introductions are the ones that are unique, personal and grab the reader’s attention from the beginning with relevant motivations to study medicine. Good ways of doing this are by including personal anecdotes or life experiences combined with demonstration of scientific aptitude.

Points to avoid in your introduction:

• You’re motivated to study medicine because you want to ‘help’ people – we can’t stress enough to avoid this; so many careers help people. It also shows you don’t have a realistic view of a career in medicine by stating this

• You want to study medicine to be respected – as a doctor you’re expected to always provide the highest quality of patient care regardless of whether you’re respected by patients

• Avoid cliché/abstract motivations to study medicine

Reflect, elaborate & expand

The most important aspect of your personal statement that medical schools are looking for is your own unique reflection of your experiences. They’re not going to be impressed if you list all the hospitals you might have visited or volunteering activities. What’s more important is to explain what you learnt from these experiences and what it makes you realise about a career in medicine. When it comes to talking about your extra-curricular achievements, its crucial you discuss the attributes you developed that shows you’re a suitable candidate to study medicine rather than listing all of your extra-curricular activities.

Use Specific Examples

We often notice in personal statements that students make vague, generic points with no evidence backing their claims. Using specific examples from your work experience, volunteering or extracurricular activities helps make the point you write more personal and impactful. It also demonstrates to the admissions panel, you actually understand the point you’re trying to articulate.

When possible try to utilize the PEE (point, evidence, explain) approach when writing the main body of your personal statement. (P) you make a point or observation, (E) back this point with a specific example you saw during your work experience, volunteering or extra-curricular activities (E) reflect on what this experience has taught you or made you realise.

Make it Flow

Your personal statement should flow seamlessly from paragraph to paragraph. Not doing so can make your personal statement jump abruptly from point to point and less professional. To improve the flow of your personal statement, try use connective phrases such as: to explore, to develop, in addition, consequently, furthermore, this made me realise.

Finish Strong

The final paragraph/conclusion should neatly summarise why you think you’d be suitable candidate to study medicine with your attributes and understanding of life as a doctor. The conclusion should not be used to mention any new experiences, rather a concise summary of what’s previously been written.
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