Product Review

At top U.S. medical schools, a candidate's personal statement can help him/her to stand out in an increasingly competitive applicant pool. This publication presents 101 personal statements that enabled their authors to gain admission to the medical school of their choice.

By design, they include more than 20 different topics, including the candidates' goals, personal background, clinical experience, notable accomplishments, and motivation to become a physician. The selection also includes successful responses to being waitlisted, answers to several secondary essay questions, and separate addendums to explain a disappointing GPA or MCAT score.

Collectively, these statements show the many ways that candidates have presented themselves to the committee in a creative (and effective) manner. They also show the caliber of writing that is expected at top U.S. medical schools. Before you write your own statement, take the time to read several sample essays from students who have already accomplished what you are trying to do. For something this important, why leave your personal statement to chance?