This Personal Statement? Start Over | PS or BS Episode 6

On this episode of PS or BS, Medical School HQ founder Dr. Ryan Gray breaks down a personal statement that is victimized by clichés, generic concepts, and a lack of self-reflection While the student touches on exposure to healthcare through their father, a pharmacist, the essay is too dependent on storytelling, appreciation, and discovery without providing a definitive answer as to why they want to be physicians. Key Takeaways Why "I love stories" and "I love discovery" aren't good enough reasons for med school The risk of emphasizing being thanked over your effect on patients Why shadowing isn't ideal in a personal statement & what to emphasize instead How vague themes & buzzwords can make your essay seem insincere Pre-med Tip: Have your personal statement show vividly why you want to be a doctor, not just that you like medicine or enjoy listening to patient histories. Highlight actual experiences, your role in them, and how they've influenced your course. 📌 Want to have your personal statement reviewed on PS or BS? Apply at psorbs.com/apply. NOTE: You will not attend this session. Selected essays are reviewed as part of the PS or BS content series, and identifying details will be removed. Once selected, you'll receive an email with instructions to submit your essay. 📌 Need one-on-one help? Schedule a one-on-one appointment or consultation at https://medicalschoolhq.net/advising/