Your personal statement is a one-page essay 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:
1- 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?
2- 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.
3- 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.
4- 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.
About Myself: I worked 3 jobs during college (florida international university) at one point at Publix pharmacy, Dental office as an assistant and secretary, and a Shipt shopper. I am 21 and just graduated fiu fall 2020 with major in psychology and minor in biology. I have been involved in the dental field since I was 17 doing volunteer hours in 2018 and started managing school and two jobs in 2019 (pharmacy tech at publix and dental office. Fell in love with it when I was 13 had got braces. I currently work 3 jobs about 30 hours at a dental office (Great dental expressions) and other 10 Publix.
I have always been a full time college student. i did shipt (grocery delivery company) august 2020-december 2020 to help with the pandemic and make an extra income. (working 3 jobs)
dear writer: please put yourself in my shoes and make this personal statement as if you were the one applying to dental school. any questions or need to know more about me feel free to ask me
examples: https://bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/dental-school-personal-statement-examples
Tell your story: The opening paragraph for a dental school personal statement should discuss an event that inspired you to choose to enter the dental industry.
Explain why you’re right for the program: The second section of a dental school personal statement describes why you fit in well with the program you’re applying to and why you think you would succeed there, including previous experience.
Express your passion and enthusiasm for dentistry: After highlighting the personal and professional experiences that have influenced you to apply to dental school, your personal statement should emphasize your passion for dentistry and show your enthusiasm for the field.
Describe your goals for working in the dental field: The final section of a dental school personal statement might detail the goals you want to complete once you enter the dental industry after graduation.
