The Most Common ERAS Personal Statement Mistakes to Avoid

Your residency personal statement can be the most important part of your ERAS application. Here's what to avoid and how to strengthen your statement.

Formatting and Length for ERAS Personal Statement

Mistake 1: Uploading your statement without previewing

Many applicants write their personal statement in Word or Google Docs, then upload it directly to ERAS without previewing how it will appear. ERAS can distort your formatting, so always use plain formatting and preview your statement in ERAS to catch these issues early.

Mistake 2: Exceeding one page

Your ERAS personal statement should not exceed one page when uploaded to ERAS. If your draft spills over to a second page, revise for clarity and conciseness. An exception to this would be if you have to take time to explain a red flag in your application, but this should still only take you a paragraph onto the second page at the most. It's also okay to include a sentence or two added on to the end to personalize your statement for a specific program.

Content

Mistake 3: Using your medical school application essay as your rough draft

One of the most common missteps is writing your personal statement like a medical school application essay. Avoid spending too much time explaining why you chose medicine; focus instead on why you're choosing this specialty.

Mistake 4: Centering on childhood experiences

Childhood anecdotes can be powerful but not when they dominate your narrative. One short, relevant story is fine, but don’t let your early years overshadow who you became in medical school and who you will be as a resident.

Mistake 5: Leaving out why you chose your specialty

If you don’t mention your intended specialty explicitly, it’s a red flag. Generic personal statements are a missed opportunity to show your commitment and fit. And if you’re applying to multiple specialties, you must write a unique statement for each.

Mistake 6: Lacking specificity of the type of program you're looking for

Not all residency programs are the same. Let programs know what you're looking for (e.g., community-based vs. academic, strong emphasis on underserved care, robust research opportunities). Tailoring your goals to the program shows genuine interest.

Mistake 7: Using half of the statement to discuss a patient case

Using a patient story to illustrate your motivation is fine, but if it takes up most of your statement, you’re missing the point. The story should support your journey, not be the journey.

Mistake 8: Focusing on a mentor

It’s great to have influential mentors, but the personal statement isn’t the place to name-drop or devote a full paragraph to someone else’s accomplishments. That’s what letters of recommendation are for. Make sure the spotlight stays on your own growth and goals.

Mistake 9: Focusing on the past

Residency programs want to know how you see your future in the specialty. Be clear about your goals: do you see yourself as an academic clinician, a community physician, a global health leader?

Strategy

Mistake 10: Using the same statement for every program

If there are programs you're especially excited about, show it. Mentioning specific features or faculty (briefly and appropriately) can make your statement stand out.

Mistake 11: Using AI to write your draft

It’s tempting to use AI to draft or rewrite your personal statement, but residency program directors can often spot generic or over-polished writing. You may be able to ask AI to suggest what ideas to expand on or what ideas to choose, but you don't want AI to do any of the writing or editing.

Your personal statement is a unique chance to convey your passion, direction, and fit for a specialty. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll create a compelling narrative that elevates the rest of your application.

For more tips, listen to the full episode here.

Need help editing your personal statement? I have years of experience working with ERAS applicants as a professional editor. As a resident, I also have recent experience going through the process myself. Check out my one-on-one editing services here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Residency Personal Statements

1. Should I address any gaps or red flags in my personal statement for residency?

If you have a gap in your education, low board scores, or another red flag, the personal statement can be a good place to briefly and honestly address it while sharing how you've grown or what you've learned from the experience. Keep it concise and avoid sounding defensive.

2. How early should I start writing my personal statement for residency?

It's best to begin brainstorming 3–4 months before ERAS opens. That gives you enough time to revise, gather feedback, and make specialty-specific versions without the rush of getting letters of recommendations and the rest of your application in.

3. Who should I ask to review my personal statement for residency?

You could ask a peer or mentor but may want to seek professional help, preferably from a professional editor who is familiar with ERAS. Check out the services I have here!