Personal Statement Essentials
Your personal statement should answer two core questions:
- Why do you want to be a physician, dentist, or another health professional?
- What experiences have helped you reach that decision?
Focus your essay on your story—the journey of discovery, exploration, and the choices that led you toward a career in health professions. Reflect more on what you learned and how you were impacted, rather than simply describing events.
Assess & Reflect
Effective statements begin with self-assessment and reflection. Consider all your relevant experiences, especially in the settings you hope to work (e.g. hospitals, clinics, research labs). Reflect using questions like:
- Why do you want this career? Be as specific as possible.
- Which experiences confirmed your choice?
- What lessons or values have your experiences instilled?
- Describe meaningful patient interactions or events.
- Who has been most influential in your development?
- How do your background, uniqueness, and experiences contribute to diversity?
- How would you and others describe yourself?
- What motivates your learning and service?
- How have you demonstrated leadership, compassion, or service?
- How are you preparing for the demands of your profession—and what is your vision for your impact?
- What do you want schools to know about you?
- Why should they want you as a student?
Getting Feedback
- Seek feedback early: Don’t wait for a polished draft—others’ input is more helpful if you’re open to making changes.
- Set a realistic timeline for drafting and review: Make appointments in advance to keep yourself on track.
- Focus on the content first; fine-tuning grammar and length comes later.
- Always preview and print your essay before submitting—what prints is what schools will see.
- Have more than one person review your draft. LSA students should use the LSA Opportunity Hub. All others: consult advisors, faculty, mentors, friends, or family. See these feedback resources.
Start Writing!
There’s no single right way to begin: use an outline, try free writing, or develop your own approach.
Outline approach:
- After reflecting, identify recurring themes and prioritize ideas.
- Find illustrative examples for your main points.
- Organize your essay with a clear introduction, development, and conclusion.
Free writing approach:
- Give yourself 45–60 minutes to brainstorm without worrying about structure or length.
- After a first draft, look for patterns and major themes.
- Organize and prioritize your ideas in the next round.
Whatever your process:
- Write with your audience in mind.
- Be true to your own journey and voice.
Don’t stop after a page or when you’ve hit a word count—often your real insights come later. The best statements show depth of reflection, growth, and self-awareness. As soon as you have a working draft, start seeking feedback from a variety of individuals.
Approach your personal statement as an opportunity to showcase who you are and your passion for this path!