Mastering Medical School Essays: A Version-Controlled Approach

woman writing on her notebook

Hello there, future doctors!

Today, we’re going to dive into the world of medical school essays. But we’re not just going to talk about what to write. We’re going to discuss how to manage your drafts effectively, get feedback from multiple sources, and still stay true to your unique voice. Sounds like a lot? Don’t worry. We’ve got a system in place – one that’s as efficient as software versioning.

First things first, let’s talk about the essays. You’ll be writing different types for primaries and secondaries. Each one is a unique opportunity to showcase your skills, experiences, and passion for medicine. But with so many essays and so much feedback, things can get a little chaotic. That’s where our version-controlled approach comes in.

Think of each draft as a software version. You start with 1.0, your first draft. You send it off to an editor, and they send back some feedback. You incorporate the changes you agree with, and voila, you have version 1.1. This system allows you to keep track of changes, remember what feedback you want to incorporate, and send different versions to multiple editors.

The beauty of this system is that it puts you in control. You’re the project manager of your essays, overseeing a vast network of support without getting lost or pulled in too many creative directions. You decide what changes to make, and you can always revert to an earlier version if you need to.

Now, let’s make this process a little more fun. Why not turn your essay drafting into a game? Challenge yourself to get from version 1.0 to 2.0 in a week, or see how many versions you can get through in a month. Remember, each version is a step closer to your perfect essay. I was on 1.25 for my Personal Statement by the time I submitted my primary, and that was after abandoning version 2.3 :).

To help you visualize this process, we recommend using Google Docs. It’s free, easy to use, and perfect for managing different versions of your essays. Plus, you can easily share your drafts with editors and track changes in real-time.

Remember, drafting your medical school essays is not just about writing. It’s about managing your drafts, getting feedback, and staying true to your unique voice. So why not give our version-controlled approach a try? You might just find that it makes the whole process a lot more manageable – and maybe even a little fun.