How To Start A Personal Statement: Introduction Guide, Tips, Examples
Starting your personal statement off is often one of the hardest parts of writing your personal statement. How to begin a personal statement has been a question that has plagued many a future medic. You may have already got the body of your text written, but it’s that tricky opener of a personal statement introduction that many students struggle with.
How to start a personal statement:
1. Why are you interested in medicine?
Starting a personal statement is never easy. It is important to start with what has drawn you to medicine or science. After all, that is the main focus of your whole personal statement. The first sentence for a personal statement will set the tone for the rest of the statement and therefore must draw your reader in and engage them in your story.
2. Focus on why medicine as a degree or profession?
One of the good ways to start a personal statement, in fact one of the best ways to start a personal statement, is to think about why you want to do medicine. Not what interests you, but why do you want to do it? Is it the rewarding career? Is it the academic challenge? It is important not to focus on your skills or activities at this point, as that comes into the main body of your personal statement.
3. Writing Style
This has to be captivating and engaging. Remember you want to grip the reader immediately. Think of the admissions staff reading your personal statement, they have probably at this point read hundreds, so you need to make it interesting and engaging to keep their attention and separate yours from every other applicants. One of the most common questions heard is “can I start my personal statement quote?” and the answer always lies in the reasoning. What is your reasoning for beginning with a quote? Does that quote set the tone for the rest of the statement, is a mantra that has driven you in your motivation? If it has purely been placed into the personal statement for the purpose of having a quote, admissions tutors will not respond well to this. Therefore, think carefully about your motivation before using a quote. The purpose of the medicine personal statement is to tell your story and not the story of another.
4. Give examples
If it was science for example that sparked your interest in medicine give an example of what it was. Such as: “From an early age I have been fascinated by the workings of life. The human body is a remarkable machine with many diverse systems producing an organism that could never be artificially reproduced”. This is much more insightful that just saying “I have always been interested in the workings of the human body”.
Introduction Examples: Examples of How to Start a Personal Statement
“When I think about my future, I think about medicine. Through reflection and experience, I know that I want a career that is rich in growth, variety, and a thirst for knowledge. It is my goal to continue to advance my love for science to enable me to positively contribute to the lives of others and the maintenance of society.”
Undergraduate Medic
“In studying a degree in politics, I have developed, flourished, and remain undeterred in my desire to pursue a career in medicine. My scientific fascination with the body and its functions has remained secure throughout and I am drawn to follow the vocation that is the complex and nuanced role of a doctor”
Graduate Entry Medic
Frequently Asked Question
→What is a personal statement introduction?
A personal statement introduction is the opening paragraph of your personal statement. It is an opportunity to grab the reader’s attention, provide context for your application, and set the tone for the rest of your statement.
→What should I include in my personal statement introduction?
In your personal statement introduction, you should introduce yourself and provide some background information about your academic and professional experiences. You may also want to discuss your motivation for pursuing your chosen field of study and highlight any relevant achievements or accomplishments.
→What are some tips for writing a strong personal statement introduction?
To write a strong personal statement introduction, you should focus on capturing the reader’s attention and providing a clear and compelling introduction to your application. You should also be sure to tailor your introduction to the specific program or institution you are applying to, and avoid using clichés or generic statements.
→Can I use a quote or anecdote in my personal statement introduction?
Yes, using a quote or anecdote can be a great way to grab the reader’s attention and add some personality to your personal statement. However, it is important to ensure that any quote or anecdote is relevant to your application and helps to support your overall message.
→How important is the personal statement introduction?
The personal statement introduction is an important part of your personal statement and can significantly impact the reader’s impression of you as an applicant. A strong introduction can grab the reader’s attention and set the tone for a compelling and well-crafted personal statement.
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