Create a Great First Impression with an Excellent Pharmacy Personal Statement

Though in your own opinion, every word of your pharmacy personal statement is important and you spend a hell of a time on drafting and creating the statement, the admission committee is going to take just a superficial look at it. Therefore, it is important that you make it outstanding right from the first word. This is like your first impression on the committee members, though your grades and achievements are also considered. Keep in mind that you get only one shot to make a great first impression. So, the committee should think that you stand out from the others aspiring for the pharmacy school admission. Following points will guide you how to write a pharmacy personal statement which will ensure your admission to the pharmacy school.

Why Personal Statement is Important?

More than 50% of applicants of pharmacy school get rejected though they have a very good academic record and an outstanding performance in entrance tests. Here, grades are not everything that matters for the admission. References from professors and practicing pharmacists also play a vital role in the admission process. However, the most important part is played in the end by the personal statement. This is because the committee members do not wish to fill the valuable positions with average applicants, but with those candidates who can outshine in this job and that success includes dedication and determination.

Think Upon Your Reason

Pharmacy schools need evidence whether the applicants have a genuine interest in pharmaceuticals and practicing the profession. A genuine interest is usually because of a genuine interest in people, because pharmacists are in a position to educate and influence patients. Consideration of job security is always done but these days nobody goes to pharmacy school to get rich. There are other easier means to do that, like business administration or entertainment industry. Therefore it is important to check whether your reason for attending a pharmacy school is the right one.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

• Ensure that you start early, at least a month before you are going to submit the application. If you start late, you will do it in rush, which may cause mistakes.
• Pay keen attention to grammar and punctuation. If needed, brush up your basic knowledge of writing in English language. You surely don’t want to create a personal statement which is filled with grammatical and punctuation errors.
• Structure of the statement is also important and should be correct. It should catch the readers’ attention instantly. To capture their interest right from the first paragraph is your only opportunity.
• Do everything to allow the readers to know who you are. Even though this needs revelation of your personal stories or feelings, don’t hesitate to do that. Keep in mind that the statement is your monologue to the committee. Therefore, they should know all about you through the statement.
• Let your commitment be clear from the statement. The committee should realize that you understand that years of struggle are waiting ahead, with the actual pharmacy practice as the only reward.
• Proofread the statement! Even five-six times is not too much. You can even have your family and friends to read the essay and request them to comment. Get it reviewed again by someone like the English professor in your college for checking structure, grammar and punctuation.

Don’ts

• Don’t drift from main points. Be clear, concise, specific and direct. You have your entire story in mind, try to tell it precisely.
• Don’t add unnecessary information to make the content appear longer.
• Don’t make haste. Give yourself enough time and revise the essay after you complete. Keep it in a drawer, and read it in about a week. Read it when you are resting and not while in rush. Also read it as if you are examining someone else’s story and evaluate it from that viewpoint. Have you got your interest increased to know the person who wrote it? If no, start afresh!
• Don’t mention about academic achievements which are not related to pharmacy. However, if you have achieved something unusual that can show your aptitude to attend the pharmacy school, mention it essentially.
• Avoid using plagiarism. The admission committee always checks the essay through plagiarism checking programs.
• While discussing an emotional experience, do it in a professional way. You can also do it in your interview instead of in the application.

If you keep these points in mind and also, remember that pharmacy is a noble profession and needs a rich work ethic, you can be successful in writing an excellent pharmacy personal statement and eventually getting the admission.