Did mentioning insomnia cost me a seat?

[swaggyp_]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi all,

I used to suffer from insomnia but I have overcome that struggle. I mentioned this in my app in the last cycle (any why did research in sleep neuroscience). I got 2 interviews (out of 15 international friendly schools), waitlisted at both.

I have fairly decent stats: Canadian, 3.7 sGPA, 515 MCAT, great ECs/research, publication, great rec letter from Attending Physician I shadowed

Other red flag could include:
- 4 courses per most semesters because I had too many AP credits

What do you guys think? I will not be mentioning insomnia this cycle...

 

[PatchAdams25]

No. If you mentioned how you overcame it, that would not be held against you. It would be looked at positively.

 

[ZPakEffect]

It's just difficult to get into U.S. schools as an international student. Your numbers would be very competitive if you were a PR or citizen. Did you apply to any DO schools or just MD? Surely you can get some DO acceptances.

 

[swaggyp_]

It's just difficult to get into U.S. schools as an international student. Your numbers would be very competitive if you were a PR or citizen. Did you apply to any DO schools or just MD? Surely you can get some DO acceptances.

Very true... And I made the mistake of not applying to DO. :/
Will be doing so this year.

 

[Catalystik]

I used to suffer from insomnia but I have overcome that struggle.

I have fairly decent stats: Canadian, 3.7 sGPA, 515 MCAT, great ECs/research, publication,

What do you guys think? I will not be mentioning insomnia this cycle...

We all have insomnia at times. I doubt resolving the problem was an issue. Unless you forgot to list strategies adcomms might benefit from in their quests to do the same.

Just kidding.

 

[summergirl]

Out of curiosity, which schools did you get interviews to? I'm a Canadian as well.

 

[swaggyp_]

Out of curiosity, which schools did you get interviews to? I'm a Canadian as well.

PM'ed you

 

[GrapesofRath]

Unless you by chance mentioned it in a fashion that could likely be perceived as excuse making or whining such as "my grades would have been perfect if it weren't for that insomnia" it's far more likely being an international was the bigger story. 2 IIs out of 15 apps with a 3.7/34 for an international isn't a bad turn out. Often its hard to just identify one single thing that was the difference between a waitlist and acceptance especially for intetnationals who are fighting over such few spots

 

[LoveBeingHuman:)]

We all have insomnia at times. I doubt resolving the problem was an issue. Unless you forgot to list strategies adcomms might benefit from in their quests to do the same.

Just kidding.

When it comes to weaknesses/challenges/lessons, etc, is it ok to mention bad judgment calls or weaknesses as long as you acknowledge it and clearly explain that you have improved?

 

[Catalystik]

When it comes to weaknesses/challenges/lessons, etc, is it ok to mention bad judgment calls or weaknesses as long as you acknowledge it and clearly explain that you have improved?

You are expected to use your social filters and not use too egregious an example.

 

[LoveBeingHuman:)]

You are expected to use your social filters and not use too egregious an example.

I was working on a research project for too long. Long story short, I should have known earlier that the project was going nowhere. I learned that I should have countered the problem earlier and I practice that in my life now. Is this an ok example?

 

[Catalystik]

I was working on a research project for too long. Long story short, I should have known earlier that the project was going nowhere. I learned that I should have countered the problem earlier and I practice that in my life now. Is this an ok example?

Yes.

 

[LacrosseFit]

This is the kind of thing I worry about. People say that it is best to be honest, but at the same time mentioning something like insomnia (even if it has been overcome) can be a red flag to the adcom. I've been doing my best not to even mention any colds I've had, in fear that it could be used against me. Am I being too paranoid?

 

[Catalystik]

This is the kind of thing I worry about. People say that it is best to be honest, but at the same time mentioning something like insomnia (even if it has been overcome) can be a red flag to the adcom. I've been doing my best not to even mention any colds I've had, in fear that it could be used against me. Am I being too paranoid?

IMO, insomnia that has been overcome and having had some upper respiratory infections are in no way "Red Flags."

 

[JustAPhD]

I thought all students had insomnia at times?


OP, as others have mentioned, it's more likely your international status is what tripped you up this past cycle. Feel free to drop the insomnia bit from your app, but that's most likely not the reason for your unsuccessful cycle. Plus, insomnia is a good reason for you to have studied sleep neuroscience so it's almost a shame to leave that out.

Best of luck!