approaching sensitive topics on PS?

[polyploidy516]

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Hi all,

I would really appreciate your thoughts on one issue. Specifically, I would like to know if it is possible to discuss sensitive topics in one's primary and secondary essays without being viewed negatively?

My topic involves experiencing homelessness with my family as a result of my parent's medical issues ( i was in school at the time and thus could not provide a viable source of income). As this experience is responsible for some of my ecs ( volunteering in homeless shelters and working in underserved regions: americorps), I would like to know if i should mention this in my application? I do feel comfortable talking about it but i just dont want to give the impression that im making a sob story.

Could this backfire or make my app stand out? Your thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[hoihaie]

it all depends on how yo uwrite it, write it not as an excuse or a sob story but a factor/motivation behind why you are pursuing medicine.

 

[gyngyn]

These topics backfire if you start crying/lose composure in the interview when it comes up. It happens rather more often than you might think.

 

[Ismet]

It's something you have to write about carefully, but you sound like you're consciously aware that it could turn into a sob story, so as long as you avoid that, I think it's fine to discuss it. Just find people you trust (both with your information and who you trust to give you brutally honest feedback) to read your PS.

Edit: Also agree with gyngyn above. Make sure this is something you're not only comfortable discussing in writing, but also in an interview. It's understandable that these things are difficult to talk about, but if you think you won't be able to keep your composure when talking about it in an interview, perhaps reconsider using these topics in your PS.

 

[Lamel]

These topics backfire if you start crying/lose composure in the interview when it comes up. It happens rather more often than you might think.

That sounds awkward.

 

[LizzyM]

Why not put that in the "disadvantaged" section, make a comment in the experience section that you were moved to do x because you yourself had been homeless and then leave the PS for your reasons to do medicine without focusing on your difficulties. Don't end up bringing up homelessness (or any other topic) in every single essay as it becomes monotonous.

 

[polyploidy516]

Why not put that in the "disadvantaged" section, make a comment in the experience section that you were moved to do x because you yourself had been homeless and then leave the PS for your reasons to do medicine without focusing on your difficulties. Don't end up bringing up homelessness (or any other topic) in every single essay as it becomes monotonous.

I really appreciate your clarification! As i feel really comfortable mentioning it ( I feel that i can discuss it in an eloquent and mature manner and how it relates to my focus on serving the underserved, etc), I will mention it on my application.

I will also be mentioning this in the disadvantaged section as well. One final question that i have is do you think these experiences of mine will carry any weight as far as helping my application stand out provided my academics and ecs are good overall (i have around a 3.4-3.5 gpa and a 40 mcat with years of research and strong lors)? Ive read that some med schools take diverse experiences into account; would this qualify?

 

[LizzyM]

if a 40 MCAT doesn't open doors, nothing will!

 

[Goro]

100% concur

it all depends on how yo uwrite it, write it not as an excuse or a sob story but a factor/motivation behind why you are pursuing medicine.

 

[Goro]

100% agree with my learned colleagues.

It's something you have to write about carefully, but you sound like you're consciously aware that it could turn into a sob story, so as long as you avoid that, I think it's fine to discuss it. Just find people you trust (both with your information and who you trust to give you brutally honest feedback) to read your PS.

Edit: Also agree with gyngyn above. Make sure this is something you're not only comfortable discussing in writing, but also in an interview. It's understandable that these things are difficult to talk about, but if you think you won't be able to keep your composure when talking about it in an interview, perhaps reconsider using these topics in your PS.

 

[Jennyfishy]

That sounds awkward.

It's awkward and mortifying and really does happen more often than you think

One of my interviewers really grilled my background during an interview when I had applied disadvantaged, because she didn't believe what I wrote (e.g. asking multiple questions on my English fluency despite being formerly ESL growing up). I don't even remember what she said, but I was so thrown back and unprepared to elaborate that I got misty eyed and briefly lost my composure out of frustration.

Someone next door to me came out and looked like she had been sobbing. lol