When you are writing your Personal Statement, you may find yourself wanting to share too much detail. While it is important to share your story, it is important to keep in mind Program Directors read thousands of applications a year. So, it is best to keep it concise, to the point and relevant to why you are an asset to a residency program. In the end, if you find yourself wondering, is this too long? We have the answers for you!

How long should a Residency Personal Statement be?

We recommend that a strong Personal Statement should be around 600-750 words in length. This means it should be about one page of a document. However, do not get so caught up on the word count that you don’t organize your Residency Personal Statement properly. Highlight important experiences and characteristics that make you a good candidate. Be sure to address how they relate to the program/specialty you are applying to.

Remember, this is one of the most important parts of your application, so pick the information you include carefully. Whatever you do include you should give relevant details, what you learned from it and how it will help you grow in residency. The more you focus on these key points, the better your Personal Statement will be.

Can A Residency Personal Statement be over one page?

A common question candidates have is, what if my Personal Statement is more than one page? Will this hurt my chances at a residency placement? 

Generally, the answer is no. However, it is ideal to keep your Personal Statement as close to one page as possible. If you do go over one page in length, be sure that all of the information and experiences you include are helpful to your application. Reviewers will typically read past the one page as long as it is engaging and informative. 

If you are having a hard time writing your Residency Personal Statement, or would like assistance editing it to be as concise as possible, reach out to us today! Our experts are highly skilled at highlighting your skills and experiences to show you are a strong candidate. Call our support team at (858)-221-8590 or email support@residencystatement.com