ADD and Medical School

[dizzdizz]

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I was just curious if A.D.D. would have a negative effect on my future application. It is under control with proper medication and so far my grades are very good (3.7 overall GPA, 3.5-3.6 science GPA). I did not want to enroll in the special circumstances program at my university and I take great pride in earning my grades without extra help or time. Any input would be greatly appreciated in relation to how A.D.D. could be a factor (negative or positive) in my upcoming application cycle.

 

[Funky]

I was just curious if A.D.D. would have a negative effect on my future application. It is under control with proper medication and so far my grades are very good (3.7 overall GPA, 3.5-3.6 science GPA). I did not want to enroll in the special circumstances program at my university and I take great pride in earning my grades without extra help or time. Any input would be greatly appreciated in relation to how A.D.D. could be a factor (negative or positive) in my upcoming application cycle.

i read a book about ADD (because i thought i had it but it turns out i really dont) and the writer claimed that he had ADD and he's now an attending psychiatrist so i dont see why you won't be able to do well. In any case, good luck applying!

 

[SdCap]

edited.

 

[Ross434]

I was just curious if A.D.D. would have a negative effect on my future application. It is under control with proper medication and so far my grades are very good (3.7 overall GPA, 3.5-3.6 science GPA). I did not want to enroll in the special circumstances program at my university and I take great pride in earning my grades without extra help or time. Any input would be greatly appreciated in relation to how A.D.D. could be a factor (negative or positive) in my upcoming application cycle.

I wouldnt worry at all about it affecting your application cycle. If you mention it, i would bet overall net consequences would be neutral (some viewing it as negative and some as positive). If you dont mention it, it obviously wont matter at all. You should however, give at least some thought to how you're going to go about living with the disorder during med school. Depending on your situation in undergrad, med school may or may not be a lot more challenging - organization wise and concentration wise. Probably all that will be needed is to keep an eye open for new study strategies and or be ready to tweak meds or dosages if something doesnt work.

 

[Hamilcar]

Ok, just my opinion...

If I had A.D.D. and had it well under control, as you obviously do by your good grades, I wouldn't bring it up. I don't see that the reward is worth the risk.

At best, the person reviewing your file will continue to see you as a competitive applicant. At worst, the person may decide (falsely) that you might not be able to handle the classes, and the school, therefore, shouldn't take a risk on you. You might be able to spin it into "I overcame such and such obstacle," etc, but based on your post I'm guessing that's something you wouldn't want to do.

I'd avoid the low percentage play.

 

[Cancer Man]

Before I came to medical school, my ADD really didn't hinder me at all. In fact, it sort of helped me. I really wouldn't put it into your application. If your grades are good and the medication is taking care of it, it really isn't a problem.

I agree with what was said before. If you put it into your essay, some really uptight individual may view it as a potential problem.

 

[littlealex]

Just continue to medicate and don't let it become a problem in the future. Keep up the good grades.

 

[Tofutti27]

I left the fact that I am ADD completely off of my applications and have not mentioned it during any interviews. I agree that it probably does more to hurt you than help you.

My philosophy has been:
... if you have it under control than it is not an issue... if you don't than it just seems like an excuse. There is no need to bring it up at all - it's your personal business.

 

[nathanoa15]

I have ADD as well. I discussed this issue with a friend who was on a medical school selection committee. He told me NOT to bring it up! If they have any reason to doubt you, they will not let you in! I'm nervous about it, but I have researched how to survive when I start this summer and I think I can do it🙂. Hope that helps. I just wonder if I can get extended testing time for the COMLEX and if I take the USMLE for that too. I just don't know how time and a half on those would help much to make it like a 12 hour exam!

 

[Negrodamus]

I have ADD as well. I discussed this issue with a friend who was on a medical school selection committee. He told me NOT to bring it up! If they have any reason to doubt you, they will not let you in! I'm nervous about it, but I have researched how to survive when I start this summer and I think I can do it🙂. Hope that helps. I just wonder if I can get extended testing time for the COMLEX and if I take the USMLE for that too. I just don't know how time and a half on those would help much to make it like a 12 hour exam!

You can always ask for accommodation after you matriculate... just saying.

 

[nathanoa15]

Oh, I'm working on that now🙂. Starting KCOM in August. Sorry it took so long to respond. I never remember to check on here, lol.