As a pre-physician assistant student, one of the most important components of your application to PA school is your personal statement. This is where you shine! Your personal statement is a chance to showcase your unique experiences, skills and motivations for becoming a PA. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you write a personal statement that stands out from the crowd!

Do: Find your “deeper why”. Your personal statement should be personal (hence the name) and grab the reader’s attention. Brainstorm and find your deeper why to help connect with the reader and showcase your passion and heart. Focus on the “why” when you’re writing your essay to stand out from the crowd. You’re a unique individual, which unique experiences, and only YOU can tell your story

Don’t: Use cliches or generic statements! Avoid using cliches or generic statements in your personal statement. Admissions committees read hundreds of personal statements, and they can quickly spot a generic statement. Be specific and use concrete examples to showcase your experiences and motivations for becoming a PA.

Do: Showcase your experiences Your personal statement should showcase your experiences, both in healthcare and outside of it. Admissions committees want to see that you have a well-rounded background and are passionate about patient care.

Don’t: Ramble or go off-topic Stay focused on your main topic and avoid rambling or going off-topic. Admissions committees are looking for a clear and concise statement that highlights your qualifications and motivation for becoming a PA.

Do: Edit for both content and grammar. While we believe the most emphasis should be placed on content, typos and grammatical errors can detract from your message and make you appear careless. Have someone else read your statement and provide feedback.

Don’t: Plagiarize or copy. Avoid plagiarism or copying from sample personal statements you find online. This is unethical and can harm your chances of being accepted into PA school.

Your personal statement is a critical component of your PA school application. Follow these do’s and don’ts to create a personal statement that showcases your experiences, qualifications, and motivation for becoming a PA. With a killer personal statement, you can stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of being accepted into your dream PA program.

Not sure how your CASPA application and personal statement measure up? Get your app and personal statement editing in our CASPA App Editing and Zoom Feedback Service. You have worked too hard, too long, and are too close to your dream to not make sure your app is exceptional!