Transcript AMCAS Prompt - Pomona College

Pre-Health Write-Ins
Thursday, December 4th 7-9pm
Wednesday, February 4th 3-5pm
Thursday, March 5th 7-9pm
SCC 201
AMCAS
Use this section to compose a personal essay explaining why you
selected the field of medicine, what motivates you to learn more
about medicine, any pertinent information about you not included
elsewhere in the application, special hardships or experiences that
have influenced your educational pursuits, and commentary on
significant fluctuations in your academic record not explained in the
application. (5,300 characters)
MD/PHD
1.
2.
Why are you pursuing an MD/PhD? (3,000 characters)
Describe your significant research. (10,000 characters)
Word Count Limits
MD = 5,300 characters
DO = 500 words
DDS = 4,500 characters
DVM = 5,000 characters
Type your name, date, and word count at the top of your draft for Pre-Health Advising
Dos & Don’ts
• Dos
• Be selective about what you
share
• Be genuine
• Be clear and concise
• Check spelling and grammar
• Talk about experiences that
weigh heavily in your decision
to pursue medicine
• Convey your passion and
motivation for medicine
• Focus on the question/theme
• Be specific – give examples to
go with your statements
• Don’ts
• Write a novel version of your
resume
• Apologize or make excuses
• Name-drop
• Preach about medicine,
politics, religion, etc.
• Get negative
• Incorporate grandiose claims
or fantasies about medicine
• Use clichés or generalizations
• Focus on family
• Use $10 words just for show
• Use passive voice
Getting Started
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Brainstorm words, ideas, phrases
Create an outline
Group like thoughts together
Look for a theme
Don’t focus on grammar or form at first –
think about the message you want to convey
Topic Ideas
• Who or what had an impact on your decision to choose
this profession? What are your specific motives for your
interest in this profession?
• What sets you apart from other candidates?
• Explain your clinical experiences and what you have
learned about the provider-patient relationship.
• Discuss a life-altering or unique event that shaped you
and how.
• A leadership role you played and how it challenged you.
• How other experiences have influenced your perspective
- study abroad, athletics, art/music, volunteer work, etc.
The Writing Process
• Develop a thesis statement and bring it full circle
• Make a PIE of each paragraph – Point, Illustration,
Explanation
• Carve out small increments of time to
write/review
• Keep all brainstorm notes, outlines, and drafts
• Get others to read your statement and give
feedback (peers, faculty, staff, mentors, family)
• Come to these write-ins! 
• Review and edit, and review again
Keep In Mind
• Do you have a theme or main focus?
• Is there anything missing?
• Does this personal statement best reflect who
you are and your motivations for pursing this
path?
• Is the statement relevant to your audience?
• Is the essay easy to read and does it keep
one’s attention all the way to the end?
• Do reviewers understand your main theme or
message?