Writing your personal statement for the AMCAS or AACOMAS application can be daunting. Although most students focus mainly on GPA and MCAT scores, the personal statement is a very important component of your application and should be carefully written. This is your opportunity to highlight things about you that are not mentioned in other sections of your application and to distinguish yourself from other applicants.
The AMCAS essay is limited to 5300 characters (~1 page). If you are applying for a dual-degree program (e.g., MD/PHD), you will be required to submit additional essays: the MD/PhD essay (3000 characters) and the Significant Research Experience essay (10000 characters). The AACOMAS essay is limited to 5300 characters as well. If you are applying to both M.D. and D.O. programs, you can use the same personal statement for both. However, be mindful of any specific M.D. or D.O. wording that you may have used and remember that D.O. programs usually want to know why you are interested in osteopathic medicine specifically.
The Pre-Professional Advising Office offers personal statement workshops at various times throughout the school year. Check the PPAO Events & Announcements page for upcoming events.