<p>For those of you who applied to combined programs, I have an essay question. Did you have a problem with overlap among the "why I want to be a doctor" essay, your most meaningful ec (asked on many apps), and your resume? It seems like everything is getting repetitive.</p>
<p>Also, for the "doctor" essay is it best to write about ALL the experiences that made you want to be a doc (volunteering, research) or just focusing on one?</p>
<p>Sorry if a similar topic is posted elsewhere, but I'd appreciate any responses. Advice from people who got into programs would be great.</p>
<p>well each one's essay is going to be different... my why medicine essay basically said that I wanted to be a doctor since childhood but I was though my subsequent experiences that this desire was solidified and than I went through each step starting with my experience as a patient with a horrible affliction to volunteering, shadowing, and research... and then I talked about what I learned from the experiences and what I brought back from them... my most meaningful activity is volunteering</p>
<p>Great question. I have to agree that they were extremely repetitive. Yet, what they are looking for is dedication to medical field; show that and you're in. I had several paragraphs in my essay...one focused on a specific volunteering moment that made me want to go into medicine, while the other focused on what it means for me to go into medicine and how I can use my profession for the benefit of society (that kind of stuff). Also, try to glorify the school you're applying to a bit (make it seem that you are really interested in their program). I am currently at Wash. U med school in St. Louis, but when I return to New Jersey, I would love to give you guys my essays (if it helps in any way or form).</p>
<p>Thanks for such great replies. I don't really it's necessary to see anyone's essay, but at least now I know mine is headed in the right direction.</p>
<p>The only other issue I have is the word limit for some programs. Would any of you consider it safe to go over by 20 words? 50? 100? 10 pages (just kidding!)?</p>
<p>I'd really appreciate any more advice, especially from people accepted to programs.</p>
<p>Well as long as your essay doesn't go over too much it should be fine... I believe some of mine were a little over... some of the applications though (if you do online applications) don't let you go over the word limit at all so just be careful of that</p>