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George Mason University and Georgetown campuses
George Mason University

Student Resources

Resources for G2 Students

Applying to Medical School

Applying to Dental School

Applying to PA/other Programs

Writing an Effective Personal Statement

  • The personal statement is an opportunity to stand out among the other applicants and demonstrate how you are unique. It also provides a way to highlight something that may not stand out in the rest of your application.
  • Writing a personal statement takes time.
  • At least 6 months before the deadline, think about the following questions:
    • What makes you passionate and interested in the field?
    • What makes you unique among the other applicants?
    • What are the things that you want the admissions committee to know about you?
    • Relate the content to the field that you are interested
  • At least 3 months before the deadline, think about and craft the following sections:
    • Introduction: grab the readers attention and set up what you are going to talk about
    • Body: be detailed; share who you are as an individual; demonstrate your passion and interest in the field with specific evidence to include clinical and service experience; share what you learned
    • Closing: leave a strong and positive impression; pose a challenge for the future
  • Be genuine and yourself, yet remain professional
  • Be aware of word count and/or length requirements
  • Write everything you want to say down first and then cross out what is not important
  • Proofread! Have ~3 reviewers for both academic content and field content
  • Check out this online workshop through the University of Minnesota!
  • Check out this blog post by Sunny Nakae!
  • Mapping out your personal statement (NAAHP)

Secondary Applications

  • After your primary applications are processed, verified and received by school, you may receive secondary applications directly from the schools to which you applied. They usually require additional essays and fees. 
  • Submit your secondary applications ASAP, within 2 weeks of receipt. 
  • Be sure to research the schools you are applying to; review your primary application; address the question/prompt; and proofread!

Interviews

  • The interview allows you to assess your compatibility with the school and to ask any questions that you may have. It also provides an opportunity to discuss any item or concern that you may have not been able to address in your application.
  • Different types of interviews: 
    • One-on-one: one applicant, one interviewer
      • Open File: interviewer has full/partial access to your application information
      • Closed File: interviewer has no prior information about the applicant
    • Group: multiple applicants, one or more interviewer
      • avoid trying to answer the same questions the same way as everyone else; come up with a unique answer or add something extra
    • Panel: one applicant, multiple interviewers 
    • Multiple Mini Interview (MMI): multiple applicants, multiple interviewers
  • Before the interview
    • Review your specific experiences to talk about that made you want to choose this profession
    • Research the school/program to include the mission and vision and be able to answer how you fit the school and how it fits you
    • Have a list of questions to ask the interviewers 
    • Practice, practice, practice! Complete several mock interviews. 
  • Day of the interview
    • Arrive early, be polite to all, dress professionally 
    • Be genuine, not overly rehearsed 
    • Ask questions!
    • Relax! 
  • After the interview
    • Send handwritten thank you cards to all interviewers 

Situational Judgement Tests

Other Resources to Consider