Start Early!

Writing the statement may take more time than completing your OMSAS application It is important to start your draft early so as to leave time for editing, redrafting, and making sure that it is the best possible personal statement it can be

Understand the question CAREFULLY.

Every year, applicants try to make their own answer fit with the personal essay question, instead of actually addressing what the question is asking for To an admissions officer, it’s easy to slide a poor essay that doesn’t answer the question into the “rejection” folder. READ THE QUESTION. Make sure that you understand and follow all instructions. If they want to know about how your university experiences have influenced your decision to pursue medicine, do not start talking about how your parents are both doctors and how you have wanted to be a physician since you were a child. It’s not worth losing points for!

Don't Address the wrong school.

If you are using the same or similar essay more than once, DO NOT blindly copy and paste it. If you are applying to the University of Toronto Medical School, do not write, “More than anything, wish to attend the University of Ottawa Medical School.”

Make sure to proofread your work many times while editing, and it may also be worthwhile asking someone you trust to read over your essay for these kinds of mistakes! Careless mistakes like these are easily avoidable.

Grammar and punctuation.

Make sure that you follow all the rules of proper syntax and grammar and avoid any spelling errors Use the active voice and avoid qualifiers such as “quite” or “probably” You can consult services provided at the Student Success Center if you feel your writing skill needs honing

Be variable with your vocabulary, but don't over do it.

Ensure you’re not repeating the same word(s) in your essay over and over again. For example, instead of saying “I volunteered at … ” , you could say “I dedicated my time over the weekends to … ” . However, don’t use too many words that might break the flow between sentences in order to sound “smart” Your essay should be succinct, comprehensive, and give a very clear picture of who you are and your interest in medicine

Maintain professionalism.

When writing about personal experiences and anecdotes, don’t brag or put other people down in your examples. This essay is supposed to focus on you and your abilities –not how you compare with others. Also, make sure that you don’t lie about your accomplishments, because if they do find out – you can guarantee that you won’t be considered for their medical school nor will you be able to apply again any time soon!

Finally: EDIT, EDIT, EDIT!

Editing is the most important part of your personal statement. Make sure you have different people read and critique your essay and review their feedback. Book an appointment with the Student Success Centre or your faculty’s Academic Office to get feedback on your application from an academic advisor. You can try asking your TAs or even professors (if they have the time) to look over and give you their initial impressions. However, make sure that throughout editing you don’t lose the original message you wish to convey in the essay. The saying “too many chefs can spoil the soup” applies here; use feedback with discretion, both positive and negative. Only you can tell if the essay expresses who you are!

We wish you all the best of luck with your application !