Rethinking the personal statement in the AI era

Personal statements for medical school and residency are often viewed as authentic accounts of an applicant's fit and interest within a specific medical context. Yet these narratives remain an inconsistent predictor of academic performance, and generative artificial intelligence (AI) may undermine their authenticity. Now is the time for admissions committees to convene stakeholders and reassess the value and purpose of personal statements for both admissions and applicants. While some may be tempted to do away with personal statements entirely, these statements can provide meaningful opportunities for reflection and growth. This Scholarly Perspective recommends that programs focus on the humanity of the writing process by: (1) viewing the personal statement as a learning opportunity for the applicant, (2) fostering community and collaboration in the writing process, (3) crafting more specific prompts, and (4) intentionally incorporating interview questions referencing the applicant's statement. By doing so, personal statements can humanize the admissions process, even in an era of AI.