Great news! Another site with personal statement information and help. Thanks Ken from Medfools.com.
When I began my residency application process, I was frustrated by the lack of a centralized source of information when it came to writing a CV or PS. Realizing the value of time to all of us, I decided to take on this small project to put together an on-line guide to writing a CV and PS in preparation for medical residency applications. This document will hopefully offer some valuable information regarding what to do and what to avoid in your quest to write the perfect documents.
Please do *not* e-mail me with specific questions regarding different specialties because I know very little other than my own field of interest. Your questions are best answered by the appropriate personnel in your medical school, such as the dean or assistant deans or members in the student affairs office, etc. However, I will attempt to answer any questions regarding CVs and PSs should you have any.
If you have a CV or PS that I should include on these pages, please e-mail a copy to me.
[Back to top of document] [Comment to John]
The example CVs and PSs have been graciously donated by individuals and from other sources. They are not to be copied verbatim or plagiarized. They should be used as examples only, not perfect documents.
The validity of the contents in this page is not warranted in any way. Implementation of ideas in this document is solely at the reader's discretion and in no way guarantees success in getting into a residency.
[Back to top of document] [Comment to John]
It is no wonder so many companies have made a living simply by helping people write CVs and PSs. CVs and PSs can help or hurt you as an applicant. If you do a good job, then you are playing on level field with everyone else. It is now up to you to make that extra effort to stand out through content and format of your CV and PS.
[Back to top of document] [Comment to John]
You will need to constantly update your CV as your take on activities throughout medical school. It is perfectly fine to have too much written down and then having to delete some of the less pertinent activities. By the time you need to write a CV, most of your work will be toward making it look good instead of figuring out what to say.
For PSs, I think you can begin as soon as you know the specialty you want to pursue. As can be expected, many revisions will be needed.
[Back to top of document] [Comment to John]
It is well known that the serif typeface is much easier to read compared to sans serif. A serif is a characteristic feature of roman typefaces, signifying the small terminal stroke drawn at a right or oblique angle across the arm, stem, or tail of a letter. When writing for busy, sometimes tired readers, it behooves you to make your documents easy to read. Whichever style you choose, make sure the size is adequate so anyone can easily read it.
Also, avoid the use of ALL CAPS, all bold, or all italics,
and excessive underlining when writing these documents. Only use
them when you absolutely need to and only when they enhance the readability
of your documents. No matter what you do, keep in mind that the bottom
line you wish to achieve is easy readability.
[Back to top of document] [Comment to John]
Also, I would highly recommend the use of a laser printer. Not a bubble jet or ink jet printer. Again, you deserve to be shown in the best possible light. If you don't have access to a laser printer or a computer, you might consider going to Kinko's or a local print shop and use their printers.
Lastly, if you use a watermarked paper, print on the side of the document which will show the watermark in the correct orientation when your document is read. I know this is a very minute point but it makes for a "perfect" document once you are done.
[Back to top of document] [Comment to John]
[Back to top of document] [Comment to John]
Please feel free to e-mail any comments or suggestions you may have.
Creation Date: April 24, 1997
