bbb
IM Program Coordinator
Topics: 34
Posts: 5,227
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I'll assume that the quiet on the boards has to do with everyone studying for the tests and preparing their applications for ERAS. Here is a question that I received last year regarding personal statements: "Do program directors actually go thru it all?"
No, not usually. As program coordinator, I read more in a personal statement than my program director does. And you don't want to know what I am looking for: Typos (oops, typographical errors - isn't English a horrible language?). Persons who use the Thesaurus too much (you know, using all those big words that you had to look up to use). Persons who have "wanted to be a doctor since they were born and visited the hospital in their grandfathers arms" (which might be true, but doesn't impress the
program directors).
Pet Peeve? Applicants who use the word "learnt" (sorry, it's "learned"). Learnt is a word, but not commonly used in the USA - like cheque, colour, favour. They are correct, but not in a personal statement in the USA.
What do program directors look for? Scores. Ability to complete the ERAS application form correctly. They skim through the personal statement looking for the ability to write in English (it's easy to tell if someone isn't proficient in English just by the statement). Repeat of any classes on the transcript. And the recommendation letters (this could be a whole topic if you wanted).
Good luck! 
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bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....
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| ntp
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So, what I'm hearing is to keep it simple, keep it boring and for the love of god, use spell check? I've been stuck on it for over 2 weeks, your post makes me think I should just spit out something safe rather than witty and let my credentials do all the work....?
:roll:
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| BBF
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hmmm.... I don't know. I'm very acquainted with a director who tells me that he reads through EVERY ONE of them. He tells me this is the only way to rule out the 'right' candidates among many good test takers.
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| bbb
IM Program Coordinator
Topics: 34
Posts: 5,227
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Witty will certainly catch someone's eyes......and perhaps interest. I do remember one from several years ago - he wrote it in the form of a history and physical! Pretty brave!
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bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....
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| rajeevy
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Take the help of essay edge.They are really good.
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| apjmd
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can you tell me if anyone has been brave enough to send in a video of themselves in addition to the personal statement? It seems that the ps is so impersonal and I am having trouble compressing years of experiences.
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| bbb
IM Program Coordinator
Topics: 34
Posts: 5,227
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It's a decent idea, but you are applying through ERAS and it doesn't have the capability of having a video.
Who knows? In 5-10 years, but you should have your residency completed by then. :wink:
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bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....
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| gogetit
Forum Senior
Topics: 39
Posts: 104
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thanx
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