Challenge essay question

[Suffer]

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Should you not write about overcoming challenge that are less severe genetic traits like social anxiety/introversion (more severe ones being like mental illness I've heard are off limits)? I've heard you don't want to talk about those types of things because they're considered negative traits

 

[DrAnxiety]

Social anxiety is going to get treated like mental illness. Don't do it.

 

[Suffer]

Ok thanks! Would introversion and poor social skills fall under the same area (ie don't talk about it)? Would overcoming poor social skills even be seen as a challenge?

I could see some reviewers assuming someone with poor social skills is introverted/has social anxiety which would mean I shouldn't talk about it, but I'm not a reviewer so that assumption could be totally wrong

 

[DokterMom]

Introversion or fear of public speaking are OK, but when it crosses over into diagnosable DSM-V territory, it could become problematic. You'd need to balance something that's challenging enough without crossing over.

 

[2018throwaway]

How does medical admissions views things like introversion and poor social skills? I know in the corporate world those traits can be considered red flags because they aren't conducive for being a good leader. With many of the top schools looking for leadership experience, would it be better to keep those traits under wrap?

I can see OP's predicament because I assume they have made improvements in that area but genetics are still genetics and such a person would always be at a disadvantage

@Goro @gyngyn @LizzyM

 

[Goro]

We have plenty of shy students. Poor social skills are another matter, and may very well keep you out of med school.