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COVID question
Started by Chromatica
Get help with your application
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I think it is best to not mention a specific diagnosis; you can describe it more generally like “Due to a preexisting condition I [did not do whatever things] to protect my health.”
What is the wording of the secondary question?
@GreenDuck12 it's asking about any impact that COVID-19 had on my educational/research/volunteering or employment. That's why I'm not sure if it's relevant although it is relevant to my "COVID story"
It sounds like the question is asking if the pandemic has impacted your application either academically or through other ECs. I’m not sure but it seems like a space for folks to address deficiencies that would not have existed had the pandemic not occurred. I’m not saying don’t write about this, nor am I minimizing the very real concern of preexisting illnesses during the pandemic. I’m just wondering if this really fits the prompt.
@GreenDuck12 I fully agree. That's why this question has been tricky for me. It does contribute to an anxiety that I felt with my MCAT and its cancellation from March all the way till June. So I guess that's somewhat relevant? I wouldn't make it the entire focus of the essay though. I guess to give a little more context if anything. I'm not sure if they are looking for a straightforward answer here or more of a narrative, but they give 2.5k characters so it seems they want the latter.
I’m not sure I would go into anxiety about leaving your house since it is likely during your education you will be in contact with patients and have an elevated risk of exposure. If I were to come across this response it would cause me to wonder how the applicant will manage this anxiety during their education as covid-19 will likely continue to be problematic over the next few years. I wonder if you could frame your response is a more proactive way to highlight minimizing risk in light of your heart condition instead of being anxious? Without seeing the prompt or knowing your story it’s hard to offer more specific advice.
This isn't going to make anyone want you more...
@gyngyn I realize I worded that poorly. I will rework it into something that doesn't sound like I am anxious lol.
I think that what @gyngyn is trying to tell you is that, while it's certainly relevant to you, it's NOT going to make them want you more, no matter how you word it. It will either be neutral or else be a red flag. If it's not clearly going to help, why give it to them??? You were told not to mention physical/mental ailments for a reason, and this is it!!
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@KnightDoc I think I am going to opt out of the COVID essay so no worries! Thanks for the input.
