Who is willing to help edit Essays & P.S. and who needs help?

[future_doc]

As P.S./Essay writing is in bloom, I thought it would be a good idea for us to have one spot where the helpers and those in need can let the forum know of their willingness and need - regardless of which particular med school may be involved.

 

So, please guys and gals, leave your names and willingness/needs in this thread.

 

MMI Package:

mphem downloaded the Interview Package to these links:

 

http://rapidshare.com/files/350776493/Interview_Package.zip

http://www.mediafire.com/?j2m5gomy3kq

[Normand]

Just a general rule of thumb, I don't think it's a good idea to ask someone to help you with your Essays/P.S. if you only know him/her from the internet. But if you're in Montreal, you can call me up and we can talk about your essay over a cup of tea or coffee.

[future_doc]

xi88, a Dal med student, has graciously agreed to review Dal Essay for submission

 

Moreover, we are prepared to work together whereby, I can do initial editing and then xi88 will do a further review, having already jumped over this hurdle successfully.

 

Keep them comin' and we are availlabe by PM.

[oto]

Just a general rule of thumb, I don't think it's a good idea to ask someone to help you with your Essays/P.S. if you only know him/her from the internet. But if you're in Montreal, you can call me up and we can talk about your essay over a cup of tea or coffee.

 

What if you're a serial killer or a rapist? hah. probably not.. but I don't think it's a good idea to meet up with unknown people over the internet.

[estairella]

What if you're a serial killer or a rapist? hah. probably not.. but I don't think it's a good idea to meet up with unknown people over the internet.

 

I've 'met people online' all the time... because I buy things on Craigslist.. I'm still alive.

 

I'd be happy to meet with anyone in downtown Toronto to go over their essay and application. If I can't meet you locally, don't bother because I don't want to be overwhelmed by PMs.

[future_doc]

I don't want to be overwhelmed by PMs.

 

Send me your overload.

[Renoir]

I've 'met people online' all the time... because I buy things on Craigslist.. I'm still alive.

 

So you're saying that you're the killer in this case, and THEY are the strippers??

[future_doc]

No, no - the kiillers from Craiglist then kill themselves.

[future_doc]

In addition to the other names given elsewhere, please note that kylamonkey has also kindly consented to read and make editing suggestions to your 1,500 word Dal essay. It is somewhat of an arduous task as being so long, it can take up to 2 hours to do an editing job. Good luck guys!

 

I assume the offer is good for the U/T Essay too.

[future_doc]

From another thread, I posted:

 

Create a theme that represents what you want to say. The theme becomes the frame for the portrait, it keeps the essay and what you say in perspective.

 

It is like preparing a delicious meal for important guests without a recipe. You are on your own and need to use your gut and best judgment. It is best if your P.S. has a theme and your stories will continue with this thread until your summary and conclusion. Better to give fewer experiences with more depth showing who you are than more experiences with less depth. You story should capture the attention of the reader so that he/she will want to meet you.

 

Don't use any of the laundry list of self-serving attributes they are looking for. These should just jump off the pages from your description. And don't be so tight with words so that it does not read well, better to leave out a sentence and have the essay flow.

 

Structure, organization and flow are very important. There should be a thread in all you do that is related to your theme. Bring it all together in a summary and then a powerful conclusion is helpful. Every sentence is effectively structured for part of the paragraph, and each paragraph is linked to the other.

 

Theme

Structure

Flow

Maintain Interest

Every part connected/flows into next

Selected stories each s/b complete

No clipped words

No laundry list of traits they are seeking

Stories make your attributes jump off the page

Return to theme before Exec Summary

Compelling Conclusion

 

Name of Game:

Make reader want to meet you

Maintain reader's interest throughout

Have something compelling to say

[anna8]

Thanks future doc! I'm actually just about to start working on my essay, and it seems so overwhelming just to start it! I haven't started yet I feel like I'm already drawing on a blank! Thanks for the suggestions!

[future_doc]

Just start writing and worry later about redrafts, changes, etc. Often, numerous drafts are required and this can be an arduous and longer process than you imagine. Focus on who you are, how you got to where you are, what interesting, memorable happened to you along the way. Do any experiences stand out with respect to your growth and development. Why have you chosen medicine and how do your academic studies play into this? What is unique about you that makes you stand out when compared to other potential candidates?

[future_doc]

We provide even better service and for free.

 

We don't need commercial providers who wish to take the money of our members.

[YorkMan]

future_doc, I remember a few weeks ago you blasted some people who came onto this site in order to 'advertise' their application-review service, telling them that unless they list their credentials, they are of no use. So I ask you, what are your credentials? Did you get into UofT, Dalhousie, or any other medical school requiring an essay component?

 

I understand that you are offering your help for free, but I still think it would be in our best interest if you were transparent with your application success. I also think that you would agree if it were someone else doing the same.

[p3t3r1]

Thanks, future-doc. your work here is much appreciated

________

Medical Cannabis Seeds

[future_doc]

Thank you p3t3r1, very much appreciated.

 

I joined this forum as a newbie slightly more than 20 months ago. I knew absolutely nothing about the application process, Essays, etc. I have gone through quite a learning curve since joining. Members have kindly shared their advice on the public forum and by PM. I am still leanring. However, as others have given me their advice, I do the same in public and by PM. My advice may not be the best, but I share my views honestly to the best of my ability; some would claim over zealously and sobeit. We are all works in progress and we all will improve over time, this includes me.

 

There are so many wonderful, sharing members of this forum. The non-posting silent majority should come forth and share their views with the rest of us.

 

 

I have been asked “what are your credentials?” and to be transparent.

 

I have no credentials whatsoever nor have I ever pretended to have any. I am just a member of this forum, like any other, who for two consecutive application cycles has been helping members with their Essays to Canadian and US medical schools (and with respect to other aspects of their applications). And as of today I have never submitted an Essay to U/T or any other medical school. I am transparent.

 

I understand that at least one member of this forum will never come to me for assistance to advance his interests as an applicant to a Canadian or American school. I agree that he has no reason to trust me and I agree that it would be in our mutual best interests that he not ask me nor I agree to review his draft Essay whenever he may be in a position to submit his applications to Canadian or American medical schools.

 

On the other hand, very recent references relating to the Dal Essay include:

 

Howdy!

 

I'll vouch for personal essay readers on this site!

 

It's great to have an objective third, fouRTH, FIFTH EYE (eyes?) ON YOUR ESSAYS!!!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks to everyone that helped me with mine!

 

Otto

 

I agree 100% received some great help from future_doc on my essay, would recommend everyone to do the same!

 

I'll also vouch for future_doc for essay review. Got some great feedback and the turnaround time was super quick - I'm talking within an hour and a half !.

 

Got some interesting and helpful suggestions from future_doc

 

I'm also willing to read some personal statements too and I'll share my thoughts on what I think about it. send as a pm.

 

small advice to writers: make sure what you write is about you. After reading and re-reading my own work when I first brainstormed and started writing this, it tended to not be about myself. In other words, make it personal.

 

I'd like to thank future_doc for the great review and advice on my essay! If there is anyone else who would like a review of their essays, I'd be glad to have a look over for style, structure, etc;

 

I can vouch for future_doc as well. I was provided with quick (literally in a couple of hours) revisions and rewordings and also some excellent advice for clarity and improvements. This has really helped me in developing the essay.

 

I'll also vouch for future_doc for all the help she gave me with my essay! Really really helpful! xi88, doc2b, and terryann were all very helpful as well thanks guys!

I agree with the posts above. Future_Doc was extremely helpful. Thank you so much!

 

Here is a reference from just one of many successful applicants relating to last year application cycle:

 

Gosh...if all who were helped by future_doc would post...we would be amazed at how much she has contributed to others success....go future_doc

 

Future_doc helped me SO MUCH during the application process..grateful to her. She is a very giving individual who gives 100% to individuals who ask for help...as well, she is always willing to help others without asking for anything in return....

 

 

Additional references relating to U/T and other med schools are confidentially available to serious longterm members seeking help, on a case by case basis, if required. Also, other helpful resources are shared by PM to members on a case by case basis.

 

NOTE: The author of the Essay/Personal Statement takes total personal responsibility for his/her submission to each medical school. All any person reading the draft can do is to give an objective, critical analysis and suggestions regarding potential changes of wording in an attempt to improve and clarify the thoughts of the author. The author needs to evaluate and take with a grain of salt all recommendations from any source and is well advised to seek suggestions from more than one independent source before taking the decision of the final wording of the Essay/Personal Statement.

 

The author is well advised to go with his/her gut feeling and must be happy with the final product that reflects his/her experiences in his/her own words.

 

No third party can pretend to know what any other person should do and can only make suggestions for consideration based upon incomplete information. As always, the ultimate decision rests solely with the applicant!

 

I repeat that I have no credentials whatsoever nor have I ever pretended to have any. I am judged by those whom I have helped and the references included here, being a small sampling, speak for themselves. To the best of my knowledge and belief, I have helped every member who asked, and I have never received the slightest criticism of my efforts. I understand absolutely why anybody would not want to request my assistance.

 

 

I have reviewed well over 50 Essays/Personal Statements and on a read, I give my feedback for what it is worth whether it is structured and organized well, if there is a theme and whether it carries throughout the essay, if the Essay flows, if there is needless fluff or the author it too verbose, if the author has used too many adjectives to describe his/her favourable traits and does not rely upon the experiences speaking for themselves, if the Essay is a compelling read to me, if the author has given the reader a sense of who he/she is on the planet, if the author particularly stands out compared to other applicants whose Essays I have read, if the author has left me hanging in any particular story, if there is summary and conclusion, if the author has covered all the bases as per instructions of the basic requirements and whether or not I would want to meet the applicant based upon my reading. I give my feedback accordingly, stressing any weaknesses that I consider exist, and in the normal process, the applicant will seek the opinions of many individuals.

 

For the Dal Essay, a read allowing me to make meaningful commentary takes about 2 hours and for U/T, it takes less time.

 

I do seem to have a knack for reviewing essays and making good suggestions based upon the feedback and thanks received by PM from countless members last cycle and currently. Of the applicants who came to me for advice last application cycle, over 95% gained acceptance into med school. It is, therefore, clear that I did them no harm. I do not claim that any of these members required my assistance or that my assistance made the difference; I only claim to have been one tiny cog of their massive support system to attain their ultimate goal. I very much doubt that those who charge fees can come close to a 95% record, probably b/c their clients are desperate applicants who are not excellent candidates to begin with.

 

I believe that anybody with the slightest doubt concerning whether I am trustworthy or have abilities to help with applications should avoid contacting me. I am not looking for business and I don't need the extra workload. There are so many others out there who are willing and able to review Essays. And I will not knowingly agree to give advice to anybody whom I believe does not trust me or whom I believe does not come to me in good faith. Moreover, it is essential, in this important process, to consult first those whose judgment you trust most, be they family, academics, physicians, friends or other contacts. Strangers like myself should be incidental, a mere footnote, to your application.

 

I always recommend that the next draft be shown to at least one member who is presently a student of the med school to which the application is being made. I have never received a copy of the final draft that has been submitted, nor is it any of my business. What I do is confidential. Routinely, I delete all PM exchanges with the member and any word document that I have created as my working document. To reread an Essay after completing my assignment is ethically and intellectually dishonest as this could only have an improper effect upon my comments relating to other Essays. I forget everything about any given applicant and Essay within hours; and this is the way it must be.

 

There are numerous members of this forum who freely give of their time and advice, doing an excellent job to help others. In particular, Lactic Folly has devoted very considerable time and effort with me, mentoring me in detail in all aspects of successful Essay writing. I am paying forward the kindness that Lactic Folly and others have shown to me in the hope that others who receive help from members will also pay forward giving help, thereby abiding by the self-help, primary purpose of this great forum.

 

Paying any third party for this service should only be considered in desperation as an extreme measure, as a very last resort.

 

 

ADDENDUM:

Since this post, it seems that YorkMan has come after me again in mattg's dot " . " thread and I have just given a very detailed reply to Yorkman in that thread, wherein I review in detail YorkMan's hidtory of posts and threads, so that the memberrship may be aware of his contribution or otherwise to this forum. Although he claims to be annoyed by my posts, and will not use the "ignore" function so that he may eliminate my posts from his viewing, he insists upon reading my posts. Have a peek over there.

[future_doc]

NewfieMike has already reviewed some Essays this cycle and is willing to review others!

 

And kylamonkey is also ready asnd willing to review/edit Essays.

[KennethToronto]

Here's a novel idea to all those applicants: write your essay, put a lot of thought into it, then find a few people you trust who will be objective and ask them to rip it apart.

 

Better yet, find a medical student, resident, physician to go over it, as long as it's someone you know.

 

As a last resort, send it off to random people on the forum. But there's no guarantee you won't get burned. I have nothing constructive to add about these fee-for-service medical essay consultants other than I don't believe it's "right", although I do applaud their entrepreneurship

 

Just keep in mind they don't have any magic secrets on making your essay magically awesome - so don't fall into the trap of feeling like you "need" a medical student to go over it.

[kylamonkey]

The essays I have been reviewing, I AM "ripping them apart". Just ask them.

 

It's probably better to have someone you don't know, for 2 reasons:

1/I have no idea who they are, and neither does the adcom (probably- aren't most applications blind?). I asked one person today how old tey were- I had no idea.

2/I don't have to worry about being their classmate or friend after I tear them to shreds.

 

That's just my opinion.

[future_doc]

The opposing view is based upon "trust", i.e., who do you trust? who can you trust? is it wise to trust an anonymous stranger who may have an ulterior motive to rip you off? is it worth jeopardizing your appplication by trusting a total stranger whom you don't know?

 

I understand absolutely where he is comin' from. And it does take a leap of faith to trust another whom you don't really know. So, he made his point well and each person applying will make their own decision.

[medguy5367]

Are you guys really comfortable sharing essays/P.S. like this? Especially in the cut-throat world of premeds?

 

I am not accusing anyone of anything, I'm just saying... What if you put a lot of effort into the structure of your essay and someone else just steals the whole structure?

[future_doc]

medguy, anything is possible and everybody should remain within their comfort zone.

[kylamonkey]

Are you guys really comfortable sharing essays/P.S. like this? Especially in the cut-throat world of premeds?

 

I am not accusing anyone of anything, I'm just saying... What if you put a lot of effort into the structure of your essay and someone else just steals the whole structure?

 

Why on earth would I do that?

 

My background is vastly different than that of pretty much anyone else on this forum, and there's pretty much no way I can steal their material. I really don't have anything to gain from helping others, I just want to do it. It's kind of fun, actually.

 

Besides, really, it's not like there's fancy structuring going on here. Stick with your tried-tested-and-true structure to avoid confusing the reader. Make it hard to read and you're going to lose them.

 

If people don't want to trust me, then that's OK too.

[future_doc]

If people don't want to trust me, then that's OK too.

 

Agreed.

 

Each person makes choices in life with which they are comfortable.

 

Every member has autonomy. Nobody tells them what to do.

[future_doc]

Well, I guess you guys took the suggestion of KennethToronto (thank you) to use the last resort in combo with your other critics, and the Essays have been flowing in steadily, with a quick turnaround time as always.

 

Although as KennethToronto says "there's no guarnatee you won't be burned", it certainly has never happened under my watch last year or this cycle. The members who come to me have either been referred or have checked out my posts before approaching me. In any event, I and others are pleased to help out.