pkubin
Jun 7, 2010
Graduate / Personal Statement for Physician Assistant (what motivates me) [6]
I understand your logic of pursuing the "next-best-thing" to medical school, but I think you are making a big mistake by sharing this in your essay. If you were on a PA school admissions committee, a proud physician assistant (and possibly an instructor of physician assistants) would you want to read an essay that says, essentially, "What I really want is to be a doctor, but since I can't, I'll settle for PA?" Clearly, no. Some would be very turned off by this enough to cross your name off the interview list right there.
What I would want to see is someone who more than anything wants to be a PA, understands the profession, and passionately feels that it is the right choice for them. In short, what you've written may may speak your truth, but I don't think it's putting your best foot forward.
The other bit of feedback I have for you is to include some specifics about yourself (work you've done, volunteering, hobbies, etc.) that speak to why you would be a good candidate for PA school. They ask what motivates you, but that's more than just "why." It's also (I assume) the question of why do you think you would be a good fit for this?
Good luck.
I understand your logic of pursuing the "next-best-thing" to medical school, but I think you are making a big mistake by sharing this in your essay. If you were on a PA school admissions committee, a proud physician assistant (and possibly an instructor of physician assistants) would you want to read an essay that says, essentially, "What I really want is to be a doctor, but since I can't, I'll settle for PA?" Clearly, no. Some would be very turned off by this enough to cross your name off the interview list right there.
What I would want to see is someone who more than anything wants to be a PA, understands the profession, and passionately feels that it is the right choice for them. In short, what you've written may may speak your truth, but I don't think it's putting your best foot forward.
The other bit of feedback I have for you is to include some specifics about yourself (work you've done, volunteering, hobbies, etc.) that speak to why you would be a good candidate for PA school. They ask what motivates you, but that's more than just "why." It's also (I assume) the question of why do you think you would be a good fit for this?
Good luck.
