Personal statements, supplemental or secondary essays, statements of interest, or graduate school application essays all require you to reflect upon your experiences and accomplishments as an undergraduate as you plan your next steps. Your writing allows you to express who you are to the admissions representatives reviewing your application and gives you the opportunity to highlight your unique characteristics, experiences, and skills.
Take a moment to read this article authored by the AAMC to help you jump-start your reflective writing process.
The Newnan LSA Advising Center has created a Canvas tutorial to introduce you to best practices in personal statement drafting and help you avoid common pitfalls. Current students can enroll in our Personal Statements 101 course which focuses on the elements and mechanics that go into effective personal statements.
LSA students and alumni can schedule an appointment with a Pre-Health advisor to brainstorm ideas and discuss the key components of a personal statement and other application materials. Please select “Essay Brainstorming” as your reason for the appointment when scheduling. Note: Advisors in the Newnan LSA Advising Center are here to provide supplemental support, not edits of written work. We encourage all students to consider connecting with trusted mentors, your letter of recommendation authors, supervisors, faculty, GSIs, etc. who might have the capacity to provide feedback on your essay(s). If you are looking for additional support, consider the following campus resources:
Coaches at the LSA Opportunity Hub are available to help LSA students with personal statements as well as other wrap-around services focused on your next steps.
Additionally, the LSA Opportunity Hub has a module within their canvas course, which you can self-enroll in, for drafting your personal statement as well as a helpful worksheet to get you started.
Students like you are available to discuss your personal statement through the Sweetland Peer Writing Center. You can schedule with the Sweetland Peer Writing Center or submit your work through the Asynchronous Written Feedback option from their Writing Support page. Read here to make an appointment. Please note that the Writing Workshop does not review personal statements - be sure to schedule with the Sweetland Peer Writing Center.
Review the UCC’s page for support with getting started on your pre-health personal statement.
