The personal statement or essay is an important part of the application to a health professions school which provides you an additional opportunity to sell yourself to the admissions committee.  Many schools provide little guidance in regards to what is appropriate for inclusion in this portion of the application.  This means that you have complete latitude in determining how you craft your statement.  Other schools ask you to respond to a question or series of questions. Because the types of essays can vary, be sure to read the instructions carefully when you prepare your application.

Obviously, the quality of your final product makes an impression.  In addition to inviting professors, friends and family to read a draft of your statement, you may also wish to utilize one of the resources below:

• The Judith Anderson Herbert Writing Center
• The Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration
• A Pre-Health Advisor in Arts & Sciences Advising Services

The services below charge a fee to critique and edit your statement, but they also offer access to several free resources.

• www.essayedge.com
• www.accepted.com/medical/
• www.admissionsessays.com