Creating a Strong Personal Statement/Essay
The strongest way to ensure your success as a PA applicant is to know exactly the roles and responsibilities of a PA, why you desire to become a PA and how your previous clinical and non-clinical experience has prepared you for a career as a medical and clinician to possess a keen awareness of the intense level of training necessary to achieve such responsibility.
The personal essay section of your application is your opportunity to communicate to the admissions committee the answers to the above crucial four elements with the goal of earning you an interview. This is also your first opportunity to explain other significant issues that are applicant-specific, such as:
- Any inconsistencies in your record you wish to discuss
- Why you may be switching from other areas in medicine, nursing, or other healthcare professional to PA
- Steps you have taken to strengthen your application (e.g., academic measures, attempts to expand your clinical experience, etc.) if you are re-applying
The admissions committee is not your adversary. They want you to succeed, and want you to succeed in their program. This is your opportunity to assist them in concisely providing them with the narrative evidence they need to be your advocates.
Be sure that you do not detract from the essay with typographical errors, errors in spelling, incorrect grammar, informal language or phrases or using the narrative opportunity simply to recite your grades and standardized test scores.
Again, do not fret over the personal essay section of your application. Stay concise, and on point with the message(s) you are trying to get across to the admissions committee to arm them with the reasons they can and should be your personal advocates.