Top Things to Include in your Personal Statement (how to write the best personal statement)

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Your personal statement could be the most important thing you ever write. It has the power to determine your whole future. So, getting it perfect and the best it can be is so so essential. But, don’t let this freak you out. Together, we’re going to craft your very own expert personal statement starting from the very beginning by deciding what to include, how to plan, structure, write the first draft and ending with how to refine and review. Whenever you’re stuck on what to include or what to write, always go back to the framework: MESRP. Motivation - why do you want to do your subject? Engagement - what have you done to learn more about it? Suitability - what makes you the ideal candidate for your subject? Reflection - what have you have learnt from your past experiences? Passion - how important is studying your subject to you? You can find this framework, worked examples and more in the FREE Template, Step-by-Step Guide that you can download for FREE by clicking this link 📌www.doctorshaene.com/guides. Use the video and the written template together to help you craft your very own expert personal statement. I wish you the best of luck with your personal statement and everything else that’s yet to come😃
If you’d like more advice on the BMAT, UCAT or Interviews, then you might like to FREE preview Ali Abdaal’s fantastic online courses 😄
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Timestamps
01:06 - What to Include
01:58 - Motivation
03:38 - Engagement
06:33 - Suitability
09:42 - Reflection
12:53 - Passion
14:50 - Plan
15:31 - Structure
15:41 - First Draft
17:06 - Refine
18:16 - Review
If you have any questions, drop me a 📫 message on 📸 Instagram (@doctorshaene) or comment below. And, if you’d like to read the ✒️written blog post on this, please visit 📌www.doctorshaene.com.
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👨🏽‍⚕️Who am I?
My name’s Shaene and I’m a 🏥Doctor in Oxford, 🏛a Cambridge Uni grad and 🧠neuroscience supervisor. I produce content about writing✍🏽, study tips📚, productivity⏰, science🔬 and life🏃‍♂️.
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[@DoctorShaene]

Timestamps 01:06 - What to Include 01:58 - Motivation 03:38 - Engagement 06:33 - Suitability 09:42 - Reflection 12:53 - Passion 14:50 - Plan 15:31 - Structure 15:41 - First Draft 17:06 - Refine 18:16 - Review

[@aaronsasmita6754]

You're criminally underrated dude! thank you TONS for this!

[@DoctorShaene]

thanks so much!

[@priyankavenkataramani416]

I specifically signed in on KZbin to comment on how brilliant this video is. You should get more traction for this, so well collated and clearly explained. I was having a loongg writer's block with my statement and this video cleared it right up! Thank you so much!

[@DoctorShaene]

Thanks so much 🙏🏽

[@thespectacular9826]

Yes but it's not user-friendly. It only perfectly fits into the medical track

[@Alaa-ny2xo]

This video taught me more than six individual videos, it is so helpful and informative. I'm definitely recommending this video to my senior friends :)

[@blanca339]

As an international student who's having to figure out by myself what a personal statement is and how to write it, your channel has been the most helpful guide I've found. Thank you so so much, new subscriber over here. I'll come back when I get my Warwick and LSE decisions , although I'm still starting my personal statement :)

[@hetanshparmar1426]

How did it go

[@blanca339]

@@hetanshparmar1426 I got into Warwick and got rejected by LSE, both for the BSc in Economics :)

[@hetanshparmar1426]

@@blanca339 wow that's great! I have also applied for bsc in economics at warwick. Also management

[@pecinpah]

This was phenomenally helpful. Thank you so much for posting it.

[@douglasssali5410]

Bruhh you really have no idea how much helpful this is to so many people,very insightful and pretty much all you need👍👍💯

[@jestersmith9349]

This has been really insightful! I’m applying for a research program soon, and this will help me tons with my statement! Fingers crossed! Thank you so much! 🥳🥳

[@Ba-Dum-Tssss]

All the information possible and much more is explained here and this is the best SOP advice video I've come across that's is actually helpful. Some of the paras in my statement are longer due to this reflection tip, but I didn't realise its importance until just now. Thanks for putting this masterpiece out in the world!

[@gavinleaves]

You should get a medal for making this video! It deserves a lot more views. I have learnt so much from watching your channel! Keep up the good work bro.

[@irishpanda8648]

This needs more views you’ve lengthened my personal statement by so much

[@enidw04x]

This is exactly what I need rn Thanks so much for the work!

[@_kazmee]

This was really helpful. Thanks a ton Dr. Shaene! God bless you🙏🏻

[@daydin3535]

This was so helpful!~ Thank you so much Shaene !

[@irene-bz2yq]

This is so helpful. Thank you so much!

[@layna9065]

Yayy I’ve been waiting for this since you told me - thank you so so much for this !!!

[@DoctorShaene]

😁 hope it’s useful!

[@brucechen9736]

Sir, this video gives me so many inspirations. Before I watch your video, I got no idea about writing personal statements. Brilliant!

[@valentinahossain9724]

absolutely loved it, thanks a lot

[@rasika2234]

I've been stuck with my PS and you're a lifesaver for it! Your videos are motivating me to refine it in the best way possible. Thank you so much and wish you all the best with everything!

[@konkoola]

Did you get in? :)

[@serene1429]

Thank you so much! This is very helpful!

[@sophiebryden6592]

this was so incredibly helpful, thank you!!

[@DoctorShaene]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zarifanarzis9621]

It was a BLAST bro!!! Thanks a million..

[@mikojosah4159]

that's what I am looking for. thanks millions!

[@carlalongo480]

Thank you, that really helped me!

[@lucaleon5492]

I’ve followed this structure for my Linguistics, Modern languages and comparative writing (All courses separate but sharing characteristics) Personal statement. Considering Languages are all about ‘structure & development’ this format fits quite well. Thank you for sharing!

[@Tzo19996]

Fantastic video, thank you!

[@moulirajput78]

Thanks a lot Doctor Shaene. Your tips and guidance in your video has been of immense help. Great source. Thankyou.

[@DoctorShaene]

Glad it was helpful!

[@path.to.medicine6855]

Love this! Thank you so much for filming this video !!

[@DoctorShaene]

Thanks so much! Glad it was useful!

[@niharikasingh7677]

How can I thank you enough? I've been preparing for my Neuroscience PhD applications to Oxbridge this year and your videos were the perfect auditory elixir for me in the shape of powerful, motive-driven advise . Thank you so so much.

[@DoctorShaene]

Best of luck!

[@niharikasingh7677]

@@DoctorShaene Okay I'm fangirling because you replied. I'm more of the person who fangirls over PhDs than rockstars. So hopefully I didn't creep you out🙈 but thankyou so much!!

[@richaraj3815]

Brilliantly explained 👍👍👍

[@ethel_k]

Loved this

[@milasirichenko3798]

super super super! I loved this video and now I'm more sure about myself that I'm gonna get into Oxford and get a scholarship. Thank you!

[@shazenmaire]

This was so helpful thanks! I’m actually excited to write mine now haha

[@karimeassaf]

This is awesome! Thank you so much !:D

[@LUCEROSJ1]

Such a great video! Quality content :D

[@jman8318]

This is truly such a great guide, thank you for creating this! I am working on my PsyD Statement of purpose as we speak :D

[@chrisfield9210]

This has helped me to better refine my first draft... thanks!

[@DoctorShaene]

Awesome 🙌 Best of luck!

[@tarteel483]

This is an insanely good Video

[@renadcroft2125]

Thank you so much man u r awesome!

[@babyf9279]

the best !!!!! thanks you for your help

[@emiramosaco7268]

AMAZING I LOVE THIS VIDEO Big help

[@rosia_li]

Thanks very much for your videos, so helpful!!!

[@DoctorShaene]

My pleasure! Glad they’re useful! 🙌

[@evelinevy2635]

Thank you so much! Sincerely Thank You 🙏🏽 This is the most detailed and helpful piece of information Pers. Statement. Reliable tips and simple explanation. I'm search for a few month now, and finally I’m able to fit my 6 years of experience in 700 charters! Again, Thank You for your time and efforts 🙏🏽☺️

[@DoctorShaene]

Best of luck!

[@pradippaudel5827]

G. O. A. T @doctor shane and his way of presenting personal statement

[@annmariemclean4731]

This video really helps, thanks a lot

[@DoctorShaene]

Glad it helped!

[@FryatAbrha-tw2oj]

God bless you 🙏 it's easy now.

[@layomi8505]

me watching this while writing my personal statement 👁👄👁 💻

[@DoctorShaene]

Best of luck!

[@layomi8505]

Doctor Shaene thank you 🥺

[@indralalpokhrel5290]

Same here👍🏻

[@sarahmariey5377]

god blesshim - the way its all clear and organised im impressed

[@DoctorShaene]

Thanks 🥰

[@nenditajaswal]

thanks for the video

[@VeselaKoleva-nf4cx]

thank you so much for this video is very helpful

[@DoctorShaene]

You're very welcome!

[@joiorganics9744]

Wow...Thank you

[@KarenyErik]

Excellent video! Thanks, I'm going this year to LSE and I'm also applying to go to Cambridge in 2021. So far this is the most complete video I have seen about personal statements. Great work.

[@DoctorShaene]

Glad it was helpful!

[@guganesan.ilavarasan]

Wow, I'm applying for Cambridge next year too, for an M.Phil in Archaeological Science though.

[@KarenyErik]

@@guganesan.ilavarasan let's hope for the best!

[@guganesan.ilavarasan]

@@KarenyErik LOL, How serendipitous! I was just writing my SOP or in something on that line, it's called a 'Reasons for Applying' for my course in Cambridge. Hope we get in.

[@russiasucks7170]

This is a highly informative video. Advise in here is really good. I am glad that i had discovered this channel in the midst of writing a personal statement for a graduate study. Thank you Dr Doctor Shaene !!! This video is simply brilliant !!!!!

[@DoctorShaene]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Imacutebanygirl]

Tnx✨

[@adriparnapaul5794]

On the REFLECTION part, can we add some introspection based on something that we read in books which aren't really our subject (that we're applying for) related but science related? Or can it be something related to knowledge as a whole and thus shows the introspective level nd not necessarily related to my subject? Btw great video

[@seyedezahratabatabai705]

Thanks a million 😍 would you plz send the template link?

[@irineay3994]

Hello Doctor Shaene, do you have any example personal statement for engineering ? Thank you

[@Dzukari]

thank you !!!

[@DoctorShaene]

😊

[@Dzukari]

@@DoctorShaene I've just finished my essay for scholarship. Just wanted you to know I've couldn't done it without you. So thanks again !!!

[@just_a_nexus_boi7482]

I am interesting in receiving a copy of the personal statement template

[@prasiddharajaure1465]

I will be applying for an Economics major and I recently got my economic paper reviewed by an international journal (not published though). Do you think it's worth it to mention it in my personal statement?

[@sanamir9886]

After reading this, my sop sounds so dumb. Thank God I still have time to submit it.

[@adamgil4159]

I've lost the part where he mentions the perfect structure to flesh out paragraphs and can't find it

[@soham7316]

do you need to add where you got the work experience from because it would take up a lot of characters overall, or is it still fine without

[@aburahaman6334]

You deserve more. ...

[@DoctorShaene]

Thanks mate!

[@jjnojam886]

hmmm am I too late to start my PS now just finished my essay for US universities, but it's so different from PS

[@alishad9809]

How much work experience did you do personally and how much extra curricular did you do too?

[@DoctorShaene]

Will be releasing a video where I basically read out and critique my own PS so that will answer your questions 😊

[@akshatjain671]

Hi Shaene, i am currently in the process of writing a personal statement for Masters in Computer Science. Do you think that the strategies mentioned here can be applied to that too? Also is there anyone here who has used the strategies mentioned above to write a personal statement for something other than medicine?

[@cottonfawnn]

Using mine for acting and some of them are 100% helping just make sure to check your course for key points and words that they use that will help u with ur statement!

[@ajijose8033]

Hey I don't think the link is working for me, I put my email in and I have not received a email

[@DoctorShaene]

There should’ve been a hyperlink that said “click here to download” if you click that, it should open the template automatically. Alternatively DM me on Instagram with your email and I’ll send you a copy 😊

[@Damian-xy8gc]

How many paragraphs do u need to write

[@khan45648]

Can I still write a good personal statement without work experience

[@siddhantnijhawan9007]

bro can you please give me link for template ????????//

[@olohitaisoze3596]

What if you don't have any work experience ?

[@bryanshayne1184]

How many words can a personal statement be ?

[@sutharshinithileepan1032]

Do you have to include COVID in the personal statement

[@DoctorShaene]

Good question - I personally feel like a lot will talk about it, so if you do, try and make it a unique point. But generally you can talk about being (1) inspired by the medical and research fields, (2) resilience through this time and (3) how you engaged with medicine during this time

[@riddhimasharma8606]

Sir what were your extracurricular you mentioned in your. Personal statement???

[@DoctorShaene]

I’ll release a video reading my own personal statement soon 🙌

[@riddhimasharma8606]

What is the cutoff for Oxbridge!??

[@DoctorShaene]

Depends on the college - Downing is 5.5 I think. Check on the website to make sure

[@DoctorShaene]

Friday at 12.00 pm!

[@xo_thiv_xo]

In Cambridge do you know anyone who studies medicine with not all a*s at gcse

[@DoctorShaene]

Sure!

[@xo_thiv_xo]

Doctor Shaene do you know what they roughly got at GCSEs?

[@DoctorShaene]

Hmm not too sure tbh 🙁 but I’m sure they look at things other than just GCSE

[@princess_naadirah9900]

Do you think 6 A* 2 A and 3B’s have a chance

[@DoctorShaene]

Hey! I have a series of videos on this on the playlist “how to get into Oxbridge” 😊

[@mummyskitchen5311]

Any specific difference for a computer science masters degree Personal Statement?

[@seonghui3693]

When you’re a 14 year old tryna gettin mo knowledge for a personal statement for the future and find out that you are lacking everything

[@yousefmedhat5460]

Better than when ur 17 and lacking everything

[@seonghui3693]

@@yousefmedhat5460 better late than never! Hope u get in to the college of your choice! Good luck! :)

[@shavetadevesar]

Hi

[@DoctorShaene]

Heyyy

[@kamesh_cruise]

science, care and also MONEY lol

[@riddhimasharma8606]

I sir I am krishna sharma. I am from india . I just want to know your bmat score ?? Can you please tell . It should be helpful.☺☺

[@DoctorShaene]

Hey! I’m actually not too sure exactly but each college has a cut off that they openly say so check out their websites 🙌

[@xo_thiv_xo]

What other university did you apply to

[@DoctorShaene]

Birmingham, Liverpool and UCL

[@A4_XCII]

why am i seeing this after submitting

[@ar-2-onix116]

I feel like a better acronym for the framework should be S.P.E.R.M.

[@user-kq9qy5lw4w]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYWVY2SafdarrKc good point