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How To Write A Graduate Medicine Personal Statement

This guide will help you write an excellent graduate Medicine personal statement . We start by highlighting the fundamental differences in approach required to write a graduate entry Medicine personal statement compared to a non-graduate Medicine personal statement.

We then include a Graduate entry Medicine personal statement checklist of things your statement must include. Finally, we cover how to write your graduate Medicine personal statement in 10 easy to follow steps. These steps will take you from step 1; the ideas stage with nothing written down and no plan or structure in mind, all the way to step 10; a completed, high-quality graduate entry medical school personal statement which is ready for submission.

How should a graduate entry medical school personal statement differ to a non-graduate Medicine personal statement?

A graduate entry Medicine personal statement will not be obviously different to a non-graduate entry personal statement. It must follow the same rules regarding the character count , submission deadlines and so on. However, there are critical points and differences in approach that you must consider as a graduate applicant. These will apply to your interview also:

Admissions tutors will expect that graduates applying to medical school will have had more time to mature and acquire skills, accomplishments and life experiences compared to high school leavers. They will typically assess you in comparison to the calibre of other graduates, even if you are applying for a standard entry Medicine course.

Motivation to study Medicine as a graduate

Why do you want to study Medicine now? If applicable, why do you want to change career? Graduates with a health or science background will typically find it easier to explain their path to wanting to study Medicine as a graduate than candidates with an arts degree. Graduates with seemingly unrelated degrees (e.g. English literature, journalism, etc.) can still be as successful as those with science degrees. Remember, several medical schools accept degrees from any discipline. These graduates simply require a little more effort in showing that they have good reasons to switch to Medicine and that their degree or career brings transferrable skills.

In some non-Medicine degrees, admissions tutors are primarily checking that an applicant has the necessary grades and some interest in the degree. This is certainly not the case in applying to medical school and especially for graduate applicants. This is because Medicine is a significant commitment. It is a long degree and a challenging career. Highly motivated candidates with a real passion for Medicine have a much higher chance of completing the degree and succeeding in their careers than candidates with a weak motivation or interest in Medicine. Additionally, Medicine necessitates a career-long commitment to keeping your skills and knowledge up to date and learning new ones as Medicine is continuously progressing.

This is why medical school admissions tutors will scrutinise a candidate’s motivation to study Medicine and their understanding of what a medical career entails. They want to see if an applicant’s motivation is genuine and built over a sustained period, not merely a phase which may pass. They need evidence that an applicant’s understanding of a medical career is realistic and based on experience and research, not merely a burning desire to study Medicine. You will show these things by explaining your reasons for studying Medicine and how you have explored these reasons and confirmed them (e.g. work experience). The key is to show not tell. You must link your reasons with evidence instead of just stating reasons.

We show examples of this in action in the following two excerpts from a personal statement which the Medicine Answered team worked on. The candidate received four offers for an interview (and then four offers for a place). We have kindly been permitted to post it here.

Here the candidate states that the ever-advancing nature of Medicine and life-long learning appeals to him. This is “telling” i.e. merely a claim. Crucially he also backs this up by “showing” this with evidence . He shows this is true by saying he has attended several extracurricular lectures. He explores the claims of one lecture further by writing an essay, showing that he has intellectual curiosity and is a self-directed learner. He shows insight and perseverance by stating that using post-A-level books was challenging but something he enjoyed and learnt from. The things he mentioned made for good talking points at his interview.

The candidate is not merely stating that he looked after his grandmother, so he wants to be a doctor. Many people look after elderly or unwell relatives and do not want to be a doctor as a result. Similarly, being helped by a lawyer does not make most people want to become a lawyer. He explains that he wants a career that helps others and contributes to the community. He links this to caring for his grandmother and then says how his work experience has reinforced his wishes and made him realise that Medicine will allow him to fulfil this ambition.

You can view the rest of this successful Medicine personal statement and our analysis in our free blog.

Academic history and current academic ability

It is a well-established phenomenon that some candidates mature academically later in life. This may mean older GCSE and A-level results are not a true reflection of current academic ability. Individual medical schools assess these pre-degree results differently. Some still have strict requirements for older qualifications while others have very few and focus more on degree results. Either way, at the time of your medical school application as a graduate, you must demonstrate excellent academic ability as well as organisation and self-awareness . Of course, non-graduates must also show this, but this is even more important if you are applying to an accelerated four-year graduate Medicine programme. How do you have the required abilities to complete a medical degree an entire year faster than most students?

Academic awards and achievements

Due to their degrees and/or careers, graduate applicants are more likely than non-graduate applicants to have publications, academic awards, poster presentations and so on. Adding these to your graduate medicine personal statement or reference can strengthen your application. Do not worry if you do not have these; you can show your qualities in other ways.

Real work experience

As a graduate applicant to Medicine, it is more likely that you have had fulltime jobs compared to non-graduate applicants. If you are applying later in life, you may have had a distinct career. As a graduate applicant to medical school, you will need to demonstrate what skills your previous degree and if applicable career gave you . Your degree and background will have transferable skills even if it is non-health or science related and it is up to you to be able to demonstrate this. Additionally, gaining medical work experience should be easier for graduates as they are over 18.

A checklist of other essential elements a graduate entry Medicine personal statement must include which are common to all strong medical school personal statements

The points we have listed in the above section highlight specific differences in approach that must be considered in a graduate medicine personal statement versus a non-graduate entry personal statement. Make sure your personal statement addresses these things. However, don’t forget that your graduate Medicine personal statement still needs to include things which are common to all medical school personal statements. Here is a checklist of these things:

An excellent writing style. Excellent grammar, spelling and punctuation

These are essential requirements. Anything less is not acceptable in a graduate or any type of medical school personal statement. We have several free blogs to help you do this, and our personal statement review service uses professional proof-readers.

A consistent and logical structure for your graduate Medicine personal statement

Your graduate entry Medicine personal statement’s structure must be logical and consistent . Avoid the common mistake of scattering sentences which are making a similar point or showing similar attributes all over your personal statement. Instead, sentences making a similar point or sharing a similar theme (e.g. importance of teamwork, extracurricular activities, examples highlighting your intellectual curiosity and academic abilities, etc.) should be grouped together in paragraphs or part paragraphs. If similar points are put together, then each point reinforces the last one and makes the overall message you are trying to convey more obvious to the reader and easier to notice and remember. It will also give your graduate Medicine personal statement structure and a better flow.

Solid examples of work experience in caring or service roles with reflections

Admissions tutors need to see this as evidence of an applicant’s commitment and interest in becoming a doctor. Candidates with work experience are more likely to have a more realistic view of being a doctor than candidates without work experience. Work experience also provides a medium for applicants to demonstrate they have attributes essential to studying Medicine. For example, personal organisation, reliability, self-awareness, the ability to reflect, empathy and so on.

Medical schools value medical work experience and also non-medical experience in caring and service roles, particularly if they are working with disadvantaged groups. They appreciate that it can be difficult for applicants to partake in medical work experience so most will not penalise candidates for not having direct medical work experience. Many medical schools state that they value work experience in caring and service roles equally to medical work experience. Others suggest you should at least speak to doctors. However, the main barrier for non-graduate applicants gaining work experience is being under 18, and this will not apply to graduate applicants. As a graduate applicant, you must show that you have a detailed understanding of the working lives of doctors, particularly if you are changing career.

Reflecting on your experiences instead of just listing them

Admissions tutors will not be impressed by long lists of work experience, extracurricular activities or achievements. Nor do they want to see diary accounts of all the steps in an operation or procedure you observed. How these experiences relate back to you and the meaning and insights that you derived from them is more important than what you did.

For example, you could explain how attending multidisciplinary meetings at your work experience highlighted the importance of effective teamwork and communication. This is far better than just stating that you attended a multidisciplinary meeting.

For the reader to understand what you are referring to, it is necessary to describe or list things to some degree. However, this is just the first step. An excellent personal statement will describe events in a concise manner and use most of the personal statement character count on the next step, which is reflecting on these experiences. This may include describing how these things developed certain skills or demonstrate that you possess these skills. Or perhaps how these things appeal to you and reinforce your desire to study Medicine. What motivated you to do these things; did you overcome any challenges or barriers; what have these experiences taught you about yourself, other people or Medicine?

Does your graduate entry Medical school personal statement provide evidence that you possess the attributes and core values required to study Medicine?

The Medical schools council have described core attributes and traits which are needed to study Medicine . We have discussed them in detail and importantly explained why they are actually required and how to show them in this blog. We cover them in detail to give you a sound understanding of them, so you are not simply attempting to tick boxes.

The crucial approach for your personal statement is to show that you have these attributes and not merely claim you have them . For example, you can talk about how working twice a week at a hospice for 6 months while studying demonstrates your organisation, personal responsibility, commitment and ability to work with others. This is more credible and impressive than simply claiming you have these traits.

Excellent examples of outside interests and extracurricular activities

In personal statements for other courses these are sometimes just mentioned in passing. However, these are essential in medical school personal statements and frequently come up at interview. Doctors work in teams and interact with the public so being well rounded is a desirable trait. Additionally, these interests can be important for what can be at times an emotionally demanding and stressful career. Finally, extracurricular activities and hobbies provide another medium besides work experience for you to demonstrate that you possess the attributes required to be a doctor. Depending on what you do, your outside interests and extracurricular activities may demonstrate leadership, teamwork, persistence, excellence, problem solving, creativity and more.

Graduate Entry Medicine personal statement checklist

To summarise what we have covered so far, here is a graduate entry Medicine personal statement checklist of things which every graduate entry Medicine personal statement must include:

1) An excellent writing style. Excellent grammar, spelling and punctuation 2) A consistent and logical structure 3) Instead of writing long lists, include reflections on the meaning and insight that you have derived from your experiences, achievements, extracurricular activities and so on 4) Robust and clear reasons why you want to study Medicine – if applicable why you are changing your subject or career 5) The transferable skills that your previous degree or career have given you 6) Strong examples of work experience with reflections 7) Examples of outside interests and extracurricular activities which enhance your application by showing positive skills and attributes

Additionally, as a graduate, your personal statement should reflect:

1) You have had more time than a school leaver to acquire skills, accomplishments and life experiences. 2) Strong academic abilities – necessary for all applicants but particularly graduates applying to accelerated graduate courses.

Writing your Graduate Medicine personal statement

Now you are ready to start the process of writing your graduate entry Medicine personal statement. We cover this in our entirely free guide on how to write a Medicine personal statement in 10 easy steps. This takes you from step 1; with nothing written down, no structure or plan all the way to step 10; a completed excellent Graduate entry Medicine personal statement ready for submission.

How can Medicine Answered help you with your graduate medical school personal statement?

Medicine Answered offer one of the highest quality Medicine personal statement review services available. A professional editor and a fully qualified doctor , who themselves received all four UCAS offers to study Medicine, will both check and correct your personal statement . This unique level of expertise puts us a step ahead of other providers, some of whom use untrained students or people with no medical or admissions background and who do not have professional proof-reading skills.

We go beyond the typical reviews of just grammar and structure like other services. After making enhancements to your statement, we comment on the strength of your application , we can consider your UKCAT, academic grades, work experience and extracurricular activities and suggest ways to enhance your application further as part of our full Application Review Service. We suggest things which may come up at interview specifically as a result of your personal statement.

We also have a myriad of free articles about medical school applications (personal statements, interviews, UKCAT, picking a medical school etc.), life as a student and doctor and more. They are entirely free and do not require you to sign up for anything or give your email address or anything else. This is because we believe that becoming a doctor should be possible for anyone based on their motivation and abilities and not on their background or financial ability. You can find out more about these under our resources section. We also offer interview preparation courses, personal statement services, and one to one tutoring to help you in your medical school application.

You can learn more about these under our services section or feel free to contact us.

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7 Med School Personal Statement Examples from Successful Applicants

Posted in: Applying to Medical School

Table of Contents

The personal statement is one of the most important parts of the med school application process . This mini-essay needs to demonstrate your passion and personality, not just your grades. Below, I’ll show you examples of successful personal statements by students who received acceptances, plus free tips and tools at the end. 

Admissions committees receive thousands of AMCAS medical school applications , so yours should stand out , showing who you are beyond your high school or pre-med GPA, extracurriculars, and MCAT score. The best personal statements are… well, personal!

Our Physician Advisors and professional writers have helped thousands of students like you craft stand-out personal statements and earn acceptances into medical school.

Example 1: chronic challenges can inspire innovation .

Student Accepted to UCSF SOM, Harvard Medical School

Countless visits to specialists in hope of relief left me with a slew of inconclusive test results and uncertain diagnoses. “We cannot do anything else for you.” After twelve months of waging a war against my burning back, aching neck and tingling limbs, hearing these words at first felt like a death sentence, but I continued to advocate for myself with medical professionals. A year of combatting pain and dismissal led me to a group of compassionate and innovative physicians at the Stanford Pain Management Center (SPMC). Working alongside a diverse team including pain management specialists and my PCP, I began the long, non-linear process of uncovering the girl that had been buried in the devastating rubble of her body’s pain. From struggling with day-to-day activities like washing my hair and sitting in class to thriving as an avid weightlifter and zealous student over the span of a year, I realized I am passionate about preventing, managing and eliminating chronic illnesses through patient-centered incremental care and medical innovation. A few days after my pain started, I was relieved to hear that I had most likely just strained some muscles, but after an empty bottle of muscle relaxers, the stings and aches had only intensified. I went on to see 15 specialists throughout California, including neurologists, physiatrists, and rheumatologists. Neurological exams. MRIs. Blood tests. All inconclusive. Time and time again, specialists dismissed my experience due to ambiguous test results and limited time. I spent months trying to convince doctors that I was losing my body; they thought I was losing my mind. Despite these letdowns, I did not stop fighting to regain control of my life. Armed with my medical records and a detailed journal of my symptoms, I continued scheduling appointments with the intention of finding a doctor who would dig deeper in the face of the unknown. Between visits, I researched my symptoms and searched for others with similar experiences. One story on Stanford Medicine’s blog, “Young Woman Overcomes Multiple Misdiagnoses and Gets Her Life Back”, particularly stood out to me and was the catalyst that led me to the SPMC. After bouncing from doctor to doctor, I had finally found a team of physicians who would take the profound toll of my pain on my physical and mental well-being seriously. Throughout my year-long journey with my care team at the SPMC, I showed up for myself even when it felt like I would lose the war against my body. I confronted daily challenges with fortitude. When lifting my arms to tie my hair into a ponytail felt agonizing, YouTube tutorials trained me to become a braiding expert. Instead of lying in bed all day when my medication to relieve nerve pain left me struggling to stay awake, I explored innovative alternative therapies with my physicians; after I was fed up with the frustration of not knowing the source of my symptoms, I became a research subject in a clinical trial aimed at identifying and characterizing pain generators in patients suffering from “mysterious” chronic pain. At times, it felt like my efforts were only resulting in lost time. However, seeing how patient my care team was with me, offering long-term coordinated support and continually steering me towards a pain-free future, motivated me to grow stronger with every step of the process. Success was not an immediate victory, but rather a long journey of incremental steps that produced steady, life-saving progress over time. My journey brought me relief as well as clarity with regard to how I will care for my future patients. I will advocate for them even when complex conditions, inconclusive results and stereotypes discourage them from seeking continued care; work with them to continually adapt and improve an individualized plan tailored to their needs and goals, and engage in pioneering research and medical innovations that can directly benefit them. Reflecting on the support system that enabled me to overcome the challenges of rehabilitation, I was inspired to help others navigate life with chronic pain in a more equitable and accessible way. Not everyone has the means to work indefinitely with a comprehensive care team, but most do have a smartphone. As a result, I partnered with a team of physicians and physical therapists at the University of California San Francisco to develop a free mobile application that guides individuals dealing with chronic pain through recovery. Based on my own journey, I was able to design the app with an understanding of the mental and physical toll that pain, fear, and loss of motivation take on patients struggling with chronic pain. Having features like an exercise bank with a real-time form checker and an AI-based chatbot to motivate users, address their concerns and connect them to specific health care resources, our application helped 65 of the 100 pilot users experience a significant reduction in pain and improvement in mental health in three months. My journey has fostered my passion for patient-centered incremental medicine and medical innovation. From barely living to thriving, I have become a trailblazing warrior with the perseverance and resilience needed to pursue these passions and help both the patients I engage with and those around the world.

Breaking It Down

Let’s look at why this personal statement essay is so powerful:

• Authentic and relatable: From the outset, the reader is drawn into the applicant’s struggle with debilitating pain. This detailed recounting of physical challenges and self-advocacy is both vulnerable and authentically relatable.
• A clear shift in perspective: The writer’s evolution from patient to advocate demonstrates a growth arc that admissions officers value. This shift in perspective is a great example of a non-cliche alternative to “I want to help people.”
• Patient advocacy: By sharing their firsthand experience of feeling dismissed by doctors, the writer highlights an understanding of future patients’ needs and concerns. AdComs look for applicants to demonstrate empathy and passion for patient care.
• Emphasis on innovation: This writer’s app development project shows a hands-on solution to helping others with chronic pain and that they’re prepared to use technology to bridge patient care gaps. 

DOWNLOAD: Your Guide to Writing the Perfect Personal Statement

Example 2: Magical Moments in My Medical Career

Student Accepted to Case Western SOM, Washington University SOM, University of Utah SOM, Northwestern University Feinberg SOM

With a flick and a flourish, the tongue depressor vanished, and a coin suddenly appeared behind my ear. Growing up, my pediatrician often performed magic tricks, making going to the doctor feel like literal magic. I believed all healthcare facilities were equally mystifying, especially after experiencing a different type of magic in the organized chaos of the Emergency Department. Although it was no place for a six-year-old, childcare was often a challenge, and while my dad worked extra shifts in nursing school to provide for our family, I would find myself awed by the diligence and warmth of the healthcare providers. Though I associated the hospital with feelings of comfort and care, it sometimes became a place of fear and uncertainty. One night, my two-year-old brother, Sean, began vomiting and coughing non-stop. My dad was deployed overseas, so my mother and I had no choice but to spend the night at the hospital, watching my brother slowly recover with the help of the healthcare providers. Little did I know, it would not be long before I was in the same place. Months later, I became hospitalized with pneumonia with pleural effusions, and as I struggled to breathe, I was terrified of having fluid sucked out of my chest. But each day, physicians comforted me, asking how I was, reassuring me that I was being taken care of, and explaining any questions related to my illness and treatment. Soon, I became excited to speak with the infectious disease doctor and residents, absorbing as much as possible about different conditions. I also came to view the magic of healing through other lenses. Growing up, Native American traditions were an important aspect of my life as my father was actively involved with native spirituality, connecting back to his Algonquin heritage. We often attended Wi-wanyang-wa-c’i-pi ceremonies or Sun Dances for healing through prayer and individuals making personal sacrifices for their community. Although I never sun danced, I spent hours in inipis chewing on osha root, finding my healing through songs. In addition to my father’s heritage, healing came from the curanderismo traditions of Peru, my mother’s home. She came from a long line of healers using herbal remedies and ceremonies for healing the mind, body, energy, and soul. I can still see my mother preparing oils, herbs, and incense mixtures while performing healing rituals. Her compassion and care in healing paralleled the Emergency Department healthcare providers. Through the influence of these early life experiences, I decided to pursue a career in the health sciences. Shortly after starting college, I entered a difficult time in my life as I struggled with health and personal challenges. I suddenly felt weak and tired most days, with aches all over my body. Soon, depression set in. I eventually visited a doctor, and through a series of tests, we discovered I had hypothyroidism. During this time, I also began dealing with unprocessed childhood trauma. I decided to take time off school, and with thyroid replacement hormones and therapy, I slowly began to recover. But I still had ways to go, and due to financial challenges, I decided to continue delaying my education and found work managing a donut shop. Unbeknownst to me, this experience would lead to significant personal growth by working with people from all walks of life and allowing me time for self-reflection. I continuously reflected on the hospital experiences that defined my childhood and the unmatched admiration I had for healthcare workers. With my renewed interest in medicine, I enrolled in classes to get my AEMT license and gain more medical experience. As my health improved, I excelled in my classes, and after craving the connections of working with others, I became a medical assistant. In this position, I met “Marco,” a patient traveling from Mexico for treatment. Though I spoke Spanish while growing up, I had little experience as a medical interpreter. However, I took the opportunity to talk with him to learn his story. Afterward, he became more comfortable, and I walked him through the consultation process, interpreting the physician’s words and Marco’s questions. This moment showed me the power of connecting with others in their native language. As a result, I began volunteering at a homeless clinic to continue bridging the language barrier for patients and to help advocate for the Latinx community and those who struggle to find their voice. My journey to becoming a doctor has been less direct than planned; however, my personal trials and tribulations have allowed me to meet and work with incredible people who have been invaluable to my recovery and personal development. Most importantly, I have seen the value of compassionate and empathetic care. Though I have not recently witnessed any sleight of hand or vanishing acts, what healthcare providers do for patients can only be described as magic. I look forward to bringing my diverse background as a physician and expanding my abilities to help patients in their path to healing.

Why does this personal statement work so well? 

• Captivating opening: The whimsical opening imagery of the pediatrician performing magic tricks should captivate any reader right from the start. This creative approach highlights the applicant’s personality and ingenuity.
• Cultural influences: The inclusion of Native American and Peruvian healing traditions demonstrates that the applicant is not only interested in conventional medicine but also understands different cultures and demonstrates culture competence. The writer may have a uniquely effective perspective when interacting with patients with a Native American background.
• Professional growth: The transition from managing a donut shop to pursuing an AEMT license illustrates a proactive approach to personal and professional development. This step signifies resilience and adaptability, highlighting that the applicant has transformed life challenges into growth opportunities.
• Empathy in action: The encounter with Marco emphasizes the importance of language and communication in healthcare. This anecdote effectively illustrates the applicant’s commitment to bridging gaps in healthcare access and advocacy for marginalized communities. It also underscores the writer’s cultural competency, which is increasingly attractive to AdComs.

Get support from Physician Advisors and professional writers to create a standout medical school application. 92% of our clients get into medical school!

Example 3: the puzzle of people.

One of our essay contest winners was a medical student who made their submission an AMCAS personal statement. It serves as a great and effective medical school personal statement example. We also thought it was a good read overall!

A four-letter word for “dignitary.” The combinations surge through my mind: emir? agha? tsar? or perhaps the lesser-used variant, czar? I know it’s also too early to rule out specific names – there were plenty of rulers named Omar – although the clue is suspiciously unspecific. Quickly my eyes jump two columns to the intersecting clue, 53-Across, completely ignoring the blur outside the window that indicates my train has left the Times Square station. “Nooks’ counterparts.” I am certain the answer is “crannies.” This means 49-Down must end in r, so I eliminate “agha” in my mind. Slowly, the pieces come together, the wordplay sending my brain into mental gymnastics. At the end of two hours, I find myself staring at a completed crossword puzzle, and as trivial as it is, it is one of the greatest feelings in the world. As an avid cruciverbalist, I have a knack for problem-solving. I fell in love with another kind of puzzle in college: organic chemistry. While some of my peers struggled with its complexity, the notion of analyzing mass spectroscopy, IR spectrums, and H-NMR to identify a specific molecule invigorated me. The human body was a fantastic mystery to me in my biology classes. Intricacies such as hormonal up- and down-regulation pulled at the riddler in me; I was not satisfied until I understood the enigma of how the body worked. Graduate school at Columbia was an extension of this craving, and I chose a thesis topic to attempt to elucidate the sophisticated workings of neuro-hormonal balance peri-bariatric surgery. In non-academic settings, I also pursued activities that would sharpen my intellect. The act of teaching is a form of problem-solving; a good teacher finds the most effective way to convey information to students. So I accepted the challenge and taught in both international and domestic settings. I assumed leadership positions in church because it forced me to think critically to resolve conflicts. In the lab, I volunteered to help write a review on the biological mechanisms of weight regain. It was precisely what I loved: isolating a specific human phenomenon and investigating how it worked. I believe medicine and puzzles are in the same vein. After participating in health fairs, working at a clinic, and observing physicians, I understand that pinpointing a patient’s exact needs is difficult at times. In a way, disease itself can be a puzzle, and doctors sometimes detect it only one piece at a time – a cough here, lanugo there. Signs and symptoms act as clues that whittle down the possibilities until only a few remain. Then all that is left is to fill in the word and complete the puzzle. Voila! Actually, it is more complicated than that, and inevitably the imperfect comparison falls through. I distinctly remember a conversation I had with a psychiatric patient at Aftercare. He had just revealed his identity as Batman — but it turns out he was also Jesus. During downtime between tests, he decided to confide in me some of his dreams and aspirations. He swiftly pulled out a sketchpad and said confidently, “When I get better, I’m going back to art school.” Any doubts stemming from his earlier ramblings vanished at the sight of his charcoal-laden sheets filled with lifelike characters. “They’re…really good,” I stammered. I was looking for the right words to say, but there are times when emotions are so overwhelming that words fail. I nodded in approval and motioned that we should get back to testing. Those next few hours of testing flew by as I ruminated on what I had experienced. After working 3 years at the clinic, I got so caught up in the routine of “figuring out” brain function that I missed the most important aspect of the job: the people. And so, just as the crossword puzzle is a 15×15 symbol of the cold New York streets, a person is the polar opposite. Our patients are breathing, fluid, and multi-dimensional. I’ve come to love both, but there is nothing I want more in the world than to see a broken person restored, a dream reignited, to see Mr. Batman regain sanity and take up art school again. The prospect of healing others brings me joy, surpassing even the most challenging crosswords in the Sunday paper. This is why I feel called to a life in medicine. It is the one profession that allows me to restore others while thinking critically and appreciating human biology. I am passionate about people, and medicine allows me to participate in their lives in a tangible way, aligned with my interest in biology and problem-solving skill. The New York Times prints a new puzzle daily, and so does the Washington Post, USA Today, and the list continues. The unlimited supply of puzzles mirrors the abundance of human disease and the physician’s ongoing duty to unravel the mystery, to resolve the pain. A great cruciverbalist begins with the basics of learning “crosswordese,” a nuanced language; I am prepared to do the same with health, starting with my education in medical school. Even so, I am always humbled by what little I know and am prepared to make mistakes and learn along the way. After all, I would never do a crossword puzzle in pen.

Let me tell you what’s so great about this personal statement: 

• Forcing the reader to engage: The opening of the crossword puzzle clue makes the reader want to solve the puzzle with the reader, immediately capturing their attention. Also, the ten-dollar words demand you exercise your Google skills, which further cements the reading experience in the admissions officer’s mind. This creative approach demonstrates both the writer’s personality and hobbies.
• Passion for problem-solving : The applicant’s love for puzzles and organic chemistry reveals their analytical mindset. By equating medicine with solving complex problems, they effectively convey a sense of enthusiasm for the intellectual challenges of the medical field.
• Human connection: The anecdote about Mr. Batman serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of seeing beyond seeking a diagnosis. The applicant shows they understand that medicine is as much about empathy as it is about clinical knowledge.
• Growth and reflection: The applicant’s self-awareness highlights the importance of personal growth in the medical profession, which is always a plus for AdComs.

Example 4: Bridging Worlds With Medicine

Student accepted to Weill Cornell

My path to medicine was first influenced by early adolescent experiences trying to understand my place in society. Though I was not conscious of it then, I held a delicate balance between my identity as an Indian-American and an “American-American.” In a single day, I could be shooting hoops and eating hotdogs at school while spending the evening playing Carrom and enjoying tandoori chicken at a family get-together. When our family moved from New York to California, I had the opportunity to attend a middle school with greater diversity, so I learned Spanish to salve the loss of moving away and assimilate into my new surroundings. As I partook in related events and cuisine, I built a mixed friend group and began understanding how culture influences our perception of those around us. While volunteering at senior centers in high school, I noticed a similar pattern to what I sometimes saw: seniors socializing in groups of shared ethnicity and culture. Moving from table to table and language to language, I also observed how each group shared different life experiences and perspectives on what constitutes health and wellness. Many seniors talked about barriers to receiving care or how their care differed from what they had envisioned. Listening to their stories on cultural experiences, healthcare disparities, and care expectations sparked my interest in becoming a physician and providing care for the whole community. Intrigued by the science behind perception and health, I took electives during my undergraduate years to build a foundation in these domains. In particular, I was amazed by how computational approaches could help model the complexity of the human mind, so I pursued research at Cornell’s Laboratory of Rational Decision-Making. Our team used fMRI analysis to show how the framing of information affects cognitive processing and perception. Thinking back to my discussions with seniors, I often wondered if more personalized health-related messaging could positively influence their opinions. Through shadowing, I witnessed physicians engaging in honest and empathetic conversations to deliver medical information and manage patients’ expectations, but how did they navigate delicate conflicts where the patients’ perspectives diverged from their own? My question was answered when I became a community representative for the Ethics Committee for On Lok PACE, an elderly care program. One memorable case was that of Mr. A.G, a blind 86-year-old man with radiation-induced frontal lobe injury who wanted to return home and cook despite his doctor’s expressed safety concerns. Estranged from his family, Mr. A.G. relied on cooking to find fulfillment. Recognizing the conflict between autonomy and beneficence, I joined the physicians in brainstorming and recommending ways he could cook while being supervised. I realized that the role of a physician was to mediate between the medical care plan and the patient’s wishes to make a decision that preserves their dignity. As we considered possibilities, the physicians’ genuine concern for the patient’s emotional well-being exemplified the compassion I want to emulate as a future doctor. Our discussions emphasized the rigor of medicine — the challenge of ambiguity and the importance of working with the individual to serve their needs. With COVID-19 ravaging our underserved communities, my desire to help others drove me towards community-based health as a contact tracer for my county’s Department of Public Health. My conversations uncovered dozens of heartbreaking stories that revealed how socioeconomic status and job security inequities left poorer families facing significantly harsher quarantines than their wealthier counterparts. Moreover, many residents expressed fear or mistrust, such as a 7-person family who could not safely isolate in their one-bedroom and one-bath apartment. I offered to arrange free hotel accommodations but was met with a guarded response from the father: “We’ll be fine. We can maintain the 6 feet.” While initially surprised, I recognized how my government affiliation could lead to a power dynamic that made the family feel uneasy. Thinking about how to make myself more approachable, I employed motivational interviewing skills and small talk to build rapport. When we returned to discussing the hotel, he trusted my intentions and accepted the offer. Our bond of mutual trust grew over two weeks of follow-ups, leaving me humbled yet gratified to see his family transition to a safer living situation. As a future physician, I realize I may encounter many first-time or wary patients; and I feel prepared to create a responsive environment that helps them feel comfortable about integrating into our health system. Through my clinical and non-clinical experiences, I have witnessed the far-reaching impact of physicians, from building lasting connections with patients to being a rock of support during uncertain times. I cannot imagine a career without these dynamics—of improving the health and wellness of patients, families, and society and reducing healthcare disparities. While I know the path ahead is challenging, I am confident I want to dedicate my life to this profession.

Here’s a breakdown of what makes this personal statement compelling:

• Cultural duality: The applicant opens by reflecting on their unique identity as an Indian-American. AdComs are always looking for future doctors who are equipped to to bridge healthcare gaps through their inherent cultural competencies.
• Intellectual curiosity: The applicant’s clear pursuit of electives related to perception and health demonstrates a proactive approach to learning. Their research experience at Cornell’s Laboratory of Rational Decision-Making illustrates a curiosity about how framing information in certain ways can impact healthcare.
• Compassionate patient care : Recounting the specific case of Mr. A.G. provides a powerful example of the ethical complexities in medicine. The applicant’s recognition of the need to balance patient autonomy with medical recommendations highlights their compassion and commitment to preserving dignity.
• Real-world experience: Their role as a contact tracer during COVID-19 shows a practical application of their skills in community health. The applicant’s reflection on experienced socioeconomic inequities emphasizes their dedication to addressing systemic issues in healthcare and fostering trust in vulnerable populations.
• Holistic perspective on medicine: The conclusion ties together the applicant’s clinical and non-clinical experiences, reinforcing their vision of medicine as a holistic interplay of relationships, compassion, and social responsibility.

WATCH: Where to Begin Your Personal Statement (WEBINAR)

Example 5: Early Clinical Work For Empathetic Patient Care

The applicant who wrote this personal statement was accepted into University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, and Tufts University School of Medicine.

As I walked briskly down the hall to keep up during our daily rounds in the ICU, I heard the steady beeping of Michelle’s cardiac monitor and saw a ruby ornament twinkling on the small Christmas tree beside her. She was always alone, but someone had decorated her room for the holidays. It warmed my heart that I wasn’t the only one who saw her as more than a patient in a coma. I continually felt guilty that I couldn’t spend more time with her; her usual companions were ventilators, IV bags, and catheters, not to mention the golf ball-sized tumors along her spine. Every day, I thought about running to Michelle’s bedside to do anything I could for her. Thus, I was taken aback when my advisor, who was visiting me that day, asked me if I was okay. It never crossed my mind that at age 17, my peers might not be able to handle the tragedies that healthcare workers consistently face. These situations were difficult, but they invoked humanity and compassion from me. I knew I wanted to pursue medicine. And I knew I could do it. From my senior year of high school to my senior year of college, I continued to explore my passion for patient interaction. At the Stepp Lab, I was charged with contacting potential study participants for a study focusing on speech symptoms in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. The study would help future patients, but I couldn’t help but think: “What are we doing for these patients in return?” I worried that the heart and soul behind the research would get lost in the mix of acoustic data and participant ID numbers. But my fears were put to rest by Richard, the self-proclaimed “Parkinson’s Song & Dance Man,” who recorded himself singing show tunes as part of his therapy. Knowing that he was legally blind and unable to read caller ID, I was always thrilled when he recognized my voice. The spirit in his voice indicated that my interest in him and his journey with Parkinson’s was meaningful. Talking with him inspired me to dive deeper, which led to an appreciative understanding of his time as a sergeant in the U.S. military. It was an important reminder: my interest and care are just as important as an effective prescribed treatment plan. Following graduation, I began my work as a medical assistant for a dermatologist. My experience with a patient, Joann, validated my ability to provide excellent hands-on patient care. Other physicians prescribed her painkillers to relieve the excruciating pain from the shingles rash, which presented as a fiery trail of blisters wrapped around her torso. But these painkillers offered no relief and made her so drowsy that she fell one night on the way to the bathroom. Joann was tired, suffering, and beaten down. The lidocaine patches we initially prescribed would be a much safer option, but I refused for her to pay $250, as she was on the brink of losing her job. When she returned to the office a week later, she held my hand and cried tears of joy because I found her affordable patches, which helped her pain without the systemic effects. The joy that pierced through the weariness in her eyes immediately confirmed that direct patient care like this was what I was meant to do. As I passed her a tissue, I felt ecstatic that I could make such a difference, and I sought to do more. Since graduation, I have been volunteering at Open Door, a small pantry that serves a primarily Hispanic community of lower socioeconomic families. It is gut-wrenching to explain that we cannot give them certain items when our stock is low. After all, the fresh fruits and vegetables I serve are fundamental to their culturally-inspired meals. For the first time, I found myself serving anguish rather than a helping hand. Usually, uplifting moments strengthen one’s desire to become a physician, but in this case, it was my ability to handle the low points that reignited my passion for aiding others. After running out of produce one day, I was confused as to why a woman thanked me. Through translation by a fellow volunteer, I learned it was because of my positivity. She taught me that the way I approach unfavorable situations affects another’s perception and that my spirited attitude breaks through language barriers. This volunteer work served as a wake-up call to the unacceptable fact that U.S. citizens’ health suffers due to lack of access to healthy foods. If someone cannot afford healthy foods, they may not have access to healthcare. In the future, I want to partner with other food banks to offer free services like blood pressure readings. I have always wanted to help people, but I now have a particular interest in bringing help to people who cannot afford it. While the foundation of medicine is scientific knowledge, the foundation of healthcare is the word “care” itself. I never found out what happened to Michelle and her Christmas tree, but I still wonder about her to this day, and she has strengthened my passion to serve others. A sense of excitement and comfort stems from knowing that I will be there for people on their worst days, since I have already seen the impact my support has had. In my mind, becoming a physician is not a choice but a natural next step to continue bringing humanity and compassion to those around me.

How did this personal statement grab and sustain attention so well? 

• Personalization: Everything about this statement helps you to understand the writer, from their personal experiences to their hope for how their future career will look.
• Showing, not telling: From the first sentence, the reader is hooked. This prospective medical student has plenty of great “on paper” experience ( early shadowing , clinical experience, etc.), but they showed this with storytelling, not by repeating their CV.
• Empathy: An admissions committee reading this personal statement would know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this student cares deeply about their patients. They remember first names, individual details, and the emotions that each patient made them feel.
• A clear path forward: The writer doesn’t just want to work in the medical field — they have a passion for exactly how they want to impact the communities they serve. Outside of strictly medical work, they care about the way finances can limit access to healthcare and the struggle to find healthy food in food deserts around the US .

PODCAST: The Personal Statement + Expert Tips

Example 6: Beyond the Diagnosis — The Importance of Individualized Care in Medicine

The applicant who wrote this personal statement was accepted into Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Nova Southeastern University College Of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Haywood sighs and shakes her head upon opening the chart. “I was worried about her A1C. It’s up again. Hypertension, too. Alright, let’s go.” As we enter the patient’s room, I’m expecting the news about her blood sugar and pressure to fill the room. Instead, Dr. Haywood says, “Roseline! How are you doing? How’s your girl, doing well?” Dr. Haywood continues to ask questions, genuinely interested in Roseline’s experience as a new mother. If not for the parchment-lined examination chair and anatomy posters plastered to the wall, this exchange could be happening in a grocery store. What about her A1C? Her blood pressure? Potential Type II diabetes? As I continue to listen, Dr. Haywood discovers that Roseline’s mother moved in with her, cooking Haitian meals I recognize as high on the glycemic index. Dr. Haywood effortlessly evolves their conversation to focus on these. Being Haitian herself, she knows some traditional dishes are healthier than others and advises Roseline to avoid those that might exacerbate her high blood sugar and blood pressure. Dr. Haywood also suggests Roseline incorporate exercise by bringing her baby on a walk through her neighborhood. During my shadowing experience, I observed one of the core components of being a physician through several encounters like this one. By establishing a relationship with her patient where Roseline was comfortable sharing the details of new motherhood, Dr. Haywood was able to individualize her approach to lowering the patient’s A1C and hypertension. Inspired by her ability to treat the whole person, I began to adopt a similar practice as a tutor for elementary kids in underserved areas of D.C. Shaniyah did not like Zoom, or math for that matter. When I first met her as a prospective tutee online, she preferred to keep her microphone muted and would claim she was finished with her math homework after barely attempting the first problem. Realizing that basing our sessions solely on math would be fruitless, I adapted my tutoring style to incorporate some of the things for which she had a natural affinity. The first step was acknowledging the difficulties a virtual environment posed to effective communication, particularly the ease at which distractions might take over. After sharing this with Shaniyah, she immediately disclosed her struggles to share her work with me. With this information, I found an online platform that allowed us to visualize each other’s work. This obstacle in communication overcome, Shaniyah felt more comfortable sharing details about herself that I utilized as her tutor. Her love of soccer gave me the idea to use the concept of goal scoring to help with addition, and soon Shaniyah’s math skills and enthusiasm began to improve. As our relationship grew, so did her successes, and I suspect the feelings I experienced as her tutor are the same as a physician’s when their patient responds well to prescribed treatment. I believe this skill, caring for someone as a whole person, that I have learned and practiced through shadowing and tutoring is the central tenet of medicine that allows a doctor to successfully treat their patients. Inspired by talking with patients who had received life-altering organ transplants during my shadowing experience, I created a club called D.C. Donors for Georgetown University students to encourage their peers to register as organ donors or donate blood. This experience taught me that to truly serve a person, you must involve your whole person, too. In starting this club to help those in need of transplants, I had to dedicate my time and effort beyond just my physical interactions with these patients. For instance, this involved reaching out to D.C.’s organ procurement organization to inquire about a potential partnership with my club, to which they agreed. In addition, I organized tabling events on campus, which required significant planning and communication with both club members and my university. Though exciting, starting a club was also a difficult process, especially given the limitations the pandemic imposed on in-person meetings and events. To adapt, I had to plan more engaging meetings, designing virtual activities to make members more comfortable contributing their ideas. In addition, planning a blood drive required extensive communication with my university to ensure the safety of the staff and participants during the pandemic. Ultimately, I believe these behind-the-scenes actions were instrumental in addressing the need for organ and blood donors in the D.C. area. From these experiences, I have grown to believe that good medicine not only necessitates that the physician cares for her patient as a whole, but also that she fully commits her whole person to the care of the patient. Tutoring and starting D.C. Donors not only allowed me to develop these skills but also to experience such fulfilling emotions: the pride I had in Shaniyah when her math improved, the gratefulness I felt when she confided in me, the steadfast commitment I expressed to transplant patients, and the joy I had in collaborating with other passionate club members. I envision a career as a physician to demand these skills of me and more, and I have confirmed my desire to become one after feeling so enriched by practicing them.

Here’s what makes this personal statement such a good example of what works: 

• Desirable qualities: The student clearly demonstrates qualities any school would want in an applicant: teachability, adaptability, leadership, organization, and empathy, to name a few. This again uses the “show, don’t tell” method, allowing the readers to understand the student without hand-holding.
• Personalized storytelling: Many in the healthcare profession will connect with experiences like the ones expressed here, such as addressing patient concerns relationally or the lack of blood donors during the recent pandemic. The writer automatically makes a personal link between themselves and the admissions committees reading this statement.
• Extensive (but not too long): Without feeling too wordy, this personal statement uses nearly all of the 5,300 characters allowed on the AMCAS application. There’s no fluff left in the final draft, only what matters.

Example 7: From the Stretcher to the Spotlight

Another siren shrieks as the emergency room doors slide open, and a team of EMTs pushes a blood-soaked stretcher through the entrance. It’s the fifth ambulance to arrive tonight — and only my first clinical shadowing experience in an emergency medicine department since my pre-medical education began. But it wasn’t my first time in an emergency room, and I knew I was meant to be here again. In those crucial moments on the ER floor, many of my peers learned that they stumble in high-pressure environments. A few weeks of gunshot wounds, drug overdoses, broken bones, and deep lacerations in the busiest trauma bay in the region were enough to alter their career path. They will be better practitioners somewhere predictable, like a pediatrician in a private practice where they choose their schedules, clients, and staff. Every healthcare provider has their specialties, and mine are on full display in those crucial moments of lifesaving care. Why am I pursuing a career in Emergency Medicine? Because I’ve seen firsthand the miracles that Emergency Medicine physicians perform. 12 years ago, I was in an emergency room…but I was the one on the stretcher. A forest-green Saturn coupe rolled into my parent’s driveway. The driver, my best friend Kevin, had just passed his driving test and was itching to take a late-night run to the other side of town. I had ridden with Kevin and his father many times before when he held his learner’s permit. But this time, we didn’t have an adult with us, and the joyride ended differently: with a 40-mph passenger-side collision, T-boned by a drunk driver. I distinctly recall the sensation of being lifted out of the crumpled car by a paramedic and laid onto a stretcher. A quick drive later, I was in the care of Dr. Smith, the ER resident on call that night. Without missing a beat, he assessed my condition and provided the care I needed. When my mom thanked him for saving my life, he simply responded, “It’s what he needed.” Now I’m watching other doctors and nurses provide this life-saving care as I observe as a premed student. I see the way the staff works together like a well-oiled machine, and it reminds me of my time in high-school theater. Everyone has a role to play, however big or small, to make the show a success. All contributions are essential to a winning performance — even the technicians working behind the scenes. That’s what true teamwork is, and I see that same dynamic in the emergency department. Some actors freeze during performances, overcome by stage fright. Other students are too anxious to even set foot in front of an audience; they remain backstage assisting with split-second costume changes. Not me. I felt energized under the spotlight, deftly improvising to help my co-stars when they would forget their lines. Admittedly, I wasn’t the best actor or singer in the cast, but I provided something essential: assurance under pressure. Everyone knew me as dependable, always in their corner when something went awry. I had a reputation for remaining calm and thinking on my feet. My ability to stay unruffled under pressure was first discovered on stage, but I can use it on a very different platform providing patient care. Now, when other people freeze under the intensity of serving public health on the front lines, I can step in and provide my calm, collected guidance to see them through. As an ER doctor, I will have to provide that stability when a nurse gets flustered by a quarrelsome patient or shaken from an irreparably injured infant. When you’re an Emergency Medicine physician, you’re not following a script. It takes an aptitude of thinking on your toes to face the fast pace and unpredictable challenges of an emergency center. During my time shadowing, I saw experienced physicians put those assured, gentle communication skills to use. A 13-year-old boy was admitted for a knife wound he’d received on the streets. He only spoke Spanish, but it was clear he mistrusted doctors and was alarmed by the situation. In mere minutes, one of the doctors calmed the patient so he could receive care he needed. Let me be clear: I haven’t simply gravitated toward Emergency Medicine because I liked it most. It’s not the adrenaline or the pride that compel me. I owe Emergency Medicine my life, and I want to use my life to extend the lives of other people. Every person brought into the trauma bay could be another me, no matter what they look like. People are more than their injury, health record, or circumstances. They are not just a task to complete or a challenge to conquer. My childhood injury gave me an appreciation for the work of ER doctors and a compassion for patients, to foster well-being when people are most broken and vulnerable. I already have the dedication to the work and the heart for patients; I just need the medical knowledge and procedural skills to perform life-saving interventions. My ability to remain calm, think on my toes, be part of a team, and work decisively without making mistakes or overlooking critical issues will serve me well as an Emergency Medicine physician. Some ER physicians I spoke with liked to think that they’re “a different breed” than other medical professionals — but I don’t see it that way. We’re just performing a different role than the rest of the cast.

Breaking It Down 

Let’s look at what qualities make this a great personal statement for med school.

• Engaging opening: The writer painted a vivid scene that immediately puts the reader in their shoes and leaves them wanting more.
• Personal examples: The writer demonstrated his ability to stay calm, work on a team, and problem-solve through theater experience, which he also uses as a comparison. He explained his passion for Emergency Medicine from his childhood accident.
• Organized: The writer transitions fluidly between body paragraphs, connecting stories and ideas by emphasizing parallels and hopping back and forth between times.
• Ample length: This essay makes full use of the AACOMAS and AMCAS application personal statement’s character limit of 5,300 characters (including spaces), which is about 850-950 words. (TMDSAS has a 5,000-character limit.)

Unsure what traits and clinical or research experience your preferred medical school values ? You can research their admissions requirements and mission statement using the MSAR .

The Dos and Don’ts of Writing an Engaging Personal Statement

Let’s understand the process of writing a personal statement. First off, always include these in your medical school personal statement:

• Why you’re passionate about becoming a doctor
• Your qualities that will make you a great physician
• Personal stories that demonstrate those qualities
• Specific examples of the communities you want to serve as a member of the medical field

Try our free AI Personal Statement Analyzer to automatically improve your personal statement before submitting.

Below are the 7 easy steps to writing a great personal statement:

• Begin the writing process early: Give yourself plenty of time for brainstorming and to revisit your first draft, revising it based on input from family members and undergrad professors. Consult the application timeline for your target enrollment season.
• Choose a central theme: An unfocused essay will leave readers confused and uninterested. Nobody wants to read a blanket summary of your research experience. Give your statement a clear thesis in the first paragraph that guides its formation.
• Start with a hook: Grab the reader’s attention immediately with your statement’s first sentence. This is your chance to get passionate and demonstrate some communication skills. Instead of opening with a conventional introduction, be creative! Begin with something unexpected.
• Be the you of today, not the you of the future: Forecasting your future as a physician can come across as empty promises. While it’s great to express what you want to do in healthcare in the future, that doesn’t really set you apart. All premed students have goals for what they’ll do in the medical profession, but this often changes after time in medical school. Don’t get caught up in your ambitions. Instead, be honest about your current situation and interest in the field of medicine.
• Demonstrate your passion: It’s not enough to simply state your interest in becoming a doctor. You have to prove it through personal stories. Show how your perspectives have been shaped by formative experiences, plus how those will make you an effective physician.
• Show, don’t tell: Avoid cliches that admissions committees have heard hundreds of times, like “I want to help people.” You will always capture your reader’s attention more by presenting the story than by explaining a circumstance. Make your writing come alive with dynamic, persuasive storytelling that recounts your personal experiences.
• Tie everything together: Conclude by wrapping up your main points. Reiterate your passion for the medical profession, your defining personal qualities, and why you’ll make a good doctor. Remember, you will revise your first draft many times. Think about the character limits as you revise personal statement. AACOMAS and AMCAS applications have a character limit of 5,300. You don’t necessarily need to use all 5,300 characters, but you don’t want it to use fewer than 3,000. A too-short essay can look careless.

This writing process will take several weeks, if not months. Once you’re confident in your essay, ask for feedback. Avoid asking family members unless they’re experts in the field of medicine. Instead, have professors, mentors, and peers read it and offer notes.

You can read more about our recommended method in our step-by-step guide , but those are the major points.

Here are 7 things to avoid in your personal statement if you want to be a doctor:

• Name-dropping: Admissions counselors won’t be impressed when you brag about your highly regarded family members, associates, or mentors. You need to stand on your own two feet, not someone else’s shoulders.
• Dishonesty: Lies and exaggerations can torpedo your application. And they’re bad habits for anyone entering the medical field. Don’t be dishonest.
• Unedited AI content: Artificial intelligence can help you edit and improve your writing, but don’t let it do the work for you. Your statement needs to be authentic, which means in your voice. A chatbot can’t adequately convey your empathy , compassion, trauma, drive, or personality.
• Grammatical errors and typos: Have a reliable reader proofread your essay and scour it for typos, misspellings, and punctuation errors. Even free grammar-checking apps like Grammarly can catch mistakes.
• Telling without showing: I’ll reiterate how important it is to back up your self-descriptive statements with real-life examples. Telling without showing won’t persuade readers.
• Too many examples: Have 3-4 solid personal stories at most. Only include a few that are crucial for providing your points. However, more than 4 examples may lessen the impact of each experience on the AdCom.
• Fluff and filler: Cut all obvious fluff, filler words, and irrelevant points. There are other places you can include information in your application, such as secondary essays on your clinical experience, volunteer work, and research projects .

Don’t Leave Your Personal Statement to Chance

A strong personal statement can make the difference between the medical career of your dreams and another gap year or giving up altogether. You’ve spent so much time, money, and effort on this path — don’t leave your personal statement to chance.

Our Physician Advisors and professional writers know how to craft application essays that stand out – that’s why 90% of our personal statement clients get at least one interview invite.

See how we can help, search for:, recent posts, medschoolcoach, dr. ken tao, recent blog posts.

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How to write a personal statement as a graduate-entry medicine student, some of my tips for writing a personal statement as a graduate-entry medicine student and how to incorporate your undergraduate degree..

In this article, I explore some of the main points that I found helpful when writing my personal statement to study Medicine as a graduate-entry student. I have gone back to review my own personal statement, recalled some of the advice that was given to me by my careers advisors and asked for some insight from my graduate medic peers so that I can hopefully provide you with some useful tips.

How to write a personal statement for Medicine as a graduate-entry student?

I think it is useful to remember that writing a personal statement for Medicine as a graduate-entry student shows many similarities to writing a personal statement for Medicine as an undergraduate student. Highlighting personal motivations behind your desire to study Medicine, indicating the relevant scientific, or other, content that stimulates your interest in a medical career, reflecting on what you have learned from your work experience and discussing your skills using examples and extra-curricular activities, for example, all remain useful to show that you are an educated, suitable and well-rounded student to study Medicine (do check out our blog post ‘ How Do You Write a Personal Statement For Medicine? ’!).

Graduate students applying to Medicine will, by definition, be completing (or already have completed) an undergraduate degree during their application process. Studying a degree is a significant life event and often one during which skills are developed and knowledge is acquired, both of which will often be relevant to a career in Medicine. The universities receiving your personal statement may be hoping to see how you have developed over the past three or four years of your degree, and how this development shows further your commitment and suitability to study Medicine.

The undergraduate degree may also be the most recent, or at least relatively recent, life event in terms of education for many graduate applicants. Like how undergraduate students discuss aspects of their most recent and important life event in terms of education ie. higher school education (such as A-Levels in England and Scottish Highers in Scotland etc.), graduate-entry students will discuss aspects of their undergraduate degree (their most recent education). Furthermore, for a portion of graduate students, the undergraduate degree is the time during which students may become certain that a career in Medicine is the route that they would like to pursue (like it was for myself).

So, it makes sense and will be appropriate to discuss selected and important aspects of your undergraduate degree in your personal statement when applying to Medicine as a graduate applicant.

How to incorporate your undergraduate degree in your personal statement?

The type of undergraduate degree will help to determine what you will write about. For example – Which degree did you study? Was it a science or a non-science degree? Which modules did you take? Did you have a placement year? Did you study an integrated masters? And so on. Regardless of the degree or type of degree you studied, there will likely be aspects that you would like to discuss which have contributed to your choice and suitability to study Medicine.

Graduate students will have a huge range of modules, experiences and skills from their undergraduate degree that they may want to write about. After brainstorming the options you could write about, it is likely that you will be overwhelmed with how many there actually are! Therefore, I would say it is advisable to focus on the most important examples you can provide which highlight yourself as an individual and your dedication and suitability to study Medicine, rather than listing every single example and not reflecting on them properly. Make sure you choose your examples carefully – ask yourself which genuinely helped to stimulate your interest in and educate your desire to study and practice Medicine and reflect on why this was.

It helped me to focus on highlighting WHAT about and HOW specifically aspects of the undergraduate degree I chose to discuss are important to show reasons for my choice and dedication to study Medicine. Try to use these examples, alongside discussion about other personal statement content, such as work experience, to demonstrate you understand what a career in Medicine entails and the skills required.

You could write about, for example, relevant studying content of the undergraduate degree, wider reading from lectures, your final year project, skills and attributes that you have developed over the past three or four years that may be transferred to studying and practising Medicine (such as organisation, time management, managing stress, remaining calm under pressure [university exam revision relevance] OR teamwork [coursework group project relevance] and so on), work experience and/or placements that you have undergone as part of your degree, extra-curricular activities you have participated in during this time… really, anything that you feel has helped to strengthen your capabilities to pursue a career in Medicine.

Just a note to say remember to make the personal statement personal to YOU . No one has undergone the same combination of experiences and has the same range and extent of abilities as you do. The experiences you had during your undergraduate degree have likely contributed significantly to your decision and capabilities to study Medicine and have shaped you into the candidate you are right now.

Summary of the tips that helped me when approaching how to discuss my undergraduate degree in my personal statement:

• ‍ Brainstorming – I began by jotting down all of the relevant ideas that I could discuss ie. the examples and experiences during my undergraduate degree that motivated further my desire to study Medicine and helped to describe the development of relevant skills.
• ‍ Considering which experiences were most valuable - I made sure to select the most important, the most relevant and the most unique examples personal to me (sadly, there are not enough characters to write about them all, so it is useful to be selective!).
• ‍ Finding links between examples – I noticed I was able to make links between examples from my undergraduate degree and other important examples , such as discussing degree content or skills I had developed during my degree, alongside relevant work experience (see examples below).
• ‍ Don’t just think about your undergraduate degree - remember that whilst your undergraduate degree is an important event and one from which you will likely want to discuss details, there will likely be other important events, not necessarily related to the undergraduate degree, that you may like to discuss. For example, events during your higher school education or earlier (although more recent examples are often preferred), work experience, volunteering, extra-curricular activities etc. So, whilst the undergraduate degree will likely feature in your personal statement, make sure to allow for enough characters to also discuss these other important aspects, all of which make you the unique candidate that you are.

Examples from my own personal statement:

I discussed my motivations to study Medicine alongside aspects of my undergraduate degree that encouraged and expanded these motivations. For example, I studied Biomedical Sciences and specialised in Reproductive Biology, which had a considerable clinical component that I thoroughly enjoyed. I tied this into discussing related work experience , at a fertility clinic, and how this experience helped to further stimulate my interest in Medicine. I also discussed undergraduate degree content, for example, from the pharmacology modules I had studied. I expressed how I found this content incredibly interesting and saw application of this information I had learned during work experience at a GP surgery.

Final Remarks

Overall, I would suggest focusing on selected examples and events that have genuinely impacted YOUR decision and commitment to study Medicine. It is always useful to do your research, seek advice from a range of individuals and reliable resources and ask people around you to read through your personal statement and provide any feedback they may have. Take your time with it, believe in yourself and best of luck!

Here are some links you may find useful when writing a personal statement as a graduate-entry Medicine applicant:

https://www.medistudents.com/medical-school-applications/medicine-personal-statement

https://6med.co.uk/guides/personal-statements/inspiration/graduate-entry-medicine-personal-statement-samah-cambridge-university/

https://www.medicineanswered.com/how-to-write-a-graduate-medicine-personal-statement

Author: Carolina Williams

Editor: Allegra Wisking

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Medicine Personal Statement Example 6

Check out this successful Medicine Personal Statement example. The applicant got into Graduate Entry Medicine at King's - and also had interviews for Undergraduate Medicine at King's, QMUL and Exeter.

• Deciding on Medicine
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Here’s a successful Medicine Personal Statement example to help you out with some inspiration to plan and structure your Personal Statement .

My desire to be a doctor stems from my motivation to apply scientific knowledge in a clinical setting to benefit others. My work experience and volunteering , personal experience and academic career have taught me that medicine is a lifestyle, not just a degree or job. These activities have enhanced my communication and team work skills, aptitude for science and maturity making me ready to commit to a career in medicine.

Work experience has given me an understanding of the realities of a medical career and most importantly confirmed I am motivated to work hardest when my actions positively impact others. While shadowing doctors for a week, I took particular interest in ENT, watching surgery to remove a middle ear cholesteatoma. Difficulties with the chosen technique necessitated a change in plan which the surgeon communicated clearly to the team, showing the importance of strong leadership in a multidisciplinary team and ability to cope under pressure.

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My interest in the pathology of the ear led me to do independent research, speak to patients and complete an EPQ comparing surgical techniques for cholesteatoma. This research showed the impact of treatment choice on quality of life. Volunteering for the Alzheimer’s Society for two years, I learnt how to communicate effectively with people with memory loss. This was particularly challenging as they often got upset and confused doing day-to-day tasks. I helped overcome this using positive body language, taking time to listen to concerns and working with the team to minimise distress.

Wanting to experience clinical aspects of dementia, I spent a day in a memory assessment clinic. I was inspired by how the GP provided not only diagnosis and treatment but also empathised and gave emotional support. I hope to carry these skills forward in a medical career, especially given the challenges the NHS faces with growing prevalence of dementia. Working in a care home, I have been further trained in dementia care, medication administration and first aid. I find my job there challenging yet hugely rewarding. Despite the unglamorous and emotionally difficult aspects, I can see the positive impact I have on the residents. Caring for a lady with OCD and complex medical needs required me to be flexible and adapt how I delivered her care to minimise her stress. This job has shown me the huge level of commitment and compassion required to work in healthcare.

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During my Medical Sciences degree, I gained interest in treatments for Type 2 Diabetes, specifically cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1 and the contribution of DPP-IV inhibitors to wound healing. This has taught me the significance of lifelong learning in a medical career and applying research to clinical scenarios. I have thoroughly enjoyed my degree, becoming an academic mentor and being awarded the Dean’s Commendation.

At school, I was a Prefect and Head of Pupil Support dealing with issues such as bullying requiring me to be approachable and trusted. As a Chemistry ambassador tutoring GCSE pupils, I learnt the importance of patience whilst explaining complex topics. I have gained invaluable experience from my education to help me make the most of studying medicine: teaching and learning from my peers, strong time management skills and motivation to maintain a good work ethic. I strive to maintain a balanced lifestyle as a keen tennis and university netball player, whilst being a committee member for the Watersports Society. I also play the piano to a high level which helps relieve stress.

I appreciate that studying medicine and a career as a doctor will be hugely intellectually and emotionally challenging. However, I believe I have the strength of character, motivation to benefit others and intellectual maturity to work through and overcome these challenges to make a true success of a medical career.

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How universities use your medicine personal statement.

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9 minutes read

How to write a Graduate Medicine Personal Statement?

Dirghayu Kaushik

23 September 2024

Key Takeaways

• Clearly explain why you want to be a doctor and what motivates you.
• Focus on work experience, volunteering, and academic achievements that showcase your readiness for medical school.
• Use real-life examples to illustrate skills like empathy, communication, and teamwork—critical for a medical career.

“Why do you want to be a doctor?” This is often the first question asked by the admission committees at medical schools. A graduate medicine personal statement is a critical component of your graduate medicine application, providing a unique opportunity to showcase your motivations, experiences, and suitability for the medical profession.

A well-crafted personal statement can make the difference between acceptance and rejection, so it’s essential to get it right. This blog will guide you through the process of writing an insightful and compelling personal statement for graduate medicine programs, using examples to illustrate key points.

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• What is the purpose of a personal statement for a medicine program?

The purpose of a medicine personal statement is to explain why you want to pursue a career in medicine. This allows you to share your genuine interest in studying medicine and becoming a doctor, providing the medical school with insight into your motivations.

Showcases Relevant Experience

A strong medicine personal statement example highlights your relevant work experience and volunteering efforts. Whether you shadowed a GP, volunteered in a care home, or completed a placement in a biomedical science lab, these experiences are crucial for demonstrating your readiness for graduate entry medicine. Discuss specific modules or projects from your undergraduate medicine or biomedical science studies that you thoroughly enjoyed.

Reveals Personal Qualities

Your personal statement should reveal personal qualities such as teamwork, communication skills, and time management. These attributes, showcased through specific examples, illustrate why you are a suitable candidate for a medical career. Mention any time spent working with NHS staff or participating in a UCAT prep course.

Communicates Writing Skills

Writing a personal statement also demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively, a critical skill for any medical student or professional. The statement should be well-organized and reflect your ability to convey ideas clearly, similar to writing a dissertation or organising a UCAS application. Personal statements must show the applicant’s ability to organize thoughts coherently, as you would when discussing your future career goals with a tutor.

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• How to Write a Graduate Medicine Personal Statement?

Writing a Graduate Medicine Personal Statement involves showcasing your unique experiences and motivations. Begin by explaining why you want to study medicine and become a doctor, detailing specific moments or experiences that sparked your passion.

Highlight relevant work experience and volunteering, such as shadowing doctors or working in healthcare settings, to demonstrate your understanding of the medical field and its challenges. Reflect on your time at university, emphasizing any research, dissertations, or extracurricular activities that developed your skills and interests in medicine.

Be selective, focusing on the most impactful experiences and avoid revisiting old personal statements. Highlight personal qualities like teamwork, leadership, and communication skills, showing how they make you a suitable candidate for a medical career. Remember to proofread carefully to ensure your statement is clear and error-free.

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• What is the Structure of a Graduate Medicine Personal Statement?

Here is the structure of an ideal graduate medicine personal statement that you can consider following for successful admission.

Introduction

A successful medicine personal statement should capture your passion for medicine and why you want to study medicine. It’s important to show your desire to study medicine and the experiences that have led you to pursue a career in medicine.

Academic Background

Discuss your undergraduate degree and any other relevant sciences degree you have completed. Mention specific courses, such as human anatomy, that helped you gain a deeper understanding of the medical field. If you applied for undergraduate medicine before, explain what has changed since then. Make sure to differentiate between a resume and personal statement .

Relevant Work Experience

Include in your personal statement your relevant work experience within the NHS, such as shadowing doctors at a children’s hospital or volunteering as a student ambassador. Discuss how these experiences have made you understand the challenges a medical career entails and have improved your communication skills and time management skills.

Personal Qualities

Your personal statement should reflect personal qualities such as empathy, teamwork, and communication skills. Explain how dealing with issues such as bullying or caring for others has developed these qualities. Highlight any extracurricular activities, like playing the piano, that showcase your ability to balance various interests.

Motivation and Career Goals

Express your desire to apply scientific knowledge to real-world medical problems. Share your long-term career goals within the medical profession and how you hope to contribute to medical research or specialize in areas like haematology.

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• Graduate Entry Medicine Personal Statement Examples

The following examples showcase well-structured Graduate Entry Medicine personal statements that effectively highlight the applicant’s passion for medicine, relevant experience, and personal qualities. Each example demonstrates how to convey motivation for the medical profession, while also reflecting on academic achievements, hands-on experience, and the personal attributes that make a strong candidate for graduate medicine programs. Use these examples as inspiration for crafting your own unique and compelling personal statement.

Growing up in a rural community, I witnessed first-hand the challenges of accessing quality healthcare. The turning point came when I shadowed a local doctor who tirelessly served our community despite limited resources. This experience ignited my passion for medicine and my desire to make a tangible difference in underserved areas. During my undergraduate degree in biomedical science, I thoroughly enjoyed courses such as human anatomy and pharmacology, which deepened my understanding of the complexities of the human body. Volunteering at a children’s hospital and working as a student ambassador for healthcare initiatives improved my communication and teamwork skills. These experiences have made me realize the importance of empathy and resilience in the medical profession.

I have gained invaluable experience shadowing doctors within the NHS and volunteering in a care home, which has helped me understand the challenges a medical career entails. My time management skills were honed while balancing my academic responsibilities with part-time work. I am particularly interested in medical research and hope to specialize in haematology, applying my scientific knowledge to real-world medical problems. My passion for medicine, coupled with my academic background and work experience, has prepared me for the rigorous demands of medical school. I am committed to pursuing a career as a doctor and contributing to the healthcare community.

Witnessing my grandmother’s struggle with chronic illness sparked my interest in medicine. I want to study medicine to help improve the quality of life for patients with similar conditions. My undergraduate degree in biomedical science provided a strong foundation, with modules in human anatomy, biochemistry, and haematology that I thoroughly enjoyed. My dissertation on the impact of nutrition on chronic disease management further fueled my desire to study medicine and pursue a career in this field.

My work experience within the NHS, including shadowing GPs and volunteering at a local care home, has been invaluable. These roles have developed my communication skills and taught me the importance of empathy and patient-centered care. Additionally, serving as a student ambassador for health-related initiatives allowed me to hone my teamwork and organizational skills. Preparing for the UCAT and interview process has further solidified my commitment to this path.

I am excited about the opportunity to study medicine at King’s College London, where I can apply my knowledge and skills to real-world medical challenges. My experiences have made me confident in my ability to contribute positively to the medical profession and make a meaningful impact on patient care.

• Postgraduate Medicine Personal Statement Examples

 Here are a few examples of postgraduate medicine personal statements for medical graduates planning to pursue a master’s degree.

Example 1: Specializing in Cardiology

My undergraduate degree in Medicine provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the human body, disease processes, and clinical skills, igniting my passion for the field. Throughout my studies, I developed a keen interest in cardiology, particularly during my rotations in the Cardiology department. Observing the profound impact of cardiovascular diseases on patients’ lives motivated me to specialize further in this area.

During my undergraduate training, I had the opportunity to participate in various research projects, including a study on the efficacy of new anticoagulant therapies in preventing strokes. This experience not only honed my research skills but also deepened my understanding of evidence-based medicine. Additionally, my role as a peer tutor allowed me to develop strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex concepts clearly.

Volunteering at a community health clinic and working as a medical intern in a busy hospital environment provided me with hands-on experience in patient care. These roles taught me the importance of empathy, teamwork, and effective communication in delivering high-quality healthcare. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges and rewards of working in a multidisciplinary team, where collaboration and mutual support were essential.

I am particularly drawn to pursuing postgraduate medicine in cardiology at the University of Edinburgh, where I can further develop my clinical skills and engage in cutting-edge research. The university’s strong focus on research and its commitment to improving patient outcomes align with my career aspirations. My goal is to contribute to advancements in cardiology, particularly in the management and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

I am excited about the opportunity to combine my passion for cardiology with my academic background and practical experience. I am committed to making a positive impact in the medical field and improving the lives of patients through compassionate care and innovative research.

Example 2: Specializing in Pediatrics

Completing my undergraduate degree in Medicine at King’s College London was a transformative experience that solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in pediatrics. My interest in this field was sparked during my pediatric rotations, where I was deeply moved by the resilience and bravery of young patients facing serious health challenges. These experiences reinforced my desire to specialize in pediatric medicine and make a meaningful impact on children’s health.

During my undergraduate studies, I excelled in courses such as human anatomy, pharmacology, and pediatric care, which provided a strong foundation for my medical education. My final year dissertation, which focused on the long-term outcomes of premature infants, allowed me to delve into pediatric research and understand the critical role of early intervention in improving health outcomes.

In addition to my academic achievements, I gained valuable clinical experience by volunteering at a children’s hospital and working as a junior doctor in the pediatric ward. These roles helped me develop essential skills in patient care, communication, and teamwork. I thoroughly enjoyed working with children and their families, and I was inspired by the dedication and compassion of the healthcare professionals I worked alongside.

I am particularly interested in pursuing postgraduate medicine in pediatrics at the University of Oxford, where I can further develop my clinical skills and engage in research aimed at improving pediatric health outcomes. The university’s commitment to excellence in research and its strong focus on pediatric care align with my career aspirations. My goal is to contribute to advancements in pediatric medicine and advocate for the health and well-being of children.

I am excited about the opportunity to continue my medical education and specialize in pediatrics. I am committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to young patients and their families and contributing to the advancement of pediatric medicine through research and clinical practice.

• How does a Good Personal Statement look like?

A good Graduate Medicine Personal Statement is clear, concise, and compelling. It begins with a strong introduction that captures your passion for medicine and highlights your academic background, focusing on relevant coursework and research. It details your practical experiences, such as internships, shadowing, and volunteering, showcasing your hands-on skills and understanding of the medical field. If you have a gap year, take into consideration how to write a personal statement incorporating the gap year.

The statement reflects personal qualities like empathy, resilience, and teamwork, supported by specific examples. Conclude with your career goals and commitment to the medical profession. Remember, a good personal statement is unique to each candidate, sharing your unique experiences, skills, and ambitions to stand out to admission tutors.

• How Do Medical Schools Use Personal Statements?

Medical schools use personal statements in five main ways:

• Assess Motivation : They evaluate your genuine interest and passion for a medical career.
• Evaluate Experiences : They gauge the relevance and depth of your academic, professional, and volunteer experiences.
• Understand Personal Qualities : They look for attributes like empathy, resilience, teamwork, and communication skills through real-life examples.
• Judge Writing Skills : They assess your ability to communicate effectively, a crucial skill for medical professionals.
• Differentiate Candidates : They distinguish you from other applicants with similar academic qualifications through your unique experiences and personal stories.

Crafting a compelling Graduate Medicine Personal Statement requires highlighting your unique experiences, skills, and ambitions. By effectively communicating your passion for medicine, relevant experiences, and personal qualities, you can stand out to admissions tutors and increase your chances of gaining acceptance into medical school.

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What should I include in a Graduate Medicine personal statement?

Your personal statement should include your motivation for studying medicine, relevant academic background, work or volunteering experience, and personal qualities like empathy and teamwork.

How long should my Graduate Medicine personal statement be?

Typically, your personal statement should be around 4,000 characters or 500-600 words, following the medical school’s guidelines.

How do I showcase relevant experience in my personal statement?

Include specific examples of internships, shadowing doctors, volunteering, or any healthcare-related work that demonstrates your understanding of the medical field.

What personal qualities are medical schools looking for in a personal statement?

Medical schools value qualities like empathy, resilience, teamwork, communication skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations.

Can I reuse my undergraduate personal statement for Graduate Medicine applications?

It’s best to avoid reusing old statements. Graduate programs expect you to reflect on new experiences and show how you’ve grown since your previous application.

How can I make my personal statement stand out?

Focus on sharing unique, personal experiences and insights that highlight your passion for medicine and demonstrate why you are an ideal candidate for the program.

How important is the personal statement for Graduate Medicine applications?

The personal statement is a critical component of your application. It helps medical schools assess your motivation, experience, personal qualities, and suitability for the program beyond grades and test scores.

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Table of Contents

• • What is the purpose of a personal statement for a medicine program?
• • How to Write a Graduate Medicine Personal Statement?
• • What is the Structure of a Graduate Medicine Personal Statement?
• • Graduate Entry Medicine Personal Statement Examples
• • Postgraduate Medicine Personal Statement Examples
• • How does a Good Personal Statement look like?
• • How Do Medical Schools Use Personal Statements?
• • Conclusion

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