How to Write a Compelling Postbac Admissions Essay

One of the most important parts of your application to postbac programs will be your personal statement. This piece of writing allows the admissions committee to get to know you and understand your path to medicine.  

Three attributes of a compelling postbac personal statement

Three important elements can make your postbac personal statement resonate with your reader:

1. Honesty

If you are pursuing a postbac program because you need to retake prerequisite classes and improve your cumulative or BCPM (biology, chemistry, physics, and math) GPA – in other words, because you need an “academic enhancer” – be forthcoming about this! Share your story of determination and resilience, and let the admissions committee know you are goal driven. Emphasize your growth, strengths, and plans for positive change in this next chapter. 

2. Reflection

If you are pursuing a postbac program because you are a “career changer,” be as reflective as possible when sharing how your interest in medicine developed, whether it was the result of an unusual sequence of events or you took years to find your career path. This is your chance to evaluate how your life experiences have made you the person you are today. 

3. Fit with the Postbac Program

Why are you a good “fit” for this particular postbac program? Even if this topic is not part of a specific essay prompt, addressing this question will strengthen your personal statement. Some postbac programs are designed for underrepresented groups in medicine. Others are aimed at candidates who are considered economically or educationally disadvantaged. Still other programs have a strong emphasis on research. Clearly addressing “program fit” and explaining why you are an excellent match for a particular postbac program will help the admissions committee understand you better as a candidate.  

Writing about yourself in your postbac application essay

One of the most common mistakes applicants make in writing personal statements is writing about other people or events, rather than about themselves. Often, it can be challenging to write about ourselves – especially in an application – when we know that we are going to be judged or evaluated as an applicant in competition with others. Here are a few steps that can help you excel in this challenging position.

• Recognize that you are a unique individual and that there is no one else in the world like you. You’re an original!
• Congratulate yourself for arriving at this point in your life. You are on your way to medical school!
• Decide what unique qualities or talents you have that you would like a selection committee to know about.
• Be sure to introduce yourself in the first paragraph of your essay. Be present!
• Include examples of the ways you have actively helped or interacted with others to improve their health outcomes. Show, don’t tell!
• Highlight your talents and skills throughout your essay.
• Make sure that after you read your essay, you are pleased with how well it represents you and reveals your individuality and values.

Writing about yourself can be intimidating. By using these tips, you can ensure that you represent yourself well throughout your essay and that you remain front and center. Take your time, and have others provide feedback as you write your essay. Even the strongest writers struggle when writing about themselves. But take heart! Tell your story as only you can tell it.

You now know all the elements of a strong postbac essay. Now it’s time to turn to the pros to ensure that you put these ingredients together to create the most compelling, slam-dunk postbac essay you can. If you have questions about your postbac journey, schedule a free consultation with an Accepted expert.

As the former assistant dean of student affairs and career development at the William Beaumont School of Medicine, Dr. Valerie Wherley worked directly with the dean of the School of Medicine, the associate dean of student affairs, the associate dean of clinical curriculum, and the assistant dean of admissions, as well as with Year 4 students on both residency application reviews/critiques and mock interview preparation. Work with Valerie! Schedule a free consultation today!

Related Resources:

• How to Apply Successfully to Med School from Postbac Programs, podcast Episode 526
• The Comprehensive Guide to Postbac Programs
• Applying to Medical School with a Low Science GPA

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