Advice/Reader for PS dealing with family terminal illness

[keanureaves]

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Hello all,

Long-time lurker, relatively new poster. I have been working on my PS for a few months now for this years' application cycle (not all writing, more time compiling ideas, letting topics mull over). One of the main themes I have involves a parent who was diagnosed with a terminal illness. This obviously had a multifaceted effect on my life considering the amount of time split between home and school (which was ~3 hours away). I'll not dive too deep into the details to avoid keeping personal information off public channels. Anyway, I am looking for advice mostly from others who may have been in similar situations or readers for some edits, grammatical, content, or both. I have had a couple people read over the essay but none with similar experiences so I would like to ensure the narrative remains related to the "Why medicine?" for me and not just a narrative of my experience/my loved one's experience.

For what it's worth, mixed-race URM, MCAT average for matriculants within my demographic, and GPA below matriculant demographic average. Applying to both DO and MD schools, no significantly in-state biased state schools. Edit: Self-selected for programs that are realistic with someone with my stats and experience, felt I should add this as well.

Thanks!

 

[deleted972488]

It’s not the same thing, but I wrote about my own illness. I’d be willing to take a look.

 

[Moko]

You are correct in stating that the narrative should ultimately remain "Why medicine". In cases where family members are diagnosed with terminal diseases, our own experiences with the healthcare system often inspire or strengthen one's desire to pursue medicine. I usually recommend folks err on the side of being matter of fact to avoid giving reviewers' the impression that their heart strings are being pulled for 'points'.