How can I make my personal statement stand out for a medical school application?

Trying to convince a member of the admissions team that you deserve a place on their course in roughly 500 words can be pretty challenging, but there's a few ways to differentiate yourself from other applicants which admission officers often look out for. First and foremost, it is essential to always be honest and truthful in your personal statement. Admission officers can often pick up even small lies, and can ask you questions on this during an interview. Having said this, the personal statement is your chance to "sell" yourself to the university and so you should aim to speak about yourself in a positive light, ensuring you don't mention any large weaknesses. It is also important to understand that medicine is a long and demanding degree. Although this may seem obvious, admission team members are looking for evidence that you are prepared to put the effort in into becoming a doctor and are also able to handle situations under pressure. The best way to show this is through the reflection of past experiences you've had demonstrating these qualities. These can include anything from work experience to positions of responsibility at school. Finally, I would advise that you try and relate your experiences mentioned in your statement to how this would help you study medicine and be a successful doctor. For example, volunteering in a charity can speak to your empathy and teamwork skills, whilst reading articles in scientific journals demonstrates your interest in the field you wish to pursue.