Call or text me directly
Welcome to Berry Personal Statements
But wait...we've moved!
Thanks for finding this site. While all of the information on the site is currently valid, I'm no longer actively monitoring the email that this site may direct you to! But don't worry, I'm still offering help with personal statements and more :) Going forward, we're moving to a new group called Beyond Personal Statements. Same great personal statement editing, now with more help from board certified PA-C's! We're moving beyond personal statements and helping with supplementals, mock interviews, and more!
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If you're interested in getting help with your personal statement, reach out to me at (484) 707-1534 directly with either a phone call or a text message. Eventually, I'll have a new site with a full listing of services. Stay tuned!
A Bit About Me
At the University of Pittsburgh, I majored in Chemical Engineering! I hated the common stereotype that engineers were inherently bad writers. In response, I obtained a certificate in Public and Professional Writing. I actually took more writing classes than math classes as an engineering student! In addition, I have had a wide variety of jobs in the past from tutoring to being a tour guide, so I've always had a passion for communication and mentoring. I started this after helping my fiancee apply to PA school - which she got accepted to! I was shocked at how expensive it was to get quality writing feedback, and I knew that I could help. Writing shouldn't be what stops a strong applicant from getting into graduate school, so let me help you make your personal statement 'Berry' personal!
The Five Focuses
How can we make your statement personal? It all begins with the five focuses.
Syntax/Style: These are the small stroke words you write and the connotations/definitions they carry. Word choice, professional grammar, sentence structure and rhythm, concise language, and character count minimums/maximums.
Content/Experiences: This is where you demonstrate what steps you've taken to pursue your grad program of choice. The evidence to your statement. What experiences, jobs, life events, etc. led you to believe this is the right choice for you? How can you avoid restating your resume? How can you show, and not tell?
Structure/Organization: This is where we focus on effective, broad stroke communication. Can you catch and keep the reader's focus? How do you create a narrative structure without writing a novel? Is there a zoomed out structure to your statement? Does each topic naturally lead and thread into the next? What is the best way to communicate all your separate ideas without confusing the reader?
Mission/Theme: This is where you prove to the reader that your personal goals and aspirations align with the roles and responsibilities of your career choice. It shows what you personally value in life. What is your personal mission statement? What beliefs do you hold dear that set you apart? What are the mission statements of your schools, and how can we show that yours align? Is there a message you want the reader to walk away with? About society? About the healthcare system? About yourself?
YOU = Syntax + Content + Structure + Mission
"When I applied to physician assistant school, I did not where to start with my personal statement. Family and friends gave me pointers here and there, but then I got into contact with Kevin. He helped turn my essay into a snapshot of who I was, not just a reiteration of my resume. For a first time applicant, I applied to 9 schools and received 7 interviews! Kevin was extremely knowledgeable about writing and also the graduate school application process. I would recommend him to anyone who wants a competitive edge."
- u/hanginwithbats, PA-S, Arcadia University Class of 2022
Let's Get in Touch!
Contact me to see how my services can help!
Call or text me directly! And check in for our new website coming soon.
(484) 707-1534
