How to write the Perfect PT school Personal Statement

Summary

In this video, Dr. Justin Lee, a physical therapist and PT school admission expert, offers valuable advice on crafting a personal statement for physical therapy school applications. He identifies common mistakes, such as not answering the prompt and lacking a strong hook, and emphasizes the importance of reflection on personal experiences. Dr. Lee outlines a three-part structure for a compelling personal statement: sharing two impactful experiences, reflecting on personal growth, and connecting these experiences to future success as a physical therapist. He also provides an example of a successful essay and offers one-on-one coaching for those needing further assistance.

Takeaways

• 📝 The importance of answering the essay prompt: The essay should clearly articulate what makes the student unique and how these qualities will contribute to being a successful physical therapist.
• 🔍 Focus on clarity and focus: The essay should avoid being disjointed and should maintain a clear direction throughout, addressing the prompt directly.
• 🎯 The need for a strong hook: The opening of the essay should be engaging and compelling, similar to the way a TV show pilot captures attention from the start.
• 🤔 Reflection is crucial: Students must reflect on their experiences, showing what they have learned and how they have grown, which is essential for a successful personal statement.
• 📈 Two key experiences: The personal statement should focus on two main experiences or stories that highlight the student's unique qualities and growth.
• 📝 Reflect and connect: After sharing experiences, students should connect their reflections to how these experiences will make them successful physical therapists.
• 👨‍🏫 Dr. Justin Lee's expertise: Dr. Justin Lee, a physical therapist and PT school admission expert, offers guidance on writing a compelling personal statement.
• 📚 Tailoring to the prompt: The content of the personal statement should be tailored to the specific prompt of the year, as prompts can change over time.
• 📉 Avoiding common mistakes: Common pitfalls include not answering the prompt, lack of a strong opening, and missing the reflection on personal growth.
• 💡 The power of storytelling: Using personal stories effectively can demonstrate a student's journey and transformation, making the essay more relatable and impactful.
• 🔗 Linking personal growth to the profession: The essay should explicitly link the student's personal growth and experiences to the qualities of a successful physical therapist.

Q & A

What is the main issue Dr. Justin Lee addresses in the video script regarding personal statements for PT school applications?

Dr. Justin Lee addresses the issue of personal statements not answering the prompt, lacking focus, and clarity, which are common mistakes he sees in students' essays.

Who is Dr. Justin Lee and what is his role in the context of the video script?

Dr. Justin Lee is a physical therapist and a PT school admission expert who helps students get accepted into physical therapy school, particularly by guiding them on how to write effective personal statements.

What does Dr. Lee emphasize as the most common mistake in personal statement writing?

The most common mistake emphasized by Dr. Lee is not answering the prompt, which should focus on what makes the applicant unique and how that uniqueness will contribute to being a successful physical therapist.

According to the script, what is the importance of a strong and enticing hook in a personal statement?

A strong and enticing hook is important because it sets up the entire essay and captures the reader's attention, preventing the essay from being generic and boring.

What is the second common mistake that Dr. Lee points out in the script?

The second common mistake is the lack of a strong and enticing hook in the first paragraph of the essay, which should ideally start with a climax to draw in the reader.

What does Dr. Lee suggest should be included in the first paragraph of a personal statement to make it compelling?

Dr. Lee suggests starting with a climax or an engaging event, similar to how a Netflix pilot starts with an exciting scene to capture the viewer's attention.

What is the third aspect that Dr. Lee mentions students often miss in their personal statements?

The third aspect that students often miss is the lack of reflection on their experiences, which is crucial for showing personal growth and transformation.

Why is reflection important in a personal statement for PT school applications?

Reflection is important because it shows the applicant's learning, growth, and transformation, which are key to demonstrating how they will be a successful physical therapist.

What is the main structure Dr. Lee recommends for writing a personal statement for PT school applications?

Dr. Lee recommends a main structure that includes sharing two experiences or stories, reflecting on those experiences, and relating the lessons learned to how they will contribute to being a successful physical therapist.

What does Dr. Lee offer to help students with their personal statements?

Dr. Lee offers one-on-one coaching sessions to help students ensure they are on the right track with their personal statements, providing guidance and revisions to improve their chances of acceptance into PT school.

How can students who need help with their personal statements reach out to Dr. Lee according to the script?

Students can reach out to Dr. Lee for help by following a link in the description of the video, where they can purchase coaching sessions and self-book at their nearest availability.