Applying URM, Whats stopping me?

[surfstarj]

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Members don't see this ad.

on what grounds do they have to be angry though?

The grounds of the OP being ridiculous, just like every other person who has objected to what he's trying to do.

 

[Ian1223]

Just keep telling yourself that, my friend. You've got bigger problems than getting into med school it seems.

Why are you being such a racist?

Why wont you accept my decision to identify myself as I see fit?

 

[paranoid_eyes]

The grounds of the OP being ridiculous, just like every other person who has objected to what he's trying to do.

I guess it's just funny that the URM's are trying to defend their turf so vigorously, whereas if someone who is chinese checks the "caucasian" box, no one would even care...

for the record, i am pro-AA (im also asian btw)

 

[surfstarj]

Why are you being such a racist?

Why wont you accept my decision to identify myself as I see fit?

How am I being racist? YOU said you do not consider yourself to be Hispanic. Ethnicity isn't an outfit you just put on one day...sorry.

 

[Depakote]

I should be able to choose to identify with being hispanic if I want, and you're exaggerating my words.

AMCAS can't have been the first time you have been asked to racially self-identify. What did you list every other time? Are you choosing this identification now b/c it suits you or b/c it is how you've always seen yourself?

You may feel attacked, but you need to understand you will be heavily scrutinized during the application process. If you make this decision and it does not come across as genuine it will be the end of your application regardless of how strong the rest of your file is.

 

[Ian1223]

If you have had a tough time building up your stats to med school level because of circumstances beyond your control, then that needs to be taken into consideration.

But just because your skin is a different color or you look different? I dont think so.

This is med school applications, and I need all the help I can get, and if that means changing my self-image to coincide with something med schools find more palatable then there is no reason I shouldnt.

 

[luckycharms08]

I deserve the right to subscribe to whatever ethnicity I see fit and the right to be considered as such by adcoms. The two are mutually exclusive.

what world do you live in? ethnicity is not a religion, you can't convert to whatever you see fit. it's who you are, it's what's in your blood. you might think you can identify with the lives of minorities and the underserved. great. congratulations. but ARE you a minority. are you underserved. the answer is just no. The truth of the matter is that AMCAS isn't asking you if you can relate to XYZ community, it's asking if you are an ethnic member of one. And you're not. You marking down something falsely would show that you have questionable integrity and ethics is something every medical school strongly values. I think you're gonna get burned with this one.

I have a friend who has three generations of South African blood in her. But she is completely white, blond hair and blue eyes. So she doesn't mark "black" just to get a leg up, even though, she is actually African.

The system isn't perfect. But it is what it is. You have the choice of either accepting that and playing by the rules or trying to manipulate it to serve your own ends. But ask yourself, when you go to a physician, which kind of person do you hope he is?

 

[luckycharms08]

If you have had a tough time building up your stats to med school level because of circumstances beyond your control, then that needs to be taken into consideration.

That's what personal statements are for. That's what letters of recommendations are for. That's what secondary essays are for.

Shockingly, there is a way to have these things be taken into consideration without lying!



.. and also, you're not the only person applying to medical school. Let's say we all feel the same way as you do, and think we should mark down whichever ethnicity would "help us" the most. Then everyone would be "black", "hispanic", or "native american", and the actual underrepresented minorities would not be able to be distinguished from those who *think* they can relate.

 

[AllAboutUCSF]

I can't believe people are taking this seriously...

As someone pointed out he's just venting at URMs because he hasn't gotten into medical school yet. I bet the Drexel adcom would love to see this thread too; it says a lot about his character and failure to accept personal responsibility.

 

[Ian1223]

ethnicity is not a religion, you can't convert to whatever you see fit. it's who you are, it's what's in your blood.

Thats completely not true, ethnicity is whatever you decide it is for you, nothing more, nothing less.

 

[surfstarj]

If you have had a tough time building up your stats to med school level because of circumstances beyond your control, then that needs to be taken into consideration.

But just because your skin is a different color or you look different? I dont think so.

That is what "DISADVANTAGED" is for...they even give you a short essay to explain exactly what those circumstances were. If you are incapable of UNDERSTANDING and properly UTILIZING the application service for medical school, how the hell are you going to handle actually being in med school?

 

[Ian1223]

I can't believe people are taking this seriously...

As someone pointed out he's just venting at URMs because he hasn't gotten into medical school yet. I bet the Drexel adcom would love to see this thread too; it says a lot about his character and failure to accept personal responsibility.

Its the beauty of anonymity.

 

[surfstarj]

Let me reiterate in case I was unclear...

Lying = rejection =

 

[Ian1223]

That is what "DISADVANTAGED" is for...they even give you a short essay to explain exactly what those circumstances were. If you are incapable of UNDERSTANDING and properly UTILIZING the application service for medical school, how the hell are you going to handle actually being in med school?

Im saying disadvantaged status needs to be taken into consideration but having URM is ridiculous. But as long as its there...

 

[surfstarj]

Its the beauty of anonymity.

You're not that anonymous...you have a direct link to your mdapps with very specific ECs. I bet someone at Drexel has already seen it given how long this thread has been at the top of Page 1.

 

[surfstarj]

Im saying disadvantaged status needs to be taken into consideration but having URM is ridiculous. But as long as its there...

...you might as well use it to completely sabotage your application!!!

 

[Ian1223]

How am I lying if the burden of proof lies within myself.

AMCAS says: self-identify

 

[Cherrypoopers]

Could a moderator close this thread?

 

[surfstarj]

Could a moderator close this thread?

Yeah, but not until we're sure that someone from Drexel sees it...

 

[Ian1223]

You're not that anonymous...you have a direct link to your mdapps with very specific ECs. I bet someone at Drexel has already seen it given how long this thread has been at the top of Page 1.

Either way if it isnt, all Ive done here is questioned my ethnicity and brought up a discussion over how its inappropriate for minorities to be given special consideration when disadvantaged status covers the ground completely without discriminating based on race.

 

[surfstarj]

Either way if it isnt, all Ive done here is questioned my ethnicity and brought up a discussion over how its inappropriate for minorities to be given special consideration when disadvantaged status covers the ground completely without discriminating based on race.

You could have had that discussion without bringing up your urge to outright lie to adcoms to manipulate the sytsem in your favor. Don't be daft.

 

[AllAboutUCSF]

Either way if it isnt, all Ive done here is questioned my ethnicity and brought up a discussion over how its inappropriate for minorities to be given special consideration when disadvantaged status covers the ground completely without discriminating based on race.

You are so wrong. Both ethnicity and disadvantaged status can be considered. We need affirmative action today to correct the injustices of the past. In case you are wondering I'm white and have no acceptances yet but I am not making excuses or looking to blame other people.

 

[scowdeva]

I don't think anyone on here is angry. I know I certainly am not. I guess if the OP wants to say he's a hippopotamus, he can. No one is stopping him. And I can also understand where he's coming from, with that you should be able to identify with the race that you want (urban white kid that thinks he's black, etc). However, adcoms will not agree. They will see it as dishonesty, which can only hurt an applicant. If the OP truly grew up with strong hispanic roots, and feels like it is a major part of who he is, then I would be more than supportive of it. However, that doesn't mean I think he will be successful with the attempt to convince adcoms that he is what they anticipate to check off the hispanic box.

I don't think that you should have to look or act a certain way to claim it as your background. I know that I don't look stereotypically Native (have facial features and skin tone, but lighter hair and dark green eyes). I don't think someone who is 1/4 or 1/2 black shouldn't designate themselves as white just because they have a lighter skin tone. That's taking it to literally. If you have strong ties that you grew up with to your racial makeup, then it applies.

 

[Ian1223]

You could have had that discussion without bringing up your urge to outright lie to adcoms to manipulate the sytsem in your favor. Don't be daft.

Im sorry my definition of ethnicity doesnt fall in line with yours. How dare you call me a liar?

 

[Ian1223]

I don't think anyone on here is angry. I know I certainly am not. I guess if the OP wants to say he's a hippopotamus, he can. No one is stopping him. And I can also understand where he's coming from, with that you should be able to identify with the race that you want (urban white kid that thinks he's black, etc). However, adcoms will not agree. They will see it as dishonesty, which can only hurt an applicant. If the OP truly grew up with strong hispanic roots, and feels like it is a major part of who he is, then I would be more than supportive of it. However, that doesn't mean I think he will be successful with the attempt to convince adcoms that he is what they anticipate to check off the hispanic box.

I don't think that you should have to look or act a certain way to claim it as your background. I know that I don't look stereotypically Native (have facial features and skin tone, but lighter hair and dark green eyes). I don't think someone who is 1/4 or 1/2 black shouldn't designate themselves as white just because they have a lighter skin tone. That's taking it to literally. If you have strong ties that you grew up with to your racial makeup, then it applies.

Thats all Im saying, that I deserve to be recognized however I see fit. Whether the Adcoms decide that my ethnicity can help make their school more diverse is up to them.

Applying shouldnt be about how you identify yourself, it should be about what you can prove through stats and content of character and therefore, whether I say of I am hispanic or anything shouldnt matter at all.

 

[shiftingmirage]

Thats completely not true, ethnicity is whatever you decide it is for you, nothing more, nothing less.

No. Actually ethnicity is more the environment in which you were raised than the color of your skin. Your parents may be able to decide for you but you cannot. You have the option to check a box. When you submit to AMCAS, you have the requirement to be honest. As others have said, if you do get caught (ie, schools see through you) you wont get in no matter how many minority boxes you check.

As a white female from the middle class, sometimes I think it does suck to have these type of programs (AA). But when I reflect on my life and realize just how good I have had it, and how others aren't so lucky, I know why these programs are in place. All of us on SDN should consider ourselves lucky. I assume most if no all have attended college, for some individuals, that's unfathomable. To be able to apply to medical school, we are even more fortunate. For those who get in, be grateful. Not everyone gets the opportunity to pursue their dream for reasons that they cannot control.

 

[HumidBeing]

Either way if it isnt, all Ive done here is questioned my ethnicity and brought up a discussion over how its inappropriate for minorities to be given special consideration when disadvantaged status covers the ground completely without discriminating based on race.

Which is EXACTLY why this thread needs to be locked or moved to the AA thread. You made an end run to create a new AA thread, which is forbidden.

 

[scowdeva]

Thats all Im saying, that I deserve to be recognized however I see fit. Whether the Adcoms decide that I can help make their school more diverse is up to them.

Then I think that you should check other and claim that you are a hippopotamus. Show them what diversity is all about!

I think you missed the vital point in my post about how you should identify with what you have lived your whole life. Point blank question: have you lived your life with a strong hispanic influence???

 

[surfstarj]

Thats all Im saying, that I deserve to be recognized however I see fit. Whether the Adcoms decide that I can help make their school more diverse is up to them.

You use the words "deserve" and "entitled" a lot which makes me think you have some sort of idea that you should just GET certain things.

How about you actually go out and improve YOUR application. Improve YOUR interviewing skills. WORK YOUR DAMN GAME.

I'm not calling you a liar. I'm just pointing out to you that if you, personally, declare that you don't view yourself as Hispanic, don't know if your relatives have come from a Latin country, then you're not.

Checking Hispanic when you are clearly not (and trust me, adcoms will see through you as they clearly have this cycle), only proves you to be desperate, not diverse.

Do whatever you want next cycle, but don't come back in a year with zero rejections and expect people to support you applying as black the next time around just because you feel like it.

 

[shiftingmirage]

Im saying disadvantaged status needs to be taken into consideration but having URM is ridiculous. But as long as its there...

If you believe it is ridiculous then why in the world would you subscribe to it?

 

[Ian1223]

Which is EXACTLY why this thread needs to be locked or moved to the AA thread. You are made an end run to create a new AA thread, which is forbidden.

Im sorry, I didnt know that, I would have put it there to begin with if I did.

 

[Ian1223]

If you believe it is ridiculous then why in the world would you subscribe to it?

If you could quadruple your number of interviews...

even have a greater chance of increasing your number of interviews...

 

[Ian1223]

Then I think that you should check other and claim that you are a hippopotamus. Show them what diversity is all about!

I think you missed the vital point in my post about how you should identify with what you have lived your whole life. Point blank question: have you lived your life with a strong hispanic influence???

I haven't not. Theres hispanic influence everywhere I go especially in SoFla

 

[luckycharms08]

I haven't not. Theres hispanic influence everywhere I go especially in SoFla

so then.. are you saying all floridians can say they're hispanic? can everyone from DC say they're black?




...... do you see how it's not just about YOU? but that there are millions of people that can make the same claims you are? what makes YOU so special?

 

[shiftingmirage]

If you could quadruple your number of interviews...

even have a greater chance of increasing your number of interviews...

Should I do something like the author of Black Like Me and become African American for a day?!? Hey, then maybe I will encounter the amount of discrimination they do in a given day and support AA even more

 

[scowdeva]

I haven't not. Theres hispanic influence everywhere I go especially in SoFla

Saying that 'you haven't not' equals a no. Pretend it's an interview- so how exactly has your hispanic upbringing influenced why and how you will practice medicine? How has it made you different from other applicants?

(This is a word for word question I get at them all)

 

[riceman04]

An underserved county has too few primary care providers per 1,000 population, IIRC.

It is ironic that New York County (Manhattan) is underserved although it is home to 4 medical schools.

You know I noticed the same for Los Angeles' designation as being an underserved county

 

[Ian1223]

You use the words "deserve" and "entitled" a lot which makes me think you have some sort of idea that you should just GET certain things.

How about you actually go out and improve YOUR application. Improve YOUR interviewing skills. WORK YOUR DAMN GAME.

Whats the point of SDN anyway? Is it just a place for neurotic pre-meds, for med students to organize study groups?

I'm not calling you a liar. I'm just pointing out to you that if you, personally, declare that you don't view yourself as Hispanic, don't know if your relatives have come from a Latin country, then you're not.

The lying message came pretty loud and clear back there.

Checking Hispanic when you are clearly not (and trust me, adcoms will see through you as they clearly have this cycle), only proves you to be desperate, not diverse.

And Im saying that your qualifications for determining my ethnicity or anyones are poor.

Does playing Devil's Advocate make you evil yourself? You guys are so passionate its starting to scare me into thinking so.

Im gonna go eat dinner now.

 

[surfstarj]

Im gonna go eat dinner now.

cool, what are you having? habichuelas guisadas?? yum! catch ya later!

 

[foreverLaur]

Race: "an arbitrary classification of modern humans, sometimes, esp. formerly, based on any or a combination of various physical characteristics, as skin color, facial form, or eye shape, and now frequently based on such genetic markers as blood groups."

So, what physical characteristics, skin colors, eye shape, and blood groups do you have that tie you to being hispanic?

 

[Depakote]

I believe the OP has gotten a sufficient answer to his question. SDN's opinion has been made abundantly clear. Any further discussion of the matter would be pointless.

Closing.