<p>I'm applying in the Spring and wanted to start working on my personal statement soon. My initial idea was to write about an EMS call I got last summer that involved me doing CPR on a patient and how it really confirmed my interest in medicine, etc. I thought maybe that would be too cliche, though. I've lately felt a lot of frustration toward fellow premeds who talk about the money and prestige involved with becoming a doctor, and it makes me sick. One friend actually told me that he paid for his EMT certification so he didn't have to ride on our first aid squad! Another friend said she would be devastated if she didn't get into dental school, but only because she wants the money and doesn't have any interest in teeth. I kind of wanted to show in my personal statement that I am the OPPOSITE of this and truly have a passion for medicine and genuinely like interacting with patients and knowing I'm making a difference in their lives. Do you think it would come off more as a rant and not a good essay?</p>
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I'm applying in the Spring and wanted to start working on my personal statement soon. My initial idea was to write about an EMS call I got last summer that involved me doing CPR on a patient and how it really confirmed my interest in medicine, etc. I thought maybe that would be too cliche, though.
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<p>It might be cliche, but it might also be good.</p>
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I've lately felt a lot of frustration toward fellow premeds who talk about the money and prestige involved with becoming a doctor, and it makes me sick. One friend actually told me that he paid for his EMT certification so he didn't have to ride on our first aid squad! Another friend said she would be devastated if she didn't get into dental school, but only because she wants the money and doesn't have any interest in teeth. I kind of wanted to show in my personal statement that I am the OPPOSITE of this and truly have a passion for medicine and genuinely like interacting with patients and knowing I'm making a difference in their lives. Do you think it would come off more as a rant and not a good essay?
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<p>Yes, this would come off as a rant. Your essay should not be a rant or a lecture on your moral superiority. 500 words is not a lot, and you should not spend any of them on negativity - it will not make the adcoms feel better about you.</p>
<p>Your essay should be used to address any weak spots on your application, display your genuine belief that medicine is your calling, and distinguish your application from all the other applications with MCAT scores and GPAs that are similar to yours. Your essay should make you seem so interesting that the adcom wants to meet you - that is, to give you an interview.</p>