How to Write the Perfect Personal Statement for Medicine

By Lulu M

What is the Personal Statement actually used for?

Personal statements are weighted differently in each medical school’s application, but most of the time, it’s your chance to sell yourself, to make universities think—why should we choose you? Plus, it can provide some great discussion points in your interview. Here are our essential tips to help you highlight your experiences, demonstrate your fit for the course, and make your statement stand out to admissions.

Tips for Writing Your PERFECT Personal Statement

• Highlight the Qualities of a Doctor
  Think about the key qualities of a good doctor, like empathy, resilience, and communication skills. Show how you have these qualities through your personal experiences. It’s not just about saying “I am a well-rounded person” - demonstrate it with a story or example so they can think that!

• Content Over Perfection
  Don’t stress about getting it perfect on your first go. Just start writing. You can begin with any part, even if it’s not the introduction. Getting your ideas down is the most important step.

• Show Your Passion
  Let your enthusiasm for medicine shine through. Be genuine about why you want to be a doctor and what excites you about the field. Your passion will make your statement more compelling.

• Plan and Research
  Spend some time researching what makes a great personal statement. Also, understand what makes a strong essay, especially if you’re like me and don’t have an essay-based third subject because you’re taking a subject like Maths. Learn the structure of a strong essay and how to present your ideas clearly and effectively. This preparation will not only help with your personal statement but with other academic writing tasks you’ll encounter.

• Be Unique
  This is your personal statement, so make it personal. Avoid clichés and make sure your unique voice comes through. Talk about your specific journey and what sets you apart.

• Avoid Plagiarism
  This might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. Don’t copy someone else’s work. UCAS has strong plagiarism detection tools, and getting caught can lead to rejection. Keep it original and true to you.

• Highlight Relevant Experiences
  Talk about your work experience, shadowing, volunteering, and any caring roles you have had. Reflect on what you learned from these experiences and how they’ve prepared you for a career in medicine.

• Demonstrate Your Fit
  Show why you’re a great match. Discuss what drew you to the field, your motivations, and any inspirations. Highlight your relevant experiences and your understanding of what being a doctor involves, but also show an understanding of the challenges involved.

• Extracurricular Activities
  Medicine is tough, and admissions tutors want to see that you have a life outside of studying. Highlight activities that show you have healthy ways to de-stress and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

• Organize Your Thoughts
  Create a mind map or outline before you start writing.

• Follow the Guidelines
  Stick to the specified length and content requirements.

• Proofread
  Check for spelling, grammar, and clarity. A well-polished statement makes a great first impression.

• Get Feedback
  Ask family, friends, doctors, different teachers like English teachers. I am sure they would not mind as this allows them to be a part of your medical journey to read your statement and give feedback.

• Be Yourself
  Let your unique voice and personality come through in your writing.

• Start Early
  Don’t leave it until the last minute. Drafting and redrafting are key to a strong personal statement.

  By following these tips and reflecting on your journey, you can create a personal statement that really stands out. Good luck, and I hope this helps!