For Applying to Dental Schools - Personal Statement Example

Dentistry gives golden opportunity to explore and unfold the art and craft of oral care. This fabulous and fascinating dentistry attracted me in the childhood itself when my grandmother took me to a dentist. An extraordinary caring yet adventurous attitude to help people excited me and from that time dentist became my role model. Moving into an America from South Korea at an early age brought important transformation in my life due to diverse challenges including financial crisis. My parents and myself had to work to sustain our lives in America. In undergraduate study, I could not distinguish myself academically because of failure to balance life between a full-time student and worker. However, these difficulties awaked my potential for enhancing academic and practical credentials, and provided the opportunity to become a resolute, goal-oriented person. I realized the importance of ‘strict to oneself’ what my parents have taught me. The improvement of my academic records and development of dental skills became the priority. Since then, there has been a significant and steady upward trend to my grades with achieving above 3.5 GPA in the following four consecutive semesters in The Dean’s list. This is more reflective of my academic potential than the previously earned grades. I also started working for thirty hours a week at the pediatric dental office as a dental assistant. I trained myself with various dental skills in taking impression, X-ray, prophylaxis, suction, and so on. For small children, I often kneed right next to the dentist and held the patient’s head to prevent from its movement. It was an exceptional experience for me because I observed dentist clearly in every phase of his activities, from his initial consultations with patients to the various treatments themselves, for instance, root-canal, pulpotomy, and perpectomy. I saw his interactions with patients and how to deal with their fears and concerns. I was impressed with the intricacy and meticulous procedures, the need for precision when working in small spaces, the technicalities, challenges, and need for patience. For two years I found myself becoming more indulged in dentistry and excelled at a task if self motivated. My exposure to this practice provided me with a sense of fulfillment, a motivation to gain more knowledge in dentistry, and most significantly determination what I want to do for rest of my life. I want to enroll the military dental program when I become a dental student because I have always longed for a life that is self-disciplined, perseverated, and strict. Training in Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do allowed me to develop patience, resolution, and a clear mind in addition to physical strength, endurance and agility. I have participated in several sparring tournaments to control fear and anger. With my black belts for both martial arts (1st degree-certification) I had also served as an instructor for young kids which helped me to become more focused with leadership attitude. I feel serving as a military dentist would be the fastest way to make my dream come true. I could be localized at the various places that are in needs, to utilize my dental skills, for a sense of fulfillment. As of the 4th trial applying to dental schools since 2006, I keep trying to become a dentist inspite of several failures. I have made failures as stepping stone in my life to inculcate the desired skills and right attitude to achieve the dream. I have survived up to this far because of genuineness and, I believe spontaneously created, strong faith and belief are going to result in sweetest fruit. Then, my entire endeavor throughout this journey will be precious when I become a dentist. My aspiration at this moment is full of resoluteness and steadiness. I have become a candidate who your school looks forward to meeting than previous years because of perseverance attitude. I am confident that I will survive not only in the first semester of your esteemed dental school, but also all the consecutive semesters. Over the years I have developed myself in countless ways in terms of result oriented hardworking, socially responsible, persistent and focused personality. Being the eldest one in Asian family I hold a lot of responsibility. I have realized that the individual patient’s oral care, creativity as well as comfort, are the fundamental parts which are utmost important for dental education and professional practice. Given a chance I would able to fulfill, preserve and cherish the desire to contribute positively towards society and nurture the smile. Your querries are answered in changed font color and they are self explanatory. 1. it seems a little bit awkward that all of sudden the dentist became my role model. In addition to that its too generic I guess. It doesnt tell me why dentistry is fabulous and fascinating to consider to be my dream. I have mentioned two things in the first paragraph about the dentistry and what excited me: Dentistry is a branch of biology which gives golden opportunity to explore and unfold the art and craft of oral care. An extraordinary caring yet adventurous attitude to help people excited me and from that time dentist became my role model. 2. The beginning of 2nd paragraph doesnt seem appropriate with other contents. One sentence with what my parents wanted me to become doesnt cooperate with any other sentences. Beginning is changed. I realized the importance of ‘strict to oneself’ what my parents have taught me. 3. Most of 2nd and 3rd paragraphs you have kept my sentences which means you couldnt find any better articulations? I have changed many sentences wherever they are required. 4. Is this a correct sentence? "It was fun and enjoyable experience to develop your self." at 2nd paragraph after I mentioned I worked 30hours a week. Indeed it is a correct sentence since it focuses on your hard work which you were enjoying because you were in the process of developing 5.The last sentence with conclusion, doesnt seem appropriate to my essay. I would rather close with coordinating every main points in each paragraph somehow. I really want to appeal that I am a strong candidate (not to be an arrogant). I understand the sentences are not articulated to show your arrogance in anyway. But it emphasizes on ur confident personality. I have added “Over the years I have developed myself in countless ways in terms of result oriented hardworking, socially responsible, positive, persistent and focused personality”. This is I feel is sufficient as conclusion. These are my personal opinions and you might think differently. Please disregard if you think something in the essay doesnt look good. Read More