3 Tips for Writing Your Personal Statement for Graduate & Professional School

By: Kristyn J. Smith, DO
SMEP Alumni of UNCF Fisk and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2005
SHPEP National Alumni Advisory Board Member
PGY4, Emergency Medicine
Einstein Healthcare Network

Application season is upon us! Whether you are applying for graduate school, a post-baccalaureate program, medical or dental school, you need to craft a personal statement. This section of your application is the opportunity to express your career aspirations and explain why the school needs you in its program. 

How to Start - Get organized

• Be mindful of submission deadlines – plan to submit your application one (1) week before the deadline to allow for last-minute edits or technical difficulties. 
• Brainstorm a list of your unique attributes. Then write down examples of when you displayed these qualities. This process can assist you in crafting your personal statement. 

Tell Your Story

• What led you to apply to this specific program? What unique qualities will you bring to your professional school? Why should the school choose you? Make sure you explain your future career aspirations and how attending this program will help you achieve your goals.

Follow the rule of threes 

Send your personal statement to at least three (3) people for editing:

• At least one person should be in your chosen profession.
• At least one person should check for spelling and grammar mistakes.
• At least one person should know you personally to make sure the statement is authentically you.