Question 7 on the foundation application form asks:
‘Describe one of your non-academic achievements. Explain clearly why this was an achievement for you. What did you learn from this achievement and how will it influence your approach to patient care?’
The guidance indicates that your example must not be simply an experience.
So, what makes an example more than just an experience???
Make it SMART!
Specific - Be as specific as you can about the achievement you are describing. When was it, where was it, why did you set out to do it?
Measurable – For you to have recognised that your example was an achievement you must have been measuring it in some way. Was it the first time you had attempted something? Were you competing against a number of other people? Were you aiming to better a previous attainment? Were you trying to improve the efficiency of something in particular?
Action-based – An achievement requires the exertion of effort! What actions did you undertake and how can you demonstrate the effort they required? Again, quantifying your effort will help the scorer appreciate why this is an achievement for you.
Realistic – Achievements are usually the result of successfully attained goals. Describe the goal that you set for yourself and why you chose to aim for it. How did you know when you had reached your goal?
Timed - Indicating the length of time it took you to reach the achievement will again demonstrate to the scorer the significance of what you had to do.
‘What did you learn from this achievement and how will it influence your approach to patient care?’
If you think about your achievement using the SMART formula it will be easier for you to identify your learning outcomes and future influences on patient care.
Pride comes after an achievement!
As a final test of whether you example is really an achievement – does telling someone about it make you feel proud? You know, that warm feeling you get when you know you have really, well, achieved something!
Filed under: Foundation Programme Recruitment 2009, Foundation Training | Tagged: foundation application form, help, non-academic achievement, question 7, seven
