This video provides suggestions on developing your applications strategically to highlight your strengths and maturing competencies for a future in dentistry.
Personal statement
Your personal statement is a one-page essay (not to exceed 4,500 characters, including spaces, carriages, numbers, letters, etc.) that gives dental schools a clear picture of who you are and, most importantly, why you want to pursue a career in dentistry.
Although there is no set of rules mandating what a strong personal statement should include, here are a few tips to help you successfully craft a winning personal statement:
- Explain a defining moment that helped steer you toward a career in dentistry. Consider using that moment as the focal point of your essay.
- Be colorful, positive, imaginative and personal when discussing why you’re a good candidate for dental school. Ask yourself—in a pile of 100 applications, would I enjoy reading my statement? Be sure to convey your passion for dentistry in your statement.
- Be yourself. Don’t use jargon, clichés or big phrases that you would not use in daily conversation. Remember, dental schools want to know about the real you.
- Be original and thoughtful: Discuss how you would contribute to the profession and patient care, all of which will help you stand out from other applicants.
- Tell your story—make sure the essay is your story, not someone else’s.
- Recruit a friend. Ask a friend, relative or faculty advisor to read your essay and provide constructive criticism. Ask them to think about whether the essay is a good representation of your character, and what they know of your ideals and aspirations.
- Give yourself time to organize your thoughts, write well and edit as necessary. And don’t forget to proofread, proofread, proofread!
Here are a few things to avoid when writing your personal statement:
- Writing what you think the admissions committee wants to hear.
- Using a gimmicky style or format.
- Summarizing your resume or repeating information directly from your transcripts or recommendation letters.
- Emphasizing the negative.
- Waiting until the last minute to get started on your statement.