THE BEST PERSONAL STATEMENT I'VE EVER READ (Cambridge University Example)

Summary

In this educational video, Shane, a qualified doctor and supervisor at Cambridge University, offers an in-depth analysis of his friend's personal statement. He breaks down the 620-word statement into structural components, highlighting the importance of motivation, work experience, academic engagement, and key qualities for a medical career. Shane also discusses the significance of extracurricular activities and public health awareness, concluding with a passionate projection of the challenges and rewards of medicine. Viewers are encouraged to check out a free personal statement master class for further guidance.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker, Shane, is a recently qualified doctor and supervisor at Cambridge University who is developing a personal statement course.
• 📝 The personal statement being analyzed belongs to a friend who is a top-performing, recently qualified doctor from Cambridge University.
• 📈 The personal statement is broken down into structural components, with percentages allocated to introduction, work experience, academia, extracurricular activities, and conclusion.
• 🔍 The introduction effectively outlines the applicant's motivation for medicine and their passion for the subject.
• 💡 The statement demonstrates engagement with medicine through work experience and shows reflection on the challenges and rewards of the profession.
• 🏥 The applicant's work experience at Dow University Hospital in Karachi highlighted the importance of empathy and the desire to practice medicine.
• 🌟 The applicant's engagement in altruistic activities, such as volunteering at a hospice and geriatric ward, showcases their commitment to medicine beyond academics.
• 📚 The academic section emphasizes the applicant's initiative to study beyond the curriculum, including reading medical journals and participating in academic challenges.
• 🎖 The applicant's extracurricular activities, such as music, tennis, and leadership roles, demonstrate a balanced approach to life and the development of key skills.
• 🏆 The conclusion summarizes the applicant's understanding of the demands of medicine and their determination to succeed in the field.
• 📘 The video offers a free personal statement guide and announces an upcoming personal statement master class, both aimed at helping others craft effective statements.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to analyze a friend's personal statement in depth, providing insights and tips on how to write an effective personal statement for medical school applications.

Who is the speaker in the video?

The speaker is Shane, a recently qualified doctor, nurse, and supervisor at Cambridge University, who is developing a personal statement course.

What is the length of the personal statement being analyzed?

The personal statement being analyzed is about 620 words long.

What percentage of the personal statement is dedicated to the introduction?

Approximately 4% of the personal statement is dedicated to the introduction, which is around 25 words.

What does the term 'supererogatory' mean as used in the script?

The term 'supererogatory' refers to actions that are morally good and go above and beyond what is expected of someone.

What is the significance of the work experience section in the personal statement?

The work experience section is significant as it demonstrates the applicant's engagement with medicine, their understanding of the challenges it brings, and how it has shaped their resolve to study and practice medicine.

How does the speaker suggest linking academic achievements to key qualities for a medical career?

The speaker suggests linking academic achievements to key qualities by reflecting on how certain experiences or studies have changed the applicant and how they will act differently moving forward.

What is the role of extracurricular activities in the personal statement?

Extracurricular activities in the personal statement show the applicant's balance, interests outside of academics, and the ability to develop skills such as prioritization and leadership.

How does the speaker describe the importance of the conclusion in a personal statement?

The conclusion is important as it summarizes the key qualities of the applicant, shows passionate projection by weighing up the demands of medicine, and decides that it's worth pursuing despite the challenges.

What is the 'eight pillar framework' mentioned in the script?

The 'eight pillar framework' is a carefully designed structure within the personal statement course that helps organize thinking and structure the personal statement effectively.

How can viewers access the personal statement course mentioned in the video?

Viewers can access the personal statement course by clicking the link provided in the video description, where they can also download a free personal statement guide and sign up for the course through School Now's two-month free trial.