Text analysis of personal statements written in English by Japanese medical students

Abstract

Introduction: Personal statements are important documents in the admission and programme application processes, including international elective programmes, in medical education. However, writing these is challenging for international applicants not only because of their unfamiliarity with this genre but also their English academic writing skills. This study aims to explore the organisation and elaboration of text in personal statements written by Japanese medical students for international elective programme application. Methods: Drawing on genre analysis, the first draft of personal statements written by eight fifth-year medical students at a Japanese university were analysed. The text data were deductively classified into moves and steps, using Chiu’s framework of the personal statement genre. Results: In the introduction, Japanese medical students commonly described the context and issues of healthcare in Japan and the future goals for physicians. In the move of the relevant background, it was notable that six out of eight personal statements showed personality. Although a range of moves was covered when writing about the reasons for applying, only two students described their understanding of programmes and institutional attributes. In the move of conclusion, they focused more on writing their goals of future success and contribution to the course. Furthermore, no applicant expressed self-promotion and praise for academics, programmes, and institutions. Conclusion: The findings of this study can provide a springboard for the development of support for Japanese students’ academic writing in English in medical education across cultures.