Medical School Personal Statement Template

Learn about the elements that admissions committee members look for in an effective essay.

Personal Statement Template

Introduction

What this template is… 

This personal statement template along with our free 30 min. workshop provides a powerful snapshot of what elements should be included in your personal statement. This template partnered with the workshop will help to create the backbone for your effective personal statement to help ultimately get you accepted. 

Register here for the 30 min. workshop where an editor will guide you writing an acceptance worthy essay. 

What this template is NOT… This personal statement template and workshop are far from all-inclusive resources to help you create a memorable essay. Creating an essay that will give you the best chance to get accepted into your dream medical school comes from writing several drafts and receiving quality feedback from experienced editors.

Part 1: Write Your Thesis

  1. Why do you want to be a physician? 
  2. Why are you going to be an amazing physician? 

Thesis Statement Checklist:  

  • Thesis statement answers “Why do you want to be a physician?”.  
  • Thesis statement answers “Why are you going to be an amazing physician?”. 
  • Thesis statement is clear and coherent.

Part 2: Write Your Body Paragraphs

personal statement outline template

Body Paragraphs Checklist:  

  • First body paragraph (answering the “why medicine” question) has a convincing anecdote in support of this.  
    • You play an active role in this anecdote.  
    • You zero in on details as much as possible in this anecdote. 
  • Second body paragraph (highlighting the first trait showcasing “why you will be an excellent physician”) has a convincing anecdote in support of this.  
    • You play an active role in this anecdote.  
    • You zero in on details as much as possible in this anecdote.  
  • Third body paragraph (highlighting the second trait showcasing “why you will be an excellent physician”) has a convincing anecdote in support of this.  
    • You play an active role in this anecdote.  
    • You zero in on details as much as possible in this anecdote.  
  • Fourth body paragraph (highlighting the third trait showcasing why you will be an excellent physician) has a convincing anecdote in support of this.  
    • You play an active role in this anecdote.  
    • You zero in on details as much as possible in this anecdote.

Part 3: Finish Your Introductory Paragraph

Introductory Paragraph Checklist:  

  • Your hook is not cliché (e.g. try not using an inspirational quote, etc.)  
  • Your hook actually relates to your pursuit of medicine.  
  • Your hook captivates the reader.  
  • You segue quickly and smoothly to your thesis statement.

Part 4: Write Your Concluding Paragraph

Concluding Paragraph Checklist: 

  • No new information is introduced in the concluding paragraph.  
  • Previously mentioned ideas (from body paragraphs) are summarized briefly.  
  • You close with a reworked version of your thesis.

Part 5: Turning A Good Personal Statement Into A Great One

Importance of Quality Feedback 

This is arguably the most crucial step. Your essay might sound great to you, or even a friend, but will it resonate with admissions committee members who ultimately have the say whether you get accepted or not? 

My wife, Becca, and I are blessed to have skilled medical students who want to be a part of Motivate MD’s editing team in order to ultimately help you. These individuals are highly qualified editors and writers, were once in your shoes, and know what it takes to get acceptance letters. 

You are more than a GPA or MCAT score. No matter who you are, you have a story to tell. We are dedicated and passionate about helping you tell your story that proves to admissions committees you belong at their medical school. Click here to get started

Be Memorable. Get Accepted. 

Sincerely, 

Drew Porter, M.D.