Writing Center supports record number of residency applicants
As residency application season reached its peak in August and September, the NEOMED Writing Center saw a significant increase in student engagement. In just six weeks, the Writing Center participated in 271 student appointments, demonstrating the critical role writing support plays in preparing future physicians for the next stage of their careers.
Of those appointments, 221 of 271 (82%) were with M4 students as they finalized residency applications. Writing Center specialists Brook Wyers and Brian Harrell worked directly with 82 unique M4 students during this six-week period. Prior to August, they had already met with more than 90 additional unique M4 students, meaning the vast majority of the graduating class utilized Writing Center services at some point during the residency application process.
The residency personal statement remained the most requested service. During the six-week period alone, 155 appointments focused on personal statement development, revision and refinement. These sessions helped students craft compelling narratives that showcased their experiences, professional goals and readiness for residency training.
While much of the Writing Center's attention is currently focused on graduating students, there is an important lesson for the Class of 2028 and other students preparing for residency applications in the future: starting early matters.
M3 students are about to begin a series of important professional writing milestones, including:
- Curriculum vitae (CV) development and revision
- VSLO and away rotation applications
- Residency personal statement drafting
- ERAS application preparation
Students who begin these materials early often experience less stress and have more time to revise and strengthen their applications.
To help students remember key deadlines, the Writing Center encourages the Class of 2028 to follow two simple milestones:
CV = Valentine's Day
Submit your CV to the Writing Center by February 14. This provides ample time to develop a strong professional document before away rotation and residency application activities begin.
Personal Statement = Independence Day
Submit the first draft of your residency personal statement by early July. Beginning the process early allows for multiple rounds of feedback and revision before application season intensifies.
The Writing Center remains committed to supporting students throughout every stage of professional and academic writing. Whether developing a CV, preparing away rotation applications or crafting a personal statement, students who engage early are better positioned for success.
Remember: Valentine's Day for your CV and Independence Day for your personal statement. Starting early is one of the best investments you can make in your residency application.