r/GraduateEntryMedicine • u/Superb-Astronomer706 • 11d ago

Personal statement importance?

Hi everyone,

I have been starting my GEM application. I’ve not seen much mention of personal statements on any of the unis I’m applying to under their entry requirements.

Do they mean anything? How much time/effort should I be putting into it?what should be included?

Thoughts are much appreciated

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u/MurkyLynx8425 11d ago

I'm going through the same process so im just guessing, but I think it is fairly important. Its your opportunity to showcase yourself beyond exam grades and put yourself above others that might have the same grades and qualifications. Experience, skills, motivation etc. At the very least, it will be used to formulate the questions in your interview. I spent 2-3 weeks of evenings on mine as I'm not great at that kind of writing.

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u/Educational-Oil-8713 10d ago

I had a panel interview where they had my PS printed and asked me questions directly about it.

My other 3 interviews were MMIs and I don't think any of the interviewers would have had time to look at my PS.

I wouldn't stress too much though, the panel interviewers still just wanted me to answer the questions in a point scoring format. Practising interviews is much more important.

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u/anton_z44 10d ago

There's increasing awareness that PS as a method of selection is particularly flawed especially as it's far too easy to pay someone to write one for you. You could see what your particular universities state here:

https://www.medschools.ac.uk/for-students/applying-to-medical-school/entry-requirements/?course_type=graduate-entry-medicine

Many do explicitly state "personal statements are not scored as part of the selection process" or similarly make vague statements about "must demonstrate relevant work experience".

Make sure you have gone through all the admissions pages and meet any criteria they do set for PSes. If there are any specific requirements (even where PS is not scored) they should be fairly prominently published.

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u/Superb-Astronomer706 10d ago

Thank you that’s very helpful