Hello ladies!!, well its that time for me to start applying for Post Bacc Programs to finish my prerequisite classes. I recently decided in the beginning of my senior year of college that I wanted to pursue medicine and go to Medical School. So anyways because I decided so late in the game I will not be able to finish or even start any of my prerequisite classes. Anyways I was wondering if anybody had any opinions or thoughts on what to talk about in my personal statement. Im not quite sure what exactly I need to write about. Whether it is why I decided so late in the game or why I want to pursue medicine...Aghhh i have no idea! Help anybody!?

When I applied to my post-bacc program, I just used the same personal statement that I used for medical school, which actually included why I wanted to pursue medicine AND what lead me to that decision which was a lot later than most students.

Maybe you could try to incorporate both if both are important to you, with a sentence or two about why the specific program you are applying to would help you get there.

Best of luck to you, and don't give up! I went a really round about way to medical school, so don't feel bad that not everyone has the straight path there. Some people just take alternate routes, and that's okay.

I agree with sarah, definitely address both topics, why medicine and especially why did you decide now. I dont necessarily think you need to focus on it being so "late in the game". Late in the game is deciding you want medicine after having a different career for 15+ years (and you're in your 40s) If you're deciding in your senior year of college, you're still right out of the gates. Just think of it has having taken your own path. They would much rather have someone who came to the decision naturally, than someone who started pursuing it years before and can't even remember WHY they want it anymore.

Since it is something you decided in your senior year, I'm guessing there was an experience you had that led you to it? If so, definitely right about that. It's important to be specific, just like telling a good story, lots of details etc. Maybe it was a volunteer thing, shadowing, etc. remember, try to avoid phrases that state the obvious... you want to say what attracted you to the field of medicine without stating "I'm really attracted to medicine because...." Convey your enthusiasm and passion. Write about it from the heart and you'll do great!

Good luck!