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[BrotherBro]

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[wysdoc]

You're worrying too much. That is your genetic makeup whether or not you have immersed yourself in the Mexican culture.

 

[internally_brilliant]

I had the same thoughts when applying (half Black/half Hispanic) and I do not speak spanish because my mother doesn't speak it either. I placed what I identified on the application and in all of my interviews I have expressed that I want to pursue medical school due to my heritage. None of my interviewers have said that I wasn't black enough or hispanic enough to have valid experiences. I've been able to secure many interviews as well! (15+)

 

[GoSpursGo]

I was very similar to you growing up. Have always said I'm Hispanic in every situation.

 

[USN2MD]

Overthinking it. But I feel that. You’re not “Mexican” enough for some cause you don’t speak Spanish or were immersed in Mexican customs and traditions. But you’re not “American” cause the way you look or your name or some other made up criteria.

My cycle has been going fine and I’m Mexican and marked basic for Spanish language competency. If a school rejects me cause I’m expected to be fluent in Spanish just cause of who I am, that’s not really some where I would want to be anyways.

 

[Goro]

I suggest that you engage in service to Hispanic communites

 

[LizzyM]

Would programs that feature service to Hispanic communities simply because of their large presence in a certain area count, or does it have to be service exclusively for Hispanic populations (e.g. volunteering with a Latino Community Outreach org)?

The idea is that if you are going to be admitted because your heritage makes you a natural to serve people of similar heritage, then you should show that you've been engaged in service to "your people". If you were the only Mexican-American in your little town but you served people in your vicinity who were unable to help themselves and you can point out that you've been of service to rural/Native American/elderly/orphans, whatever, that can count for something given the circumstances you found yourself in. On the other hand, you may not need the boost given your stats but the school will gladly count you as "hispanic" when it comes time to report to LCME (the accrediting body).

 

[LizzyM]

. I have service to Mexican-Americans and Mexican immigrants due to their large population in my schools community and me doing volunteer work in that community.

Perfect. Make a note of highlighting that when you write descriptions of your work & activities, particularly if it wouldn't be obvious from the name of the organization or activity.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

To the OP: just something that I hope will help. (Part of the Becoming a Student Doctor resources to help applicants and those who made it in health professions programs to become better advocates and leaders.)

This is a long conversation (over 40 minutes at normal speed):