Adversity prompt feedback - overcoming obesity vs bad grades vs sports injury

[helpconfusedpremed]

I'm stuck. Do I use the adversity essay to explain bad grades? I would prefer not to, because I cannot discuss the true circumstances of my bad grades 10 years ago (drinking problem), only discuss my growth in vague language, so it feels stupid.

Current list of topics:

• "Overcame myself and my terrible grades"
• I was bullied as a kid for being fat, became obese as an adult, dx prediabetic, made drastic changes, attained healthy body weight, it was really hard. I can relate to my patients who have problems with obesity
• Nasty sports injury when I started my postbac, multiple surgeries, chronic pain, financial stress, had to adapt to overcome, earned a 4.0 the semester of my second surgery

Appreciate any feedback.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Moko]

I'm stuck. Do I use the adversity essay to explain bad grades? I would prefer not to, because I cannot discuss the true circumstances of my bad grades 10 years ago (drinking problem), only discuss my growth in vague language, so it feels stupid.

Current list of topics:

• "Overcame myself and my terrible grades"
• I was bullied as a kid for being fat, became obese as an adult, dx prediabetic, made drastic changes, attained healthy body weight, it was really hard. I can relate to my patients who have problems with obesity
• Nasty sports injury when I started my postbac, multiple surgeries, chronic pain, financial stress, had to adapt to overcome, earned a 4.0 the semester of my second surgery

Appreciate any feedback.

These adversity prompts are not invitations to talk about bad grades. Your weight loss story is the most appropriate for this question. Just my thoughts

 

[helpconfusedpremed]

@Moko That's a relief to hear! I think I will use my weight loss experience as you mentioned. Thank you!

 

[M&L]

i think the weight loss experience is very inspiring! just be careful to not reflect "if i could do it, anyone can do it", be more like "i know how hard it is, so i will be more understanding", if you know what i mean?

 

[Goro]

I'm stuck. Do I use the adversity essay to explain bad grades? I would prefer not to, because I cannot discuss the true circumstances of my bad grades 10 years ago (drinking problem), only discuss my growth in vague language, so it feels stupid.

Current list of topics:

• "Overcame myself and my terrible grades"
• I was bullied as a kid for being fat, became obese as an adult, dx prediabetic, made drastic changes, attained healthy body weight, it was really hard. I can relate to my patients who have problems with obesity
• Nasty sports injury when I started my postbac, multiple surgeries, chronic pain, financial stress, had to adapt to overcome, earned a 4.0 the semester of my second surgery

Appreciate any feedback.

The first one is NOT to be used. It telegraphs to Adcoms that the writer has no life outside of academics.
#2 and #3 are great