how to write a personal statement for medical fellowship

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The personal statement is one of the most important parts of many fellowship applications. These awards are competetive, so a strong personal statement will help you stand out. It is also a peculiar kind of essay. It involves a narrative style of writing that some people aren't used to. Others find it awkward to talk about themselves in such an open and forward way. The following resources can give you the know-how and confidence to produce an authentic and compelling personal statement.

A personal statement is an intellectual autobiography that illustrates the experiences, interests, and ambitions that define who you are. It introduces the formative experiences that shaped your intellectual and professional development. Think about key moments in your life that influenced your direction, led you to this point, and set you on your future path. This can include personal history, family background, intellectual influences, opportunities (educational, professional, and cultural) or lack of them, and the ways in which these experiences have affected you and your personal growth. 

The personal statement should also be persuasive , making a compelling case for yourself as the ideal candidate for the particular fellowship. Always keep the specific award you are applying to in mind and make sure to tailor your statement accordingly. Are they looking for particular qualities or criteria? How do you meet (or surpass) these expectations? How will this fellowship impact your future goals?

The key to a successful personal statement is telling an authentic narrative that convinces the selection committee that you are what they are looking for. 

Consider the Context

Many fellowship applications include a number of application components. You will need to consider how the personal statement fits within the larger application package. If there are additional written essays you are asked to submit, think about how the content in the personal statement will complement, rather than replicate, these materials. What you include in your personal statement will depend on what is covered elsewhere.

Some awards include a specific prompt or ask a set of guiding questions. Make sure your personal statement is tailored accordingly.

Be aware of the distinction between a personal statement and a statement of purpose. These two essays are similar, but statements of purpose focus more on your academic plans and goals. In a statement of purpose, you would discuss research experiences and interests, which faculty members you hope to work with in the future, and/or possible topics for a thesis or dissertation.

Show, Don't Tell

Stories are a critical element of a good personal statement. They bring the narrative to life and help the reader see the real you.

Include anecdotes and examples that show evidence of your qualities, interests, and experiences. For instance, rather than just saying, "I am a leader," recount a time when you exhibited leadership in a real-world context. When discussing your interest in an issue or field of study, describe an experience or two that led to key insights or new perspectives.

Do's and Don'ts

• Research the fellowship and/or program you are applying to.
• Write a coherent, well-structured essay. Frame it with a unifying metaphor or analogy. Start with an interesting lead--a story, anecdote, or description of a scene--and end it with a conclusion that refers back to the lead or completes the metaphor. 
• Be concise and to the point. Sometimes a short sentence is more effective than a long one.
• Revise the personal statement multiple times with the help of your advisors, mentors, friends, and the University Writing Center . Of course, the Office of Fellowships and Awards should also be one of your first stops if your personal statement is for a competitive fellowship.
• Read it out loud to yourself. If it doesn't sound like your natural voice, make some edits.
• Adhere to the expected page layout, format, and length. Unless otherwise indicated, default to Times New Roman font, 12-pt., 1-inch margins. Page limits vary. When in doubt, consult your fellowship advisors.
• Thoroughly proofread your personal statement. The easiest way to sink a fellowship application is to send a personal statement with spelling and grammatical errors.
• Don't list everything on your resume. 
• Avoid phrases like "I've always wanted to be," "The world we live in today," "My biggest passion," and other clichés. 
• Don't try to be funny. You might get the joke, but the selection committee might not.
• Don't sell yourself short. Avoid negative qualifiers such as, "Although I've only taken two years of French," or "Despite not having as many leadership opportunities as I would like." If you frame your experiences negatively, so will the selection committee.
• Avoid overly flowery prose and discipline-specific jargon. Keep it simple.

1. As you start to formulate your personal statement, answer these guiding questions : 

• Who are you? What defines you?
• What are the character traits that help to qualify you?
• Why did you choose your major or field of study? How have you nurtured and developed this interest?
• Who or what motivates you? Who or what do you care about?
• What is unique or different about you?
• What are your future goals?
• What have you accomplished that you are proud of?
• What do you hope to accomplish through this fellowship? What knowledge or skills do you hope to acquire?

2. Write down some stories :

• What are some key life moments that changed your perspective or led you in a certain direction?
• What experiences convey something interesting or unusual about you?
• Who has influenced you and how?
• When have you experienced disappointment and how did you handle it?
• When have you experienced success and what did you learn from it?

3. Once you've answered these questions and drafted some stories, make an appointment with a fellowships advisor to discuss how to craft an excellent personal statement!

• Personal Statements, JMU Writing Center
• Writing the Personal Statement, Purdue University
• Five Strategies for Writing More Clearly, City University of New York
• Clichés, UNC Chapel Hill
• Writing a Winning Personal Statement for Grad School, gograd.org

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Tips for writing a fellowship application personal statement.

What to say and how to say it

The most impactful statements start out with something personal: “I chose to purse medicine when I learned about …” or “I became interested in a health care career when (a loved one) was diagnosed with …” or “I always loved science and the challenge of …”

Talk about why you have narrowed your interest to a particular field of medicine. You might explain “when I rotated through the cardiology unit as a medical student, my interest in helping heart patients was sparked …”

Write about any talents, proficiencies or abilities you have that go beyond what you were expected to learn in medical school or through residency. For example, if you went above and beyond a standard curriculum to create a program of some kind, or volunteered your time or expertise in a community setting, explain what you did and what abilities or knowledge you developed through that experience.

The closing paragraph should sum up your enthusiasm for the fellowship as well as what you expect to be able to provide for your target program.

Go online and look for “successful medical fellowship essays/applications.” Of course, check the websites you look at for credibility (e.g., established educational or medical institutions), but you’ll find some good examples out there that should spark some ideas.

DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Never ever lift words from someone else’s statement. It’s easier than you think to spot when someone’s words are not their own.

Keep your statement in your own “voice.” While your CV is a very formal and professional document, your personal statement should fairly informal. Don’t use technical jargon or overly complex terms or words. Keep it simple, so that it sounds like you’re having a conversation with a colleague. In fact, read it out loud, to yourself or a friend – does it sound natural and comfortable? Does it sound like you ? Sometimes what we write looks ok on the computer screen, but when you hear your words out loud, you can sometimes recognize that what you wrote may not come across as you expected.

Finally, spend some time on your statement—don’t rush it. If it’s overwhelming to sit down and write it from start to end, write bits and pieces at first. Write a little bit at a time, put the statement away, and then come back to it again later to refine it.

How to set up the document

• Keep it to one page!
• Make sure page margins are no smaller than 1”
• Keep text single-space
• Use a common font and font size, such as Arial or Helvetica, 11 or 12 pt (use the same font/font size as your CV)
• Indent the first line of each paragraph OR put a blank line between paragraphs – don’t do both
• Page numbers are not needed since the document is only one page
• When saving the Word file, make sure to include your name and the words “personal statement” in the file name. While your statement is likely to be uploaded and automatically added to a file created for you when you apply for a fellowship, it helps to have your CV and personal statement file names reflect exactly what those files are and who they are from, just in case the files get lost somehow, or if they are emailed to someone who may be handling multiple documents from many applicants.

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A Personal Statement Checklist

Hi everyone,

With fellowship application season approaching, many of you are starting to write personal statements. Even if you plan to apply next year, or the year after that, or even if fellowship’s not for you, you’re still going to write a personal statement someday, so read on.

Before you begin, check out my PD Note on Personal statement “Do’s and Don’ts . The talent pool is deep and you want to rise to the top. A powerful essay will boost you.

Each year, I review more than 30 personal statements and without fail, common errors emerge. You don’t want to spend hours drafting an essay just to be told it needs an overhaul, so hopefully this checklist will help:

• Check your spelling: Make it perfect. Run a spell check.
• Check your grammar: Make this perfect too. Nix the bad syntax, misplaced commas, and run-on sentences. Read your essay out loud and hear how it sounds.
• Be compelling: Make it enticing. If you were a fellowship director, would you choose you?
• One page max: You may think your tome is riveting, but think again. Fellowship directors read hundreds of essays and you don’t want to make them yawn. Take pity. Be brief.
• Explain why you chose your field: Cut the hyperbole and be specific. Fellowship directors can see through dubious odes to their specialty, like how you swoon over pee or dream about diarrhea. You can’t out-love the competition’s affection for hormones or sputum. Instead, explain how a field aligns with your interests and skills. And don’t trash other specialties. Cardiology isn’t the only field that deals with life and death, and oncology isn’t the only specialty with novel treatments. Finally, don’t waste space on this topic: you’re obviously interested, because you’re applying. Move on.
• Show how you will contribute: Fellowship directors don’t really care about your happiness and fulfillment, at least when it comes to choosing fellows, but they’re laser focused on your academic potential. Tell them how you will advance the field.
• Show your sophistication: Demonstrate that you know where the field is going. For example, describe the significance of your research or consider how the specialty is likely to change during your career.
• Describe the skills you seek: These can include procedural, research, and teaching skills, like advanced endoscopy, trial design, and medical education training.
• Outline what you’re looking for in a fellowship: Examples could include basic science opportunities, exposure to specific patient populations, or access to graduate degrees. Make sure the fellowship’s mission aligns with your career plans.
• Map your trajectory: Academic fellowship directors aim to train funded investigators, master educators, and cutting-edge clinicians. They love to brag about their alumni. As much as you can, without being overly specific, look into your future. Be true to yourself- don’t pursue a research-intensive fellowship if you plan to become a master clinician. You’re looking for a match.
• Strive for coherence: Your narrative should make sense. It’s easier to convey an interest in investigation when you have extensive research experience, or an interest in teaching when you’re pursuing a Clinician Education Distinction. You’re permitted to change paths- for example, many MD PhDs become clinician educators, but explain the transition.
• Highlight your accomplishments: What makes you proud? Don’t rehash your CV. Provide context and color, and show your growth.
• If necessary, address questions and concerns: If you failed a test, took an extended leave, or got derailed temporarily, seize the narrative and address the issues here. If you get stuck, talk to a trusted advisor.
• Seek input: It’s easy to lose perspective, particularly after hours of writing and editing. When your eyes start glazing over, ask for help.

In the end, your personal statement should highlight your potential. Use the checklist. Make yourself shine.

Enjoy your Sunday, everyone, and when your drafts are ready, send them to me for review.

Featured in this article

• Mark David Siegel, MD Professor of Medicine (Pulmonary); Program Director, Internal Medicine Traditional Residency Program

Fellowship Personal Statement: Non-trivial Ways to Make It Standout

Securing a fellowship is challenging because of the stiff competition. In early 2023, the National Resident Matching Program recorded the highest match rate in history: 13919 applicants matching for 13365 positions. The data stresses the importance of standing out among the numerous contenders, which is why composing a great personal statement for fellowship is key. Let’s dig into how to craft a statement that effectively communicates your qualifications and aspirations.

Personal Statement for Fellowship: An Overview

To know how to write fellowship personal statement, you should first understand what it’s used for. Admissions committees use statements to assess applicants’ suitability and potential contributions to their organization or field. A personal statement is a brief essay explaining why you are applying to a specific program. It is supposed to provide insights into your background, experiences, and career goals while highlighting why you are an ideal candidate for the program.

Thus, in a fellowship personal statement , you need to address your academic and professional journey, relevant achievements, and research interests. Also, show how your goals align with the fellowship’s mission and objectives.

The Key Components of a Successful Medical Fellowship Personal Statement

On top of components such as academic experience and career goals, there are three crucial items that medical program applicants need to include in their documents. These elements help the reviewers understand your qualifications, motivations, and suitability for their program.

I. Research

If you’ve engaged in research related to your selected subspecialty, discuss it in your medical fellowship personal statement. Show how the experience shaped your interests and future goals. Talk about future research topics you’re interested in and whether research will be a significant part of your career.

II. Clinical Experience

Discuss the clinical experiences that contributed to your passion for your desired subspecialty. Also, explain some barriers you’ve faced in a clinical setting and how you overcame them. If you struggle to find relevant experiences, feel free to consult a fellowship personal statement writing service. The seasoned admission experts at such services will help identify and emphasize your best traits and cases to include.

III. Teaching

Do you have a background in teaching? Do you want to teach others? Elaborate on your experience in teaching and learning and whether you will pursue this professional direction in your future career.

Expressing Yourself in a Personal Statement Fellowship

Everyone loves a good story, and the selection board is no different. Your story strengthens your reputation, and you can leave a strong impression on the reviewers by properly expressing yourself. Here’s some advice on how to write a fellowship personal statement that properly embodies who you are:

• Be genuine about your personality and who you are. Share some personal stories to show how you came to pursue the program.
• Talk about what excites you in the field and what drives your desire to join the program.
• Show your enthusiasm by using descriptive and engaging language. Professional samples are a great way to learn this skill; discover more here.
• Emphasize your unique experiences, which set you apart from other contenders.

A personal statement is more than just your achievements; it should show your passion and character. So, invest time and effort to improve your self-expression for the request.

Preparation for a Fellowship Application Personal Statement

Taking ample time to prepare to compose your document makes the process much easier. It requires proper planning and keen reflection. Let’s explore some ways you can get ready to handle this document.

• Review the given guidelines and requirements to know what is expected of you.
• Reflect on your experiences, values, and motivations for pursuing that course.
• Research how to write a personal statement for a fellowship, which you’ve probably done if you’re here.
• Gather the relevant documents like CVs, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. They should be the source of your accomplishments and some key experiences.
• Seek inspiration, for example, by reading a fellowship personal statement sample to get a sense of the style and content, but don’t plagiarize.

While there might be more ways to prepare, the above will help you familiarize yourself with the task for easy accomplishment.

How to Write a Fellowship Personal Statement that Outclasses Others

Making your document distinctive is essential in gaining an advantage in the competitive application. To achieve this, start your fellowship application personal statement with a catchy hook or a captivating anecdote to draw in the reviewer and pique their interest.

Then, when illustrating your qualities and accomplishments, provide specific examples; it makes them more convincing. You can also make yourself unique by discussing the specific challenges you’ve experienced personally and how you overcame them.

Finally, capitalize on your conclusion being the last part they read. Leave them with a strong impression of you by reminding them of your desire to undertake the course and how it fits your plans.

How to Write Fellowship Personal Statement for a Specific Program

Tailoring your application document to a specific program is a fantastic way of showing the selection board you’ve done your research and that you’re genuinely interested in their program. How do you achieve this?

• Research the program and understand its requirements, missions, and goals.
• Address comprehensively any program-specific questions in the requirements.
• Demonstrate in your personal statement fellowship how the course fits into your aims and be specific.
• Address weaknesses in your application and show how the program can help you overcome them.

You can also tailor the conclusion to the particular program. Emphasize your desire to join the course and summarize how it prepares you for your goals.

How Long Should Fellowship Personal Statement Be in Pages/Words?

There’s no consensus on how long should a fellowship personal statement be. But usually, it’s 500-800 words. The specific volume varies across different colleges and programs.

Thus, if you’re wondering, “How long should fellowship personal statement be?” refer to the institution requirements, not the Internet. However, if there are no specifications, keep it between 500 and 750 words. That way, you’ll ensure you have included all the important information without it being too long.

Composing a good personal statement is a delicate process that requires planning, attention to detail, and careful thought. It’s an opportunity to be distinctive from other contenders. So, take ample time to prepare and reflect, and use the above advice to craft a document that properly expresses your passion and professionalism.

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Expert Consult

Applying for Fellowship: What You Need to Know

By Ole-Petter Hamnvik, MB BCh BAO, MMSc

Published July 21, 2017

Applying for fellowships is a stressful process. It not only involves making major decisions that will impact your life but it also requires creating a competitive application and preparing for high-stakes interviews, all while you are still fulfilling your responsibilities as a resident. NEJM Resident 360 hosted a discussion with a panel of experts on preparing for fellowship to explore many of these issues. In this blog post, I share some personal tips and useful advice from our panel experts on how to be a successful fellowship candidate.

Be the Early Bird

Creating a successful application for fellowship does not start one or two months before applications are due. Starting the process a year before you apply can ensure that you are ahead of the game.

Here are some things to think about during the year before applying: 

Decide on your subspecialty:

You may be someone who knew you wanted to be a cardiologist when you applied to medical school or you may still be undecided about specialties. If you are in the second category, try to find clinical experiences in the subspecialty during your elective period, ambulatory block (for outpatient-focused specialties), or inpatient rotations in specialties that you are considering (for specialties with a heavy inpatient load, such as cardiology and oncology). Talk to fellows and faculty in the specialty to learn what their life is like. Discuss your choices with advisors (e.g., your residency program director) or mentors. You might also find the NEJM Resident 360 blog post Family Medicine, Rad Onc, or OB? How to Choose a Specialty helpful. 

Invest in at least one rotation in your chosen subspecialty:

Most fellowships want at least one letter from a faculty member in the subspecialty that you are applying for. As you set up your schedule for the year, ensure that you have at least one rotation that will give you time with a subspecialty faculty member who can write a letter of recommendation for you.

Take part in research projects to enhance your application :

Depending on your subspecialty and career plans, consider working on a project that either has a research or educational focus or on a case report or case series during the year before you apply. This is particularly important if you plan to have a career that includes nonclinical or nontraditional activities such as research, medical education, health policy, global health, hospital administration, and medical writing. Participating in such activities in addition to patient care will demonstrate your commitment and set you apart from other applicants. 

Take time out of the training path:

Many residents are interested in taking a year off to do research, work as a hospitalist, or act as a chief medical resident. In many cases, this may strengthen your application. However, being away from clinical medicine for too long might elicit concern about your clinical skills when you return to practice. Make sure to address your decision to take time out in your personal statement and be prepared during your interview to explain why you decided to take that path, how you spent this time, and how the experience will help you during fellowship and your career. If you were a hospitalist and practiced independently for an extended period, you may be asked about the challenges of being a trainee again and required to run your plans by someone else. 

Assembling Your Application

As the application submission deadlines loom closer (within 6 months), start collecting all the documents that you need to create your application. Some components depend only on you (e.g., the personal statement and resume) while other parts require input from busy people (e.g., letters of recommendation). The earlier you start, the better! 

Here are the steps required to assemble your application: 

Familiarize yourself with the application requirements:

Most subspecialties use the Electronic Residency Application Service ( ERAS ). Some programs and subspecialties have specific requirements, so you will want to review the ERAS website in detail as well as the relevant fellowship program websites. 

Request letters of recommendation (LoR):

How many? Aim for four letters if the number is not specified. Check program requirements on the ERAS and program websites. 

Who should write the letters? After you review the letter requirements for your programs, think about who can write a meaningful LoR about your abilities as a doctor rather than someone who will rehash your CV. Usually, one of the letters is from your residency program director. Others can be written by clinicians in general medicine or subspecialties with whom you have worked. If you have been involved in research or education projects, get LoRs from your project supervisor. Include at least one letter from a subspecialist in the specialty that you are applying for. 

When should I ask for the letter? Asking for a letter while you are still working with a faculty member is best — and the earlier the better — as this allows them to pay more attention to your performance in real time and perhaps take note of specific strengths or examples. You can provide additional instructions on how to submit the LoR closer to the due date. 

How do I ask for the letter? First, don’t be afraid to ask! All faculty members at institutions with residency programs are accustomed to writing LoRs. You can email your request, but also offer to meet in person to discuss your career plans. Writers based outside of the U.S. may require more guidance. An international faculty member may be brief about your abilities, and this could be perceived more negatively than intended. Providing sample LoRs could be helpful. 

Here are some more helpful tips: 

Ask if they feel they know you well enough to write a positive letter on your behalf

Provide an updated copy of your CV and your personal statement to frame the LoR

Consider noting specific areas on your CV that you would like highlighted

Always remember to thank your letter writers, especially after you match, because they will be curious about the outcome! 

How are the letters submitted? Letters are submitted electronically via ERAS. Make sure you review the ERAS procedure carefully and instruct your letter writers on how to submit their LoRs. 

Write your personal statement:

Your CV and LoR may be prioritized over your personal statement, but programs use your personal statement to learn more about you. The personal statement is the only place in your application where you can add your voice and bring together all of the pieces of your application. Send your personal statement to friends and mentors to ensure that it is error-free. Keep it brief — no more than one page. 

Some questions you may want to ask yourself as you write your personal statement include:

What experiences make you a strong candidate for this program?

What parts of your application suggest that you will have a successful career?

How can you draw the reader’s focus on your unique achievements?

What relevant information is not included elsewhere on the application (e.g., unexplained absences from clinical work or a failed exam)? 

Create your application/CV:

ERAS will prompt you to input all the information that fellowship program directors are looking for, such as education, academic projects, publications, etc. Include all achievements, including ongoing projects. Be prepared to address anything that is on your application during the interview.

Select programs to apply to and submit your application:

Once you have created your application, you will submit it to programs (usually via ERAS). Deciding how many and which programs to apply to will depend on personal preferences, your competitiveness as an applicant, and the type of training you seek. For example, if you are planning a career as a clinician-investigator, focus on academically oriented programs. If you had some struggles during medical school or residency and therefore do not have a very strong application, you may need to apply more broadly. Your residency program director can help you decide how many and what programs to apply to. Look at the fellowship program website to find out the career paths of prior fellows.

Acing the Interview

Fellowship interviews are often a bit more involved than residency interviews. The number of faculty members and trainees is much smaller in the fellowship program, and some fellows may stay on faculty after their fellowship. Therefore, faculty will be considering you as a potential future colleague and want to determine in the interview whether you will be a good fit.

Tips for acing the interview include: 

Be engaged: Show your best side during the interview day. Make sure you are rested. Do not schedule interviews when you are post-call! Be social, put your phone away, and get to know the faculty, fellows, and other applicants.

Practice and prepare : Many residency programs will offer mock interviews with experienced fellowship interviewers. Even if you do not have the opportunity to do a mock interview, prepare answers to commonly asked questions and practice delivering these answers out loud. 

Some interview topics to prepare for include:

talking about yourself

your strengths/weaknesses

describe a challenging patient interaction and how you resolved it

where you want to be in 5 to 10 years (You don’t have to be specific but you should have some sense of what you would like to do and how you will get there.) 

Make sure you know what questions interviewers are not allowed to ask (e.g., what other programs you applied to, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and family status). If any of these questions come up, try to make light of it and take the conversation in a different direction. Let your residency program director know if you are concerned about questions asked during your interview. 

Know your interviewers : Many fellowships will give you the interview schedule ahead of time; make sure you read about the interviewers and their interests. If you know the program has a faculty member that might make a good mentor, make sure to contact the program well ahead of time to see if they can schedule an interview with that person. In addition to the division’s website, you can find useful information about interviewers on PubMed, LinkedIn, Doximity, Google, etc. This information will allow you to find some common points for discussion during the interview. 

Ask questions : You should have read the program’s website in detail before the interview. Reviewing the website of the medical school or the medical center might also be helpful. You may find information on a relevant grant or multidisciplinary initiative. Prepare honest questions to help get to the essence of the type of curriculum the program offers (including clinical experiences you would like to learn more about, research mentorship, or non-clinical training opportunities).

Interact with current fellows: They are on the front lines and can tell you more about call schedules, work hours, and other day-to-day questions than any of the faculty members. In addition, current fellows can give you the inside scoop on the program, the program director, and mentorship.

Send thank you notes: Sending a thank-you note (via email or snail mail) is not required and may not be reciprocated. If your post-interview feelings are genuine, you can choose to send a quick note to express your ongoing interest in the program and you can include specific points, but do not cut and paste a generic thank you note. If there are been major updates to your application, let the program know.

Post-interview communication: The official match policy is to discourage any communication from the program to the applicant after the day of the interview. Therefore, if you do not hear from the program, it does not necessarily indicate a lack of interest in you. However, fellowship programs are not prohibited from contacting you so you may get a call or an email, usually just to check if you have any additional questions. Programs cannot ask you how you are going to rank them. If you have concerns about a post-interview communication, discuss it with your residency program director who can help resolve the situation. 

Once you are done with the interview season, you will need to submit your rank list and wait for match day! Good luck!

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Resources     >     Advice for Personal Statements     >     Part 4: For Fellowship

Expert Personal Statement Advice - Fellowship vs Residency

Written by David Lombardino   |  Updated March 1, 2024

Medical Fellowship Is About Maturity

The best fellowship personal statements are the ones that reflect both the personal and professional maturity that should come with residency. This means a focused and driven personal statement, one that shows its confidence in being directly and humbly written.

What Subspecialties Does This Advice Apply to?

This advice applies to all fellowship programs, from cardiology and hematology to endocrinology and gastroenterology, surgery, the pediatric subspecialties and everything in between.

Do the Same Rules Apply for Fellowship as for Residency?

Yes, though following the same rules naturally leads to differences.

The fellowship personal statement will distinguish itself by its diligence, focus and maturity.

What Must the Fellowship Personal Statement Include?

At a minimum, to write an outstanding personal statement for fellowship, it must include:

• The first time you realized your interest (or ideally passion) in the particular subspecialty;
• Times since then when your passion for the subspecialty was deepened, refined, reinforced or expanded;
• Any noteworthy accomplishments achieved—and ideally sought intentionally—so far in following that path, including clinical, research and teaching aspects;
• The direction, as a result, you now see yourself taking, including short-, medium- and long-term goals;
• How the program(s) you are applying for would be an ideal match for that direction; and
• How you and your path are an ideal fit for the program(s).

What Must These Items Accomplish?

Each of these items must elucidate a particular quality or qualities about you as a fellowship applicant.

They must be particular to you, as opposed to being able to be said generically by anyone applying for the program.

What Are the Similarities Between the Fellowship and Residency Personal Statement?

Both the fellowship personal statement and the residency personal statement should describe the specific path / specific reasons that has / have led to the decision to apply for the chosen specialty or subspecialty.

They should also detail what the candidate hopes to achieve through the position, including how the candidate sees it will edify their future career.

What Are the Differences?

The general format of the residency personal statement is to describe the candidate's initial interest in medicine and how that was shaped into a desire for the particular field (e.g., internal medicine).

This is fleshed out with details that are relevant to the candidate's pursuit of the program (e.g., elective rotations, research experience, community involvement), with a view toward the future career.

This vision should be informed by significant clinical and, ideally, academic experiences in residency, if not also medical school.

How Does a Resident Applicant See Their Future Career?

Because candidates for residency are writing the personal statement for residency before having begun the training, it is often difficult for them to have a precise view of what they want in their future careers.

While residency applicants may already have some inclinations of what their future careers will be, many of those choices will be made through the course of their residency.

How Should a Fellowship Applicant See Their Future Career?

By contrast, fellowship applicants should know precisely what they anticipate for their future careers.

This means having a clear vision for how fellowship training (and often the fellowship training offered at the particular institution receiving the application) is the necessary next step in that direction.

Fellowship candidates should have a clear idea of who they are as doctors and the specific path they see their careers taking.

The 3 Pillars of a Successful Medical Fellowship Personal Statement

The three pillars of a successful medical fellowship personal statement, which should either have a paragraph devoted to each or be integrated where possible throughout the personal statement, are:

• Clinical: What are the specific clinical experiences that have made you passionate for the subspecialty you are applying for? How do you perform in a clinical setting? Do you have a team-first attitude? Do you seek to edify others? What barriers have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
• Research: What specific research activities have you engaged in either related to your chosen subspecialty or pointing you in its direction? How have your research experiences shaped and defined your future research goals and interests? What specific topics/areas of research are you interested in exploring most in fellowship? What percentage of your future career do you want to devote to research?
• Teaching: Teaching is the acquiring and sharing of knowledge. It includes teaching medical students, interns and junior residents informally at the bedside and in rounds. It includes small group presentations and large presentations (e.g., at Grand Rounds). It includes teaching nurses and techs. It also includes teaching patients and their families. What experiences do you have with teaching, specifically as it relates to the subspecialty you are applying for? What experiences do you have of learning from others, whether an attending, a nurse of 20 years or your patient? What experiences of learning and teaching do you seek in fellowship and in your long-term career?

Make It About the Journey

Through it all, make your fellowship personal statement about the journey you—and your passion for your chosen subspecialty—have taken to get your application to the program director's inbox. What is your story? What are the key moments that have shaped you personally and professionally and your passion for the subspecialty?

Make your fellowship personal statement a story about who you are as a person. Dig deep. What barriers have you faced and overcome on your journey? What keeps you up at night? What is your core drive, your core mission—your core WHY—that happens to bring you now to applying for this fellowship?

How Should the Personal Statement for Fellowship Be Structured?

The personal statement for fellowship should be developed according to the above, centered on the three pillars and composed of, in most cases, five paragraphs as follows:

• Introduction: The first paragraph—and ideally first sentence—should mention the fellowship subspecialty being applied for, or give a clear indication of it.
• Body: The three body paragraphs are for points 2 and 3 from the list above.
• Conclusion: The conclusion to your personal statement is for points 4 and 5.

What Should the Word Count Be?

For most fellowship personal statements, the word count should be about 625 words .

With some exceptions, if your personal statement is longer than 685 words, you have gone on too long and need to streamline your personal statement.

Similarly, with some exceptions, if your personal statement is less than 600 words, you haven't written enough and need to further develop your personal statement.

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Dear Committee,

I am writing to show my interest in and desire to join your fellowship program. Since my early years, my interest in radiology immunology has grown rapidly. Whether it was research or a conducted experiment, I`ve always wanted to keep going. 

I have multiplied this passion during my academic journey by pursuing and getting a bachelor’s degree in radiology immunology. This helped me to improve my [skills], which I hope to expand and advance during the fellowship program.

I used all opportunities to study radiology immunology beyond my bachelor’s. Internships, research projects, and volunteering gave me priceless experiences that helped me understand how knowledge in radiology immunology could be practically implemented in multiple situations. The experience of studying the growth dynamics of immune cells while participating in [research project name] helped me understand the specifics of cooperation with multidisciplinary specialists. It boosted my skills working on a team and taught me that the best outcome is only possible with coordinated work.

In conclusion, I am convinced that the radiology immunology program is the chance I will use to develop myself as a specialist. Besides sharing the workspace with top-class specialists and running research projects, I want to contribute to the radiology immunology program I am a part of. I feel confident about joining the program because my passion and confidence always lead me to the top.

I appreciate your consideration of my application. I see myself as a member of the radiology immunology fellowship program, and I’m looking to make a step forward.

[The applicant’s name]

Explore Our Best Examples of a Personal Statement for Fellowships

Fellowship programs set strict requirements and choose candidates carefully, so convincing the admission board that you’re their #1 candidate is not easy. Still, you can get this chance effortlessly by preparing a compelling personal fellowship statement that will perfectly present your desire and ability to become a fellow. Moreover, we provide good ready-made fellowship personal statement samples to simplify this task additionally.

Just choose one example that best correlates with your needs, and let’s start.

How Medical Fellowship Personal Statement Examples Can Help You

Someone may think completed writing pieces may be used for copypaste and rewriting. However, it’s a critical mistake because such things in personal statement for fellowship examples are immediately considered plagiarism, and the institution officials will immediately deny the applications. Reasons why a suitable example may help aren’t so obvious, but knowing them can help a lot while writing your own fellowship application doc.

• It’s invaluable for understanding requirements

When applicants examine examples, they see what format these texts have. Moreover, they understand how the information is organized, starting with the introduction, moving to the self-description mentioning the main achievements that made them who they are today. Moreover, personal statement examples for fellowship help to understand how to combine parts in a well-composed statement.

• It’s a great tool to visualize writing tips

Having several medical fellowship personal statement examples on hand may assist you while exploring expert tips and recommendations. Most people perceive information better only with visual materials, and pro-made samples can cope with this task perfectly.

• It’s necessary to define key components

Another advantage of using already-composed personal statement fellowships is that they help people see what writing components should and shouldn’t be included. Once individuals see what works for solid personal statement examples and what doesn’t, they understand how to strengthen it.

• It provides good ideas to manage your thoughts

In successful medical fellowship essays/applications, the writers’ main goal is to reveal their  strengths that will be valuable for the chosen program. Seeing how others compose their examples can help individuals tailor personal statements, emphasizing their strengths and motivating them to join the preferred program.

• It can help to avoid common mistakes

Fellowship personal statement examples are ideal for debriefing dos & don’ts and working on bugs. This works exceptionally well when visuals are accompanied by expert commentary. However, it is essential to remember that not all examples are suitable, but only from sources you can trust.

Top Personal Statement for Fellowship Examples From Proven Experts

There are two main reasons why you should explore our database with medical fellowship personal statement examples. First, it’s their variety – radiology, pathology, dentistry, orthopedics, and internal medicine are just some of the fields we can help you with. Secondly, it’s their authors. Every example is made by a proficient field-related expert knowing all the admission process nuances and program features that must be considered.

Of course, you cannot copy from a fellowship personal statement sample, as your own document should be well-personalized and tailored to a particular program. Nevertheless, there’re no restrictions to getting inspired with content structure, transitions, and things that need to be revealed.

How to Work With a Personal Statement for Fellowship Sample Properly

Preparing admission documents takes a while, especially if applicants pretend to join a competitive program. Composing everything in one night is not an option. So, here are some tips to help you better prepare your medical fellowship personal statement using our examples.

• Create an outline

With a plan, you understand your document’s appearance. Divide the text into paragraphs, with an introduction, a body part consisting of three sections, and a conclusion. Look at fellowship personal statement examples to define what needs to be included in these structural parts, and consider adding them to your document.

• Explore how the example author engages readers

Whether it’s an introductory hook, calls to action in conclusion, or exciting anecdotes in the body. Personal statements fellowships are formal pieces, so use engagement methods in your writing wisely. See how examples writers manage it to get more ideas.

• Define accents and things to focus on

The fellowship application personal statement should be program-focused and contain information that describes an individual as a skillful specialist. Moreover, the writing should include the most valuable career and educational path facts. Try to find this information in pro-made examples and explore how authors manage it.

About Medical Fellowship Personal Statement Grammar and Spelling

Besides learning about the text’s structure and format, it’s also important to consider simple elements like grammar and spelling. Institution officials carefully revise each piece and pay attention to all details. Once they spot even the slightest mistake, it may harm your personal statement for fellowship sample.

Your grammar should be correct and simple, as the text should be easy to understand. Grammar continues to be one of the most problematic points when preparing personal statements for fellowship and other application docs. Spelling is also necessary and should be given as much attention as grammar. Let someone else read the text to ensure you don’t miss anything. A fresh look may identify issues that should have been included during the first check.

How to Pick up a Right Sample Fellowship Personal Statement

We’d like to recommend you prepare several fellowship personal statement examples because hardly only one will 100% match your needs. And it’s not about competence but the fact that each program is unique, even if you’re applying to the same specialty. Faculty culture, values, and capabilities vary from institution to institution. Therefore, having only one sample fellowship personal statement to work with would be a bad decision. Consider the following factors when looking for suitable examples:

• Level and type of program
• Direction, if the program is highly specialized
• The specifics of the program and its features
• Focus and opportunities (practice, research, teaching, etc.)
• Requirements for their fellowship candidates

Let’s Create Your Own Personal Statement Fellowship Example

A solid and consistent personal statement is your golden ticket to new opportunities, and it’s worth all efforts and time spent creating it. However, sometimes people may worry a lot due to great responsibility or feel a lack of competency to cope with this writing themselves. And that’s where professional help preparing a personal statement for fellowships is the best solution.

From comprehensive guides & examples to expert writing & editing assistance – our service is qualified enough to boost your admission prospects significantly. With years of expertise and hundreds of successful admission cases, we are well aware of ways to make a lasting impression on the committee with your sample personal statement for fellowship application.

All you need is just place an order with your requirements and the filled questionnaire. You can also add an appropriate personal statement fellowship example as a reference to help experts understand your needs better. But don’t worry if there’s no suitable example – your materials are enough to make your own perfectly.

Use a chance to work with the best specialists and receive excellent personal statements to succeed!

The Fellowship Personal Statement- What’s The Deal?

After the popularity of my initial article called How To Write A Killer Radiology Personal Statement , I’ve had multiple requests to write a post on How To Create A Fellowship Personal Statement. Now, I have to admit that there are lots of similarities between the two. And, many of the same writing techniques still hold. So, I would recommend that you click on the link above to remind you of some of the basics. However, you will find a few unique differences that I will share. Let’s have at it!

The Fellowship Personal Statement- Does It Matter?

Well, to start with, even though personal statements tend to be one of the least critical parts of the application, they are a bit more important in fellowship. Why? First and foremost, fellowship directors have fewer data points than residency directors. For instance, applicants may have a Deans letter and USMLE scores, but they are out of date. And, extracurriculars do not play as significant a role in the fellowship application since residents do not have as much time. Moreover, core examination results do not change the equation at all because they come back too late.

So, what’s left? The application, recommendations, interviews, and then, finally, the personal statement. So, by the sheer decreased numbers of relevant items to peruse, you will notice that the personal statement must play a more substantial role in the decision for fellowship.

To balance that out, however, most radiology fellowships, currently, are less competitive than the same application to residencies. Of course, that statement probably does not include some select programs such as the independent interventional radiology fellowships. But for most applications, if you take the higher weighting and the less competitive nature of fellowships, both factors probably cancel themselves out.

Finally, it’s not just my words. Instead, it comes directly from the mouth of several fellowship directors that I know. Most do not put too much stake in the personal statement. (Similar to residency directors!)

So, what’s the take-home point of all this? Well, even though marginally more influential, the personal statement still has little sway on most fellowship applications.

OK. How Should The Fellowship Personal Statement Differ From Residency?

Now that we got that brief introduction out of the way, here is the million-dollar answer to the question. And, it is rather simplistic. In addition to all the general recommendations for a residency personal statement, you need to add why you are specifically interested in this particular fellowship. And, you should also incorporate the reasons and motivations for you to select a fellowship in this area.

Unlike the residency personal statement, you want to rely less on extracurriculars and more upon your experiences in residency, not medical school. And, unless they pertain directly to the fellowship, your statement should not emphasize the motivations that initially led you to go to medical school or residency. Of course, however, if you continued to pursue an impressive extracurricular or motivation that began before residency and is relevant to your fellowship, you can add it.

What should you add to show your interest in your fellowship? It could be a radiofrequency ablation device if you want that fellowship. Maybe, you secretly desire to interview patients and miss close patient contact as a mammographer. Or, it could be your love for untangling wires and hoses as former electrician or plumber (notice the touch of lousy humor- that can be a useful tool!) Whatever you choose, you need to make it specifically known why you have decided upon this career path. And, show not tell why you have made that decision.

Where Does This Information Belong?

If you click on the following template link ( Fellowship Personal Statement Template ), notice that in the first section, you have the “hook” to reel that program director into your application. (That still counts!) Well, you need to apply the reasons you are interested in radiology to this first paragraph. Makes sense, right? Get to the point!

The Fellowship Personal Statement- Not So Hard Right?

To make a great fellowship personal statement, all it takes is a few steps. First, take a look at my Fellowship Personal Statement Template and the link to How To Write A Killer Radiology Residency Personal Statement . It’s an excellent summary if I say so myself!  Then, make sure to add your specific motivations for fellowship in your first paragraph. And, finally, explain any other extracurriculars or specifics during your residency that may be relevant to your fellowship. There you have it. Now, you have the system that you will need to make that exceleent fellowship personal statement!

About Barry Julius

My name is Barry Julius, MD and I am the founder and chief editor of the website. I have been practicing as the associate radiology residency director at Saint Barnabas Medical Center since 2009. Through many years of on-the-job training, I have gained significant insight regarding all things radiology resident related. Over this time, I have noticed a significant lack of organized online resources for many common radiology residency issues unrelated to the typical medical education and scientific side of radiology. Therefore, I have created a credible, reliable, and informative site that is dedicated to radiology residents, students, program directors, and physicians interested in other radiology residency topics. The emphasis is on day-to-day residency information that is not covered on most educational sites. Topics will include surviving a radiology residency, radiology residency learning materials/books, financial tips, jobs, among other subjects that residents and other visitors may be afraid to ask or unable to find out.

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Key to Better Medical Fellowship Personal Statements

Table of Contents

A  medical fellowship personal statement  can sometimes be a daunting task. Much of the pressure stems from the fact that you can succeed or fail because of this special essay type. Before we teach you how to write an effective personal statement, we must cover a few fundamentals first.

Let’s begin.

What is a Medical Fellowship?

A medical fellowship is a program that provides advanced education and training to medical professionals, usually in the form of postgraduate study. Medical fellowship programs are a way to gain additional knowledge and expertise in a specialized medical field.

Related: Medical Fellowship vs. Residency

Although both programs focus on providing advanced education and specialized training, there are subtle distinctions that warrant their separation.

On the one hand, a residency is a postgraduate program that prepares an individual to become a board-certified clinical specialist. Residencies are a way to expose medical students to a hospital environment.

On the other hand, a medical fellowship is a special program open to residency graduates who wish to focus on a specific subspecialty. These programs augment an individual’s academic background to improve their clinical practice, education, or research prospects.

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement for a fellowship application can be an important factor in being accepted into a program. It outlines your unique strengths, experiences, and qualifications that set you apart from other applicants. It also illustrates how a particular program will help you reach your long-term career goals. 

Personal statements are comparable to cover letters in that they accompany resumes and present the same information in paragraph form. This allows for a good degree of creativity, thus allowing applicants to express themselves more compellingly.

The Importance of Effective Personal Statements

Personal statements are a golden opportunity to present yourself as a capable individual fit for special training . These statements achieve this by allowing writers to highlight key qualities that make them prime candidates.

The most vital aspect of writing in paragraph form lies in the ability to express yourself creatively. Unlike resumes that use bullet points to demonstrate your qualifications, a personal statement is able to evoke certain emotions.

It allows writers to inject a personal touch into what would otherwise be just another piece of paper with a list of qualities. An applicant’s personality is crucial for a program because it dictates their suitability for a role. 

Not all those who qualify are suitable, and not all those suitable qualify.

Suitability focuses on an individual’s ability to function optimally within a community or role. 

Tips for Writing a Personal Statement

It’s only natural to feel anxious at the prospect of writing a personal statement. After all, it has the potential to change the course of your career and academic life. Here are some key tips to remember as you write your personal statement.

 Use Vivid and Descriptive Language

Imagery is a powerful tool for improving the effectiveness of your message. It allows readers to see things through your perspective and fully understand your ideas’ essence. Strong descriptors are an effective way to paint a colorful picture of a scene. These can significantly improve the effectiveness of your anecdotes, thus capturing a reader’s attention from start to finish. 

Focus on Relevant Experiences

Discuss any special accomplishments or challenges you have overcome throughout life, as they are good indicators of how well you can handle different situations. Make sure to cite the experiences most relevant to your application. 

 Use Words Skillfully

Avoid clichés and redundancies; instead, choose strong verbs and adjectives that capture your experience’s essence. 

Utilize Metaphors and Analogies

These devices can be useful for conveying complicated ideas in simpler terms and creating a lasting mental image for the reader. They help illustrate a clear idea, especially as you compare certain aspects of your personality.

The main advantage of using these mediums is their relatability. They can make an obscure anecdote more relatable to readers.

Medical Fellowship Personal Statement Example

I have always had a passionate desire to pursue a career in Medicine. From my days as an eager student learning in the classroom at school to completing medical school. I am looking towards developing the specialized skills required for a successful career. 

It is this aspiration that motivates me to apply for a fellowship position. I aim to further enhance my knowledge base, improve upon existing skill sets, and gain valuable insight into the field of specialty care. 

Throughout my academic journey, I’ve sought out every opportunity to learn more about Medicine and healthcare. This includes reading medical journals, attending conferences and seminars, volunteering with local health services, and shadowing qualified physicians. 

My dedicated approach has enabled me to build up a broad range of clinical experiences both in primary and secondary care settings. Both these experiences have honed my ability to think quickly on my feet when faced with challenging cases. 

I am confident I can take advantage of opportunities such as this fellowship program and impact the community. I understand the importance of having strong interpersonal skills when working closely with patients and their families. Therefore, I strive to remain empathetic and compassionate while also providing excellent customer service and promoting patient satisfaction. Additionally, I believe I can bring newfound content and ideas to help revolutionize current practices. 

I’m excited by the prospect of utilizing my skill set to develop my professional identity within this rewarding field of Medicine. I know that I could leave a lasting legacy and follow through on my commitment to contribute positively to the medical profession.

A  medical fellowship personal statement   is a special essay demonstrating your qualifications for a special program. It is a way to show evaluators your value and personality. Getting it right is crucial because impressions last. Keep these simple tips in mind to maximize your chances of success.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Ten Steps for Writing an Exceptional Personal Statement

Danielle jones.

All authors are with Emory University School of Medicine

Danielle Jones, MD, is Associate Professor of Medicine, Associate Section Chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine Grady Section, and Associate Program Director, Internal Medicine Residency

J. Richard Pittman, Jr

J. Richard Pittman Jr, MD, is Associate Professor of Medicine, and Program Director, Fourth Year Internal Medicine Sub-Internship

Kimberly D. Manning

Kimberly D. Manning, MD, FACP, FAAP, is Professor of Medicine, and Associate Vice Chair, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Department of Medicine

The personal statement is an important requirement for residency and fellowship applications that many applicants find daunting. Beyond the cognitive challenge of writing an essay, time limitations for busy senior residents on clinical rotations present added pressure. Objective measures such as scores and evaluations paint only a partial picture of clinical and academic performance, leaving gaps in a candidate's full portrait. 1 , 2 Applicants, seemingly similar on paper, may have striking differences in experiences and distances traveled that would not be captured without a personal narrative. 2 , 3 We recommend, therefore, reframing personal statements as the way to best highlight applicants' greatest strengths and accomplishments. A well-written personal statement may be the tipping point for a residency or fellowship interview invitation, 4 , 5 which is particularly important given the heightened competition for slots due to increased participation on virtual platforms. Data show that 74% to 78% of residency programs use personal statements in their interview selection process, and 48% to 54% use them in the final rank. 6 , 7 With our combined 50 years of experience as clerkship and residency program directors (PDs) we value the personal statement and strongly encourage our trainees to seize the opportunity to feature themselves in their words.

Our residency and medical school leadership roles position us to edit and review numerous resident and student personal statements annually. This collective experience has helped us identify patterns of struggle for trainees: trouble starting, difficulty organizing a cogent narrative, losing the “personal” in the statement, and failing to display unique or notable attributes. While a bland personal statement may not hurt an applicant, it is a missed opportunity. 4 , 8 We also have distinguished helpful personal statement elements that allow PDs to establish candidates' “fit” with their desired residency or fellowship. A recent study supports that PDs find unique applicant information from personal statements helpful to determine fit. 4 Personal statement information also helps programs curate individualized interview days (eg, pair interviewers, guide conversations, highlight desirable curricula). Through our work with learners, we developed the structured approach presented here ( Figure 1 ). Applicants can use our approach to minimize typical struggles and efficiently craft personal statements that help them stand out. Busy residents, particularly, have minimal time to complete fellowship applications. We acknowledge there is no gold standard or objective measures for effective personal statement preparation. 9 Our approach, however, combined with a practical tool ( Figure 2 ), has streamlined the process for many of our mentees. Moreover, faculty advisors and program leaders, already challenged by time constraints, can use this tool to enhance their coaching and save time, effort, and cognitive energy.

Structured Approach to Writing a Personal Statement

Ten Steps for Writing an Exceptional Personal Statement: Digital Tool

Note: Use the QR code to download the digital tool and follow the 10 steps highlighted in Figure 1.

Given word count and space limitations, deciding what to include in a personal statement can be challenging. An initial brainstorm helps applicants recall personal attributes and experiences that best underscore key strengths (Step 1). 10 Writing explicit self-affirmations is challenging, so we recommend pairing with a near peer who may offer insight. Useful prompts include:

• ▪ What 3 words best encapsulate me?
• ▪ What accomplishments make me proud?
• ▪ What should every program know about me?

Reflecting on these questions (Step 2) helps elucidate the foundations of the narrative, 10 including strengths, accomplishments, and unique elements to be included. Additionally, the preparation steps help uncover the “thread” that connects the story sequentially. While not all agree that personal or patient stories are necessary, they are commonly included. 5 One genre analysis showed that 97% of applicants to residency programs in internal medicine, family medicine, and surgery used an opening that included either a personal narrative (66%) and/or a decision to enter medicine (54%) or the specialty of choice (72%). 9 Radiology PDs ranked personal attributes as the second most important component in personal statements behind choice of specialty. 9 Further, a descriptive study of anesthesia applicants' personal statements ranked those that included elements such as discussion of a family's or friend's illness or a patient case as more original. 3 We feel that personal and patient stories often provide an interesting hook to engage readers, as well as a mechanism to highlight (1) personal characteristics, (2) journey to and/or enthusiasm for desired discipline, and (3) professional growth, all without giving the impression of being boastful. Sketching these Step 2 fundamentals prepares applicants to begin writing with intention.

Writing and Structuring

Once key elements are identified, the next steps assist with the actual writing. Utilizing information gleaned from the “Preparing” steps, start with a freewriting exercise (Step 3), an unrestricted association of ideas aimed at answering, “What experiences have cultivated my strong interest in pursuing [______]?” At this stage, ignore spelling and grammar. Just write, even if the product is the roughest, rough draft imaginable. 10 Setting a timer for 10 to 15 minutes establishes a less intimidating window to start. Freewriting generates the essential initial content that typically will require multiple revisions. 10

Next, we recommend structuring the freewriting content into suggested paragraphs (Step 4), using the following framework to configure the first draft:

• ▪ Introductory paragraph: A compelling story, experience, or something that introduces the applicant and makes the reader want to know more (the hook). If related to a patient or other person, it should underscore the writer's qualities.
• ▪ Paragraph 2: Essential details that a program must know about the applicant and their proudest accomplishments.
• ▪ Paragraph(s) 3-4: Specific strengths related to the specialty of choice and leadership experiences.
• ▪ Closing paragraph: What the applicant values in a training program and what they believe they can contribute.

Evaluate what has been written and ensure that, after the engaging hook, the body incorporates the best pieces identified during the preparation steps (Step 5). A final paragraph affords ample space for a solid conclusion to the thread. Occasionally the narrative flows better with separate strengths and leadership paragraphs for a total of 5, but we strongly recommend the final statement not exceed 1 single-spaced page to reduce cognitive load on the reader.

This part of the process involves revising the piece into a final polished personal statement. Before an early draft is shared with others, it should be evaluated for several important factors by returning to the initial questions and then asking (Step 6):

“Does this personal statement…”

• Amplify my strengths, highlight my proudest accomplishments, and emphasize what a program must know about me?
• Have a logical flow?
• Accurately attribute content and avoid plagiarism?
• Use proper grammar and avoid slang or profanity?

While not as challenging as the other steps, optimization takes time. 10 At this stage, “resting” the draft for 1 week minimum (Step 7) puts a helpful distance between the writer and their work before returning, reading, and editing. 10 Writers can edit their own work to a point, but they often benefit by enlisting a trusted peer or advisor for critiques. Hearing their draft read aloud by a peer or advisor allows the applicant to evaluate the work from another perspective while noting how well it meets the criteria from the tool (provided as online supplementary data).

A virtual or in-person meeting between applicant and mentor ultimately saves time and advances the writer to a final product more quickly than an email exchange. Sending the personal statement in advance helps facilitate the meeting. Invite the advisor to candidly comment on the tool's criteria to yield the most useful feedback (Step 8). When done effectively, edits can be made in real time with the mentor's input.

We bring closure to the process by focusing on spelling and grammar checks (Step 9). Clarity, conciseness, and the use of proper English were rated as extremely important by PDs. 3 , 9 Grammatical errors distract readers, highlight inattention to detail, and detract from the personal statement. 3 , 9 Once more, we recommend resting the draft before calling it final (Step 10). If the piece required starting over or significant rewriting based on feedback received, we also suggest seeking additional feedback on this draft, ideally from someone in the desired residency or fellowship discipline. If only minor edits (eg, flow, language) were incorporated, the personal statement can be considered complete at this time.

Writing a personal statement represents a unique opportunity for residency and fellowship applicants to amplify their ERAS application beyond the confines of its objective components. 3 Using this stepwise approach encourages each personal statement to be truly personal and streamlines the process for applicants and reviewers alike. All stakeholders benefit: applicants, regardless of their scores and academic metrics, can arm themselves with powerful means for self-advocacy; PDs gain a clearer idea of individual applicants, allowing them to augment the selection process and curate the individual interview day; and faculty mentors can offer concrete direction to every mentee seeking their help.

Writing a Personal Statement for Residency Application

Personal statements are an essential, required part of applying to residency. Residency programs screen thousands of applications every cycle and read many hundreds of these statements in the process. You should aim to write an interesting statement that showcases your personality as well as your achievements. Perhaps most importantly, you will need to skillfully articulate the reasons for your interest in family medicine and the particular program you're applying to.

How to Write a Great Personal Statement

A great personal statement sets itself apart from a good personal statement in several ways.

• First, it includes a level of specificity that shows your motivations and interests are authentic. For example, when conveying why you want to match into family medicine, show awareness of the exciting developments in the specialty, or describe your experience with or knowledge of topics like population health management, care coordination, and the social determinants of health.
• Feel free to highlight items in your CV if they help remind your reader of the experiences you’ve had that prepared you for the position. This is your opportunity to expand upon activities that are just listed in the CV but deserve to be described so your reader can appreciate the breadth and depth of your involvement in them. It should not be another comprehensive list of your activities, but rather should refer to activities that are listed in detail on the CV.
• The personal statement is also an appropriate place to address anything that may be ambiguous on your CV. In particular, you should address any nontraditional path you’ve taken through medical school, such as time off or an altered curricular journey. It is better to address these than to leave a program wondering. If you write about academic or personal challenges that you faced during medical school, make a positive impression by focusing on what you've learned from those experiences and how they brought you to where you are now. 

You may choose to relate significant personal experiences, but do so only if they are relevant to your candidacy for the position.

Sharpen Your Writing Skills 

The importance of good writing in a personal statement cannot be overemphasized. Unfortunately, not only are good writing skills allowed to deteriorate during medical school, but in some sense, they also are deliberately undermined in the interest of learning to write concise histories and physicals. For the moment, forget everything you know about writing histories and physicals. While preparing your personal statement:

• Avoid abbreviations.
• Avoid repetitive sentence structure.
• Avoid using jargon. If there is a shorter, simpler, less pretentious way of putting it, use it.
• Don't assume your reader knows the acronyms you use. As a courtesy, spell everything out.
• Use a dictionary and spell check. 
• Use a thesaurus. Variety in the written language can add interest, but don't get carried away.
• Write in complete sentences.

If you need a crash course in good writing, read  The Elements of Style ,  Fourth Edition  by Strunk and White. If you have friends or relatives with writing or editing skills, enlist their help. Student organizations at your school may host personal statement clinics, or your school may offer review services. Many student, medical, and specialty societies, local and national, may offer personal statement reviews or workshops.

Even if you're a great writer and feel confident about your application, you should ask trusted advisors, mentors, and friends to critique your personal statement (and your CV! ). They can help you make your statement as flawless as possible by giving you feedback about areas that might have been unclear or things that should be added.

Don't cross the line

Your personal statement should remain an original composition, even as you seek input and advice. Retain your voice as you refine your writing and don't ever plagiarize. Be aware of other ethical lines you shouldn't cross as well, for example, don't use vague references that would allow for the reader to misinterpret the nature of your experience, and don't take full credit for a project if others worked on it with you.

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How to Write a Fellowship Personal Statement to Get a Great Assessment

Tips on How to Write a Personal Statement for Medical Fellowship

A fellowship program is an opportunity to conduct an incredible project in the specialization, or it can be a chance to receive a beneficial job offer after completing studies. To apply to this course, you need to write an eye-grabbing fellowship application personal statement to get supportive payments for studying or receive funding for personal projects.

Usually, fellowship lasts a minimum of one year, but its length varies from several months to a few years. Let’s outline what guidelines for writing fellowship personal statement for medical fellowship to follow to hook the committee’s attention with solid evidence of your professionalism and considerable experience in the medical subfield via an impeccable personal statement. Some applicants write their statements several months ahead of the enrollment campaign to think out each detail to prove personal excellence.

However, when students write their personal statements for fellowship, lots of questions appear about its composing. They start googling “how to write a personal statement for medical fellowship,” hoping to find worthy samples. Like with other personal statements, you need to follow the writing demands, no matter what type of program you’re applying to. The same writing requirements and even more strict ones are for fellowship statements.

By writing your personal statement, remember to check what personal statement don’ts and do’s you need to avoid or vice versa to add to write a solid personal statement. You should stick to something personal and precise. Write shortly about your way to the specialty in your personal statement. Also, you can write in the personal statement about talents, qualities, and proficiency level that facilitated your studying at medical school and residency.

 Write about your competence and professional qualities in the personal statement. Concentrate on your enthusiasm and well-reasoned attitude to move further in the studying and investigation processes. So, bearing in mind all the writing demands, look at a medical fellowship personal statement sample that you’ll find on the website page of the chosen program or ask your college supervisor to assist you with writing.

See How to Write a Personal Statement for Medical Fellowship & Benefit

Arranging a medical fellowship personal statement structure well is task number one and the first step to success. Consider well your statement writing to present your personality as a worthy fellowship candidate who is passionate about new scientific discoveries in medicine.

Therefore, writing a medical fellowship personal statement according to the set demands is a high priority for a talented candidate. Don’t forget to preserve the rules on how to write a personal statement for medical fellowship listed below:

• Outline worthy ideas to conduct profound research work.
• Introduce your personality and state your choice of a course.
• Mention working experience and how you developed competence there.
• Point skills that make you excel among others and what you can contribute.
• Describe what professional meetings you participated in to boost qualification.

Studying at a fellowship course will bring you bright opportunities to increase your potential, promote professional skills, and make you closer to your destination. Still, consider that fellowship is a highly selective program that requires writing an exemplary personal statement pointing to your best qualities, skills, and experience under your belt.

Apply a Medical Fellowship Personal Statement Sample to Succeed

Second, analyze several decent medical fellowship personal statement examples, and you’ll see that it should include info about your experience in big medical communities/facilities. This training provides deeper and broader opportunities both in teaching & specializing, compared to residencies.

Also, you’ll notice that they look informal because compared to a resume, a personal statement for fellowship looks like a dialogue with an admission board that sounds natural and engaging. No need to act like an A-student who is always on the top.

If a candidate possesses a strong rating after residency, impressive professional experience, and profound background, they will more likely enroll in the course than those with a minimum competence level. Moreover, if you know how to write a personal statement for fellowship without mistakes and have some worthy ideas for your future scientific experiment, write about it, and, more possibly, you’ll receive funding.

Letter of Recommendation for Medical Fellowship for Higher Chances

A fellowship is suitable for graduates who want to develop their professionalism by participating in scientific conferences or have already finished residency in a specific medical field. Joining a fellowship will become a great challenge to get more in-depth medical training in a narrow field specialty. Even individuals who pursue their doctorate strive to enroll in this program to devote more time to scientific investigations and practical research.

Sure, you won’t get into the desired course without writing a convincing and well-reasoned personal statement for medical fellowship. It’s up to you to write a winning personal statement to evidence your competence and maturity. To impress the admission board, you need to know how to write a fellowship personal statement to make you stand out. Although, for more confidence and increasing own chances to get the spot in a dream fellowship program, an authoritative tutor should write a compelling letter of recommendation for medical fellowship. This document shows that you have solid support from college mentors and professors who highly estimated your performance.

Why writing your letter for fellowship is so essential? As a personal statement, this is a chance to prove your excellence and receive not only financial aid for promising scientific projects but also promote your personal reputation and become a top-rated scholar in your specialty.

By the way, it’s ok if you try to write your recommendation letter for the admission on your own. Many students do that for various reasons – some don’t want to ask their tutors to write a statement, others think that their teachers will underestimate them on purpose, the rest believe they’ll write it better than a professor. If you’re also brave enough to write your admission statement independently, arrange your time to write a perfect recommendation and personal statement for your fellowship to demonstrate your talents in the best light and receive the highest appraisal.

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Oncology Personal Statement Examples

Why look at oncology personal statement examples? Perhaps you are tired of looking for tips, tricks, or how-to writing guides. Perhaps you just know you learn better this way. Expertly written residency personal statement examples can give you great ideas. Reading over the examples included here will show you what to include, how to strike the right tone, and how to avoid red flags in residency personal statements . Between these examples and a residency prep course , you’ll see what a difference this can make in your own writing.

This article provides examples and specific tips for what to include in an oncology residency personal statement.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 8 min read

Oncology residency personal statement examples, oncology residency personal statement #1.

When I was a boy, I always knew what I was going to be when I grew up, and although it was a lofty goal, I pursued it with gusto throughout my young life and teenage years. Of course, I’m not talking about being a doctor. I was going to be a Major League baseball player. So, what am I doing writing a letter for a residency as an oncologist?

It’s the result of a bout with cancer that claimed my lower leg, forcing me to adopt, first, crutches, and then a prosthesis. I also realized that part of my recovery plan would necessarily include the psychological adjustment to knowing that I would never play in the Major Leagues. No matter how fast my fastball was, it wouldn’t really matter if I couldn’t take a base without hobbling around on crutches to get there.

Wondering how to write a residency personal statement? Watch this video:

This was the catalyst which led me to pursue a career as a physician, and specifically one who would beat cancer in all its forms. My journey to med school was a tricky one. I had been a bit of a brash athlete – so single-minded in my devotion to sports that I had let my grades slip. However, although my goal had changed, my determination remained strong. I worked a part-time job to earn money for a tutor, got my grades back up, and made my way to medical school.

I had selected a program which put students into internal medicine quickly, knowing that I would need an intimate knowledge of the workings of the human body to hunt down cancerous elements and fight them. The institution I studied at placed internal medicine front and center and gave me the solid foundation I needed for my studies.

Lab work became my true passion, however, and I spent many extra hours working in the lab, assisting with research. While I studied, I learned a greater patience than I had known before, as experiments – done right – take time. The lab also fueled my natural curiosity and opened up new ideas. While experimenting with lipids and how they are released into the blood stream and trying out faster or slower methods, we were frustrated by numerous setbacks and problems. However, with perseverance, meticulous note-keeping – more patience – and careful adjustment of our methods, we arrived at our goal: almost completely inconclusive results. I laughed. The work was fascinating, the drive was still there, and we could try again tomorrow. Inconclusive results still tell us something, even if it is not what we are hoping for. The lab fires my curiosity, tests my patience, and might be frustrating sometimes, but it always provides the opportunity to press on. If quitting were something I was interested in, I’d be sitting in a wheelchair somewhere, just being gloomy about not playing baseball.

There are days I’m convinced that I was grown in a laboratory, or at least born in one. I’m a lab rat. I have always been very comfortable around all the Bunsen burners and Erlenmeyer flasks. There’s something just so cozy about a lab coat, so comforting about an eye wash station. Maybe that’s just me, but my love of the lab led me to my interest in medicine and oncology.

My program in medical school was an MD-PhD, which I think I selected so that I could spend more time in the lab than ever. The latest research has been investigating cancer’s relationship to diet, obesity, and other health issues. European studies have found connections between cancer and certain fat molecules. I wanted to explore this, and so I oriented my PhD toward verifying findings and building on those experiments. I am conducting experiments to investigate how I can use reduction of fat cells to slow down or halt cancerous growth. So far, we are making good progress, particularly with fat cells related to certain oils and internal cancers. There is still a long way to go, but I believe we are getting there.

Knowing that I am contributing – if only in a small way – to such a milestone in humanity’s medical achievements is satisfying when I hang up my lab coat at the end of a long day. Cancer is still one of the worst afflictions we face and being able to take it down a notch is extremely satisfying and rewarding.

My dream and goal are therefore to continue to work in a laboratory in addition to my work as a physician. I always want to be helping to combat cancer on multiple fronts, in the clinic and in the lab, and I believe that my dual experiences in both fields will greatly enhance the efficacy of my efforts in the other area.

During medical school, I had the opportunity to work with several oncologists by shadowing and assisting on their rounds. This brought me face-to-face with the world in which oncologists live. I will be completely honest: parts of it are scary, and I continue to admire the fortitude of doctors who must look patients in the eye and deliver a number like “seven months” in a compassionate yet direct way. I also gained practical knowledge in terms of treatments for cancer and the various options available to oncologists. Finally, as part of my clinical experiences, I have sat with families and held their hands, literally and figuratively, and been shown that treatment involves medicine but also emotional support.

I also came to understand the importance of the subtle variations of oncology used to combat cancer. Radiation oncology, hematology, surgery, and urology – just to name a few – all contribute to diagnosis and care. This is a large field where there is always something new to learn. That is both humbling and exciting for me.

While working with these oncologists, I learned how to proceed through treatment methods, how to guide patients to the best option for their personal treatment, and how to act quickly by prioritizing and managing patients’ needs and one’s time. Radiation oncology has captured my attention as one of the most effective methods of cancer treatment. I also think that my laboratory research can, and will, ultimately make radiation treatment more efficient by increasing its efficacy against cancer while simultaneously reducing its negative effects on patients. Balancing life expectancy and quality of life is a daily dilemma of oncologists. We need to develop better methods, and I would like to contribute to the research that achieves success in that regard.

Ultimately, your program will prove to be the best place to do that. With your state-of-the-art technology and laboratories, I will have the necessary facilities to work at maximum efficiency, which will also propel my learning. Your program is heavily focused on research and development, and my goals and temperament are perfectly aligned with this reality.

I believe that I can make a strong contribution to the world of oncology and that my contribution will be all the stronger for being in your program. Likewise, I believe that given my curiosity, exploration, and scientific approach to medicine, I will be an ideal candidate for your program, which puts a premium on all those qualities.

In the lab or in the clinic, with patients emotionally, or fighting to find treatments, I believe I will be a dedicated learner and make a fine member of your team.

The first thing to remember when writing a personal statement is that the main goal is to present yourself as the perfect match for the residency to which you are applying. That should always be your ultimate aim. Use aspects of your history, experience, and studies that best show your compatibility with the residency.

What are the specific qualities of an oncology residency that you will need to highlight?

Oncologists need to know oncology, hematology, and internal medicine very well. Laboratory skills, particularly pertaining to chemistry, are recommended as well. ","label":"Medical Skillset","title":"Medical Skillset"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

There are many different kinds of oncologists, too. Know your career goals before applying to residency. Highlight these goals and especially how the program you are applying to will help you. Depending on the type of oncologist you wish to become, you might want to highlight different skills.

Using these expert tips, as well as the examples presented, you should find yourself in a prime position to write your own oncology residency personal statement. Keep focused on your ambitions and goals and grab on to those dreams.

You should set aside a little time each day for two to six weeks. Give yourself time to write, re-write, edit, and proofread, as well as time to get feedback from fresh eyes.

Around 750–900 words, based on the ERAS application, although this might change from residency to residency. Be sure to check whether your particular program has any specific guidelines or word limits.

Your understanding of oncology, lab experience, a strong knowledge of internal medicine, any experiences you have with cancer, and how well you handle speaking to a patient and their friends and family are the best experiences, skills, and background that you can put to the forefront in your personal statement. Oncology – dealing with cancer – can be very personal, and if you feel comfortable sharing a personal connection, that can be very compelling.

Always focus on the residency you want, who you are, and how you can match the two. This is the point of “matching”: finding a residency that you’re perfect for, and vice versa. Give the reader the best reasons for why you are the best candidate for their program, specifically. It must be individualized. Show-don’t-tell with experiences related to your residency; include at least a brief mention of career goals and ambitions, too.

Avoid generalizing – the opposite of matching yourself to the program – as well as any arrogance or other unappealing qualities – particularly regarding tone. Ensure that you are not repeating content from other parts of your application. If you have red flags in your residency CV , you need to address those in your personal statement.

They are important. Although not of paramount importance, every aspect of your application should be impeccable, so have no grammar or spelling issues. If this is so important to you – and it is – send that message by caring for all aspects of the personal statement – like spelling and grammar.

Don’t think of it in terms of the “best” program. Think of it in terms of the best program for you . This is knowing how you learn, what your goals are, and how you might go about optimizing your experiences for the future you want. You might not thrive in a big school, for instance, so if the “best” oncology program is too big, you won’t get as much out of it as a school that didn’t get the top ranking in a respected periodical, but which has a more intimate learning environment.

While not matching is rare, it does happen. If it happens to you, you need to think about how to improve residency application after going unmatched . Mostly you will be preparing for a second attempt, which might include boosting your resume or taking extra courses.

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Losing and Winning “How to” of Fellowship Personal Statement

Navigate the path to success and avoid pitfalls writing your personal statement. Rely on our ethical fellowship personal statement writing service when needed.

Losing and Winning “How to” of Fellowship Personal Statement

Psychologists say that to ski down a mountain trail, you should focus on staying on the track, not the trees you might crash into. But aren’t the trees, or obstacles and challenges, what defines the route? To avoid a fatal mistake with a fellowship personal statement , you must see the road and all the obstacles before you. Only then can you avoid a collision and failure.

In this article, we will get through the obstacles or the mistakes that will make your application rejection a reality. So, let’s break through the way of writing a fellowship application personal statement, following the rules to achieve success without unnecessary injuries.

How to Fail with Personal Statement for Fellowship

There are definite roadblocks on the path to securing a grant, and these are the steps that, if followed, will guarantee rejection. These are the very hurdles or beacons that define the entire journey. Let’s dive in.

• Not following the rules. Each institution has its requirements and guidelines on how to write fellowship personal statement. They exist for a reason. Not following those rules and guidelines guarantees you an immediate rejection.
• Not considering the essence of requirements. The commission wants to see the specific content of the personal statement. You have to apply with not an autobiographical memoir but an essay in which the commission wants to read about your interest in the specific program and how you will contribute to its success.
• Writing poorly. With a lack of literacy, the rejection is obvious here. Clichés, banalities, and plagiarism guarantee a path to failure. 
• Not meeting the deadline. Many admission experts consider this to be the “favorite fail” of the application committee. There is no good excuse, only the fact of timely application package submission or an automatic epic fail. It won’t even get to the point where the commission reviews your application. 
• Not asking for help. Clearly, saving drowning people is up to the drowning people themselves. But when seeking help from a fellowship personal statement writing service is not even an option to consider, you plummet the straight path to failure. 

Every educational institution will have something to add to the list. Trust us, everyone makes mistakes. Only those who do nothing don’t make mistakes. But if there are paths to failure, there are also ways how to write a personal statement for a fellowship while avoiding critical mistakes.

Time to Take a Medical Fellowship Personal Statement Seriously

They wrote rules in blood. In this case, that blood, sweat, and tears are the stories of those who’ve already applied for scholarships and come up short. So, let’s talk about how to write a medical fellowship personal statement that will help you get the goal you want without irony and sarcasm.

We’ve already figured out how to fail your application for sure. But it’s time to talk about winning dos, like how long should a fellowship personal statement be and what content it should have.

How to Write a Fellowship Personal Statement: Winning Do’s

You make the first impression even before meeting the selection committee, which happens in several stages. The first stage is meeting the deadlines and fully complying with the fellowship personal statement guidelines, showing that you are a reliable and serious person.

The second stage, if you’ve successfully submitted all the necessary documents, is the format of your statement. Your essay must meet the selection committee’s requirements, showing that you are responsible and organized. When deciding how to write a fellowship personal statement, you should consider and follow all these requirements.

Let’s Deal Real Fellowship Application Personal Statement Requirements

Let’s be clear: each institution usually has a list of personal statement for fellowship requirements. These requirements typically include format, content, length, and style. You’ll get your first checkmark for strictly following these rules in the design and submission of your application and in writing your statement essay.

It is essential to note the special importance of grammar and style, which determine the content and can play a nasty trick on the application. Poor grammar ruins even the deepest, most accurate, and most elegant work! Therefore, consider using a fellowship personal statement editing service to minimize risks. It is worth it. Check this top article to figure out where to seek professional help.

Fellowship Personal Statement Length and Content Requirements

As mentioned above, the best way to determine the length requirement is to contact the program administrator or check the website. However, the typical fellowship personal statement length requirement is between 500 and 1000 words.

When it comes to content, you have a bit more freedom to be creative, but you should still focus on the specific program you are applying for. Explain why you are interested in the program and how you would contribute to its success. Highlight your relevant skills, achievements, and experience to the program in the personal statement.

Personal Statement Fellowship: the Goal Creates Tasks

Reaching a goal is easy when broken down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This approach reduces stress and makes you stay focused on your goals easier. Even if unexpected challenges arise, breaking them down into tasks can help you avoid a snowball effect and prevent a crisis.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure if you have the time, focus, or writing skills to write a strong essay, you can consider using help with a personal statement fellowship application. With the right approach, this can be a lifesaver, not a burden. The end justifies the means when staying within the limits of ethics and law, of course. 

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What’s a personal statement for college.

Senior Associate, JPMorgan Chase

As you complete your college applications, whether it’s through the Common App or by individually applying, you’ll likely come across prompts in the application that ask you to write about yourself. Think of it as an opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committees of the schools you’re applying to in a different way than the insights recommendations and your transcript can provide.

Sometimes called an admissions or application essay, a personal statement, or a statement of purpose, what’s typically being asked for is information about your background, experiences, accomplishments, future goals, and any challenges or obstacles you may have had to overcome. Because of that, when it comes to any personal statements you write for college applications, the aim is usually to showcase your personality, interests, and character in a compelling and authentic way.

Keep reading for more information about personal statements, the prompts to expect, and some tips for mastering this part of a college application.

When will you have to write a personal statement during the college application process?

Many college applications require a personal statement of some kind. For applications submitted through the Common App, a personal statement is a required component for nearly all colleges and universities that use the platform. The Common App allows students to write one comprehensive essay that’s sent to all colleges they’re applying to through the system. This means you’ll write just one personal statement, which will be part of every college application you submit through the Common App. Some colleges might ask for additional shorter essays, known as supplemental essays, on top of this, so be prepared for those asks.

Many scholarship applications also require at least one personal statement or essay as part of the application process. Like college applications, scholarship personal statements provide an opportunity for applicants to showcase their qualifications, experiences, and personal motivations. A personal statement for a scholarship application often serves as a way for applicants to demonstrate their merit, express their career and educational goals, and explain how they’d benefit from and contribute to a scholarship program.

How can your personal statement impact your college applications?

Your personal statement can have a significant impact on your college applications in several ways:

• Demonstrating your character and personality: Your personal statement offers admission committees insight into who you are beyond your grades and test scores. It can showcase your values, motivations, and unique qualities, helping to paint a more comprehensive picture of you as a prospective student.
• Highlighting your achievements and experiences: It allows you to discuss your academic accomplishments, extracurriculars, and any challenges you’ve overcome. This can demonstrate your potential for success and your ability to contribute to a campus community.
• Conveying your passion and commitment to a particular school: A personal statement allows you to articulate your academic and career goals and connect them to your reasons for applying to a specific college or program. Admissions committees are looking for students who are genuinely interested in and committed to their educational and personal growth, along with being excited to attend their school.
• Setting you apart from other applicants: A well-crafted personal statement can help you stand out among applicants with similar academic credentials. It allows you to showcase what makes you unique.
• Addressing any weaknesses or challenges: If any aspects of your application may raise concerns to the admissions committees, such as a lower grade point average (GPA) in a particular semester, your personal statement can allow you to provide context and explain any extenuating circumstances. This can help mitigate potential red flags in your application.

How do you know what topic to write about in your personal statement?

Over 1,000 U.S. colleges accept the Common App, so many students will be choosing from among the Common App’s seven essay prompts.

Below is the list of essay prompts from 2023-24 Common App :

• “Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.”
• “The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?”
• “Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?”
• “Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?”
• “Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.”
• “Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?”
• “Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.”

Beyond the prompts from the Common App, which many students utilize, some schools may have their own applications with their own prompts or supplementary prompts that they expect students to complete.

For instance, at Yale University , one of the school’s supplementary prompts is: “Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above [on your application].” At Amherst College, one of the supplementary questions is: “In what ways could your unique experiences enhance our understanding of our nation and our world.”

What makes a good personal statement for a college application?

A lot goes into writing a strong personal statement for college applications.

Hafeez Lakhani of educational coaching firm Lakhani Coaching told the New York Times to think of it like this: “Every college is like a dinner table. What will make you the most interesting contributor to that dinner table conversation? What will make you help everyone else have a more interesting experience?”

Lacy Crawford, a former independent college application counselor and author of Early Decision, told USA Today : “These essays should read like smart, interesting 17-year-olds wrote them. A sense of perspective and self-awareness is what’s interesting...I think most students are torn between a pathway dividing a diary entry and a press release. It’s supposed to be a marketing document of the self.”

Here are a few tips to make the most of a personal statement.

• Tell a story: Use the space to showcase your personality, interests, personal values, life experiences, and even your sense of humor. Don’t just use it to regurgitate your accomplishments, which can be gleaned from your high school transcript and other parts of your application.
• Consider emphasizing your volunteer work and other community work: Many college admissions offices look for students who are active in their communities, be it volunteering or in different ways. The personal statement is a good place to emphasize how you’re making the world a better place.
• Emphasize any extra work you’ve done to dive into your field of interest: Be it internships, college-level courses at a community college, or extracurricular activities, anything that shows you’ve done extra work to explore your chosen field of study will help to emphasize your passion. Tie this passion to why you’re particularly excited about attending a particular school, and you may have a winning formula.
• Make sure you check grammar and spelling: You don’t want to write a great essay and let a few grammatical and spelling errors get in your way. Read and re-read your essay to check for spelling and grammar, and get a few people you trust to help you proofread your work as well.

Final thoughts

A strong personal statement can make a positive impression on admissions officers and contribute to a well-rounded and compelling college application. It allows you to showcase your strengths, demonstrate your potential, and express your genuine interest in the college or program.

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Welcome Our Anesthesiology Matched Residents for 2024-2025

March 15, 2024

We are thrilled to announce the wonderful results of the 2024 Anesthesiology Matches for our Categorical, Advanced, R-spot, Internal Medicine-Anesthesiology, and Pediatrics-Anesthesiology programs. We want to extend our warmest welcome to those who will be joining our program and department. We're excited to see our team grow and evolve with their contributions. Join us in expressing gratitude for everyone involved in the selection process. A big thank you to all!

• Internal Medicine
• Pediatrics-Anesthesiology

Tatenda Chakoma Stanford University

Nathan Coss UC San Francisco

Farhan Lakhani Medical College of GA

Vamsi Maturi Texas A&M Health

Biftu Mume UC Davis

Brandon Muncan Stony Brook University

Niti Pawar UC San Francisco

Anthony Pederson Albany Medical

Nabeel Rasheed University Missouri-Kansas

Ebere Sonoiki UC Davis

Samantha Strutner UC Irvine

Emily Suen Northwestern University

Dustin Tanaka University of Toronto

Robert Victor UC Irvine

Fatima Baig Chicago Medical School

Shamieh Banihani UC Riverside

Komal Dani University Southern California

Abel Edossa University of Nevada

Angelica Griggs-Demmin Johns Hopkins University

Charissa Iluore University of Pennsylvania

Sarah Jacobs University of Miami

Kyle Lakatos UC San Francisco

Joanna Madej Robert Wood Johnson

Kimberly Peloza Columbia University

Ge Ge "Julia" Ran Chicago Medical School

Aska Sturdevan UC Davis

Joseph Thomas University of Nevada

Milad Torabi Stanford University

Tomoko Wilson Oregon H&S University

Giovanni Perottino Northwestern Universtiy

Katherine Lowe Case Western Reserve

Ryan Gilbert University of Pittsburgh

Olivia Vukcevich UC Riverside