Many medical students agonize over their residency personal statements, understandably. You have but a little bit of time to make a big impression. Here are a few particular details you should remember to include.

1. State Your Purpose

High test scores matter; but an applicant who demonstrates no passion, drive, and purpose is in trouble.

Why do you want to go into your specialty? This is the main theme of your residency personal statement. What does it mean to you? What kind of role do you want to serve?

These things matter as much as your grades and test scores.

2. Explain Why You'll Excel in This Specialty

Every student is different. Do you have something unique to offer that makes you especially fit for this specialty? What talents and personality traits are working in your favor?

3. Share Your Goals and Future Plans

What are your goals for your residency and beyond? Where would you like to see your education and career go? An applicant with a plan — or at least a rough idea of what they want — is ahead of the game.

4. Tell Them What You're Looking for in a Residency

Indicating that you know what you want out of your residency is a great way to show the selectors that you've thought long and hard about why this residency program is perfect for you.

5. Highlight Relevant Life Experiences

Did you have any additional jobs, hobbies, internships, or other types of experiences that make you an excellent fit for this residency? Share them! These may seem like minor details, but they can make a huge difference.

6. Talk About Challenges You've Faced

Did you experience any adversity that ultimately led you to medicine and/or this specialty? Did something or someone shape you as a person in a relevant way?

Applicants are sometimes hesitant to include anything negative in their residency personal statements. However, when properly written, these details can really work to your advantage.

7. Show, Don't Tell

Sure, it's nice to say that you're hardworking and dedicated. You know what's far more powerful, though? Illustrating it with examples and stories.

Describing specific scenarios in vivid detail will make your residency personal statement come to life. What examples can you give that demonstrate how devoted you are to your studies? Can you share a time when you really went the extra mile as a medical student?

As a final note, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to write your residency personal statement. After you've finished the first draft, leave it alone for a few days and come back to it with fresh eyes. Also, be sure to have an editor proofread it for typos! Grammatical errors can cost you dearly.

If you need help preparing for clinical clerkships, contact CHHA today for assistance.