Essays
The personal statement consists of 5,300 characters or less (including spaces) and gives you the opportunity to explain why you have pursued the experiences you have, and what they have taught you about your interest and values in medicine.
BASIC DO’S AND DON’TS
DO
recognize that you won't be able to, nor should you, discuss a significant portion of the ways you have explored medicine. This is already shown in other parts of your application.
DON'T
merely summarize your resume or your work and activities section. This is your opportunity to share your why, not rehash what you have done.
DO
be wary about relying heavily on childhood or personal experiences with medicine. Admissions committees are interested in your mature reflections and motivations.
DON'T
read examples online. Relying on examples from other applicants can hinder more than help, particularly in this step where authenticity is most important.
DO
work with your CIH adviser early and often throughout your brainstorming, drafting, and writing process. Get your own thoughts down on paper, and work with us to craft an essay that is effective, professional, and truly personal.
MD/PHD ESSAYS
MD/PhD applicants are required to submit two additional essays:
MD/PhD essay:
Why do you want to be a physician scientist? How do you imagine your clinical career informing and enriching your research and your research shaping how your care for patients?
Significant Research Experiences:
An essay outlining your research experiences, describing what you did, how it contributed to the lab and the field more broadly, and what it taught you about your research interests going forward.
CASS RESOURCES
Personal Statement Lab: A three-week interactive series that walks applicants from brainstorming to a personal statement draft. Each week, participants will work together to brainstorm ideas, narrow down their theme or narrative, and write a first draft for review. Held in February and March each year.
Personal Statement Review appointments are available with your CIH adviser February through May each year.