Personal Comment Essay

What Is A Personal Comment Essay and Why Do Medical Schools Require It?

A personal comment essay (previously known as personal statement) is a written essay that medical school applicants submit as part of their application. It provides an opportunity for applicants to showcase their motivations, experiences, personal qualities, and aspirations for pursuing a career in medicine.

Medical schools require a personal comment essay because it helps the admissions committee understand the applicant beyond their academic achievements and test scores. It offers insights into the applicant's passion for medicine, their commitment to the field, and their readiness for the challenges of medical school. Additionally, the personal comment essay allows applicants to demonstrate their communication skills, reflect on their life experiences, and present a compelling narrative about why they are a good fit for a career in medicine. This holistic view aids admissions committees in selecting candidates who are not only academically capable but also personally driven and well-rounded.

Personal Comment Essay Outline

Introduction

• Engaging Opening: Start with a captivating story or experience that inspired the desire to become a doctor. This could be a personal anecdote, a significant interaction with a patient, or a moment of realization.

Motivation and Passion

• Clear Motivation: Clearly articulate why you want to pursue a career in medicine. Explain the origin of your interest and how it has developed over time.

• Passion for Medicine: Demonstrate a genuine passion for the field. This could include experiences that deepened your interest, such as volunteering, shadowing doctors, or research.

Relevant Experiences

• Clinical Experience: Highlight any clinical experiences, such as shadowing, volunteering in hospitals, or working as a medical assistant. Describe what you learned and how these experiences confirmed your desire to become a doctor.

• Research Experience: If applicable, discuss any research projects you’ve been involved in, including your role, what you learned, and how it contributed to your understanding of medicine.

• Community Service: Mention any volunteer work or community service, emphasizing your commitment to helping others and working in diverse environments.

Personal Qualities and Skills

• Personal Attributes: Highlight key personal attributes such as empathy, resilience, teamwork, and communication skills. Provide examples of how you have demonstrated these qualities.

• Overcoming Challenges: If you have faced and overcome significant challenges, discuss these experiences and what they taught you. This can demonstrate resilience and determination.

Understanding of the Medical Profession

• Realistic View: Show that you have a realistic understanding of the medical profession, including both its rewards and challenges.

• Long-term Goals: Discuss your long-term career goals in medicine. Explain what kind of doctor you aspire to be and how you plan to contribute to the field and to patient care.

Conclusion

• Reflective Summary: Summarize your main points, reflecting on your journey and reiterating your commitment to becoming a doctor.

• Forward-looking Statement: End with a forward-looking statement that conveys enthusiasm and readiness for the challenges and opportunities of medical school and a medical career.

For more information about personal comment essay visit crafting your personal comment essay and Johns Hopkins University's Guide to Creating Effective Personal Statements