Writing a Winning Personal Statement for Pharmacy Welcome! Introduce self and role Reminders of upcoming sessions Kathie Peterson, M.S. Health Careers Center, U of M

What is the Personal Statement? Tells your story Presents your goals Reflects your aptitude, maturity, focus, and compatibility with pharmacy Provides evidence of your writing skills A critical factor in the admissions process Let’s start by describing what it’s NOT: It is not a resume It is not an opportunity to tell the Admissions Committee what you’ve done or repeat information. The AMCAS application will allow other places for this information. What it IS: Allows for 5300 characters (with spaces?) – approximately one page essay that… The personal statement is used very critically in the admission review process. It tells the committee members (who will eventually be your colleagues) who you are as a person. Provides evidence of your writing skills. The medical field relies heavily on communication – this is your opportunity to show how well you communicate who you are.

Why Pharmacy? The personal statement is an opportunity to present you. Your statement should address three questions: 1) Why have you chosen pharmacy? 2) How do you know this is the right program/choice? 3) What do you have to offer the profession? 1-2) Most people don’t make career decisions based on pure reason and it can be difficult to explain why you’ve chosen the field you have. Additionally, your basic reasons probably look a lot like everyone else’s. In your essay, you’ll have to develop your ideas effectively and insightfully while emphasizing your uniqueness. Don’t hide the fact that you’ve always wanted to be a doctor, but don’t offer the point in a cliché. E.g. Do not say: “I have always wanted to be a doctor.” or “I’ve always known that medicine was my calling.” It would be better to describe early experiences and then let your interest unfold naturally in the essay. Describing the direct impact of a doctor or someone close to you can be an effective way to demonstrate what draws you to medicine. 3) Do not list attributes you believe you possess, but discuss concrete experiences that who your abilities and qualities. Details are very important. Describe your contributions rather than projects as a whole.

First Step: Research Self assessment Trends in the discipline Interests, personality, values, aptitude Trends in the discipline Readiness for the challenges of a career in pharmacy What’s needed to be successful in pharmacy? Fit with your life/career planning Research Know yourself, know the field, articulate how they are a good match Self assessment: Deciding to pursue medicine is/should be a values driven decision. Specifically articulate – what are the most important things to you? E.g. The admissions committee will give your application a very thorough evaluation. If your statement indicates that you value “helping people,” you must also show how you have demonstrated this value elsewhere in the application. If it’s not consistent, it will be noted. The personal statement is not just an essay about yourself. While it must tell your story, it must also demonstrate that you know what you’re getting into. Know the challenges of physicians – look up information, read, be familiar with information and current trends in medicine – be thinking, reading, researching what these trends and challenges are and how your set of skills can match them. Consider where you want to see yourself in five, ten, twenty years. This decision is a lifestyle decision as well.

Preparing to Write – Personal Assessment How would I describe myself? How would others describe me? How did I become interested in this field? What are my professional objectives? What are my life goals and dreams? Here are questions that should drive your initial writing. Answer these initial questions, but do not think of it as a checklist of questions you must answer – rather, think of it as an integrated whole.

Preparing to Write – Academic Assessment How have my applied learning experiences (e.g., work, volunteering, internship) contributed to my professional objectives? How do my research and clinical experiences relate to my goals? How do my academic choices reflect my interests and prepare me for a career in pharmacy? Ask: How does this make me unique? What makes this significant? How have my applied learning experiences contributed to my professional objectives? How do my research and clinical experiences relate to my goals? Think about: specific skill development – what have you accomplished? How are you different? Articulate these things, and then ask -- “So what?” Think through your academic choices – WHY did you make the choices you did? There are no wrong answers, but the committee is looking for thoughtful answers. Be specific about how you have used your choices.

Preparing to Write – Special Considerations Special circumstances Examples: low grades, switching major, gaps in enrollment, non-traditional status Reframe to focus on strengths and resilience Circumstance should be peripheral to the story Special considerations Example: Low grades Should you address this? YES. Do not defend yourself or your grades, but tell the story. Maybe you had personal difficulties, tragedy, etc. All of us meet adversity at some point in life – most of us during the college years. How did you meet it? Look for an opportunity to reframe this situation. What are your strengths? How are you resilient? The actual grade(s) you received should be peripheral to the story. Again ask/address – SO WHAT?

Framing the Statement Strategy #1: Strategy #2: Strategy #3 Background Academic Experiences Plans for Professional Study Strategy #2: Special emphasis Why is this a good fit for you? Strategy #3 Weaving a story Themes Strategy #1: Most applicants frame their statement chronologically. This is okay, but may not always be the best approach. For many, it is the easiest approach to writing the personal statement. Strategy #2: Frame the statement with a very specific goal. Example: What is your passion? Specific population? International work? Strategy #3: Weaving a story with specific theme(s), your main goals. This is the best approach and the most risky. Start with a compelling opening line.

Structuring the Statement Can include: Relevant experience (academic, work-related) Awards and honors Membership in academic or related organizations Writing or publishing experience Internships or work experience that contribute to your professional maturity But NOT a restatement of your resume Your personal statement provides a framework for the supplemental application essay questions Mention these things only as they support the story you are telling

Guidelines for Writing Start early Follow directions carefully Be yourself Be specific rather than vague – do not resort to cliches Passion is a given – show, don’t tell Be coherent and concise Be positive, realistic, and professional Follow directions! Use of “cut and paste,” normal writing practices (not all caps or lower case) Be interesting. Be concise. Be specific! Mentioning your strengths as “working with people,” or “communication skills” will not say anything. Positive, realistic, professional – make it personal and warm, but not hokey Not confessional – do not use this to reveal personal issues. Example: Depression, eating disorder, etc. Be careful about the autobiographical information you reveal.

Guidelines for Writing Personal tone – link personal information to professional interests and goals Vary your sentence structure and use transitions Do not hide behind highly structured language Assume admissions committee frame of reference Revise, revise, revise

Examples Before: “I am a compilation of many years gained from overcoming the relentless struggles of life.” After: “I was six years old, the eldest of six children in the Bronx, when my father was murdered.”

Examples Before: “My recognition of the fact that we had finally completed the research project was a deeply satisfying moment that will forever linger in my memory.” After: “Completing the research project at last gave me an enduring sense of fulfillment.”

Examples Before: “If it were not for a strong support system which instilled into me strong family values and morals, I would not be where I am today.” After: “Although my grandmother and I didn’t have a car or running water, we still lived far more comfortably than did the other families I knew. I learned an important lesson: My grandmother made the most of what little she had, and she was known and respected for her generosity. Even at that age, I recognized the value she placed on maximizing her resources and helping those around her.”

Final hints Consider consulting a style handbook Ask others to review your statement Examples: Faculty advisers, admitted students Use the “3 reader rule:” People who know you well and will be honest Someone who knows you a little bit (then have a conversation) The very best writer/editor you know The 3 reader rule A writing center isn’t necessarily helpful for feedback. The best readers are: People who know you well and will be honest with you Someone who knows you a little bit – after they read it, have a conversation with them. Ask them to tell you about this person (you), what are they like, their goals, why will they get into medical school The very best writer/editor who know. Ask them to tear it apart.