Disadvantaged Status (Social?)

[NutritionistRD]

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So AMCAS asks this: Do you wish to be considered a disadvantaged applicant by any of your designated medical schools that may consider such factors (social, economic or educational)?

Was wondering what fit under the "social" umbrella. Or is just all economic?

Wasn't poor, not rich either. Grew up most of my life with single father, high
school educated, about 30K/year.

Toughest part was my father's mental illness. He suffered from OCD and severe anxiety that made it extremely difficult to live with him and had a profound impact on me.

 

[isoquin]

So here's the deal. Anyone can check off that box for any reason. Unless your reason actually means something, it's not really going to help you. When you say "Wasn't poor, not rich either" it suggests you are middle class, which is not a disadvantage in this country, despite what some politicians say. The situation with your father is that "social" thing, but do you personally feel like you should be considered disadvantaged as a med school applicant because of it? Did it actively impede you on your journey towards medicine, but you have persevered nonetheless? Or was it something that was simply not nuclear American family that came up but in no way affected your academic life?

Don't think too much on the "how" on this one, but more the "why."

 

[vin5cent0]

You're really reaching IMO. If I were an admissions person, and I thought someone was abusing the disadvantaged angle, it would be a rejection on their part, no further thought necessary.

 

[TriagePreMed]

No, you're not disadvantaged. Socially is more for a certain group of people that are persecuted.

 

[Morsetlis]

I feel kinda persecuted.

 

[yamaraja808]

Here are some questions to ponder:

How was your educational situation? Did your dad's yearly income prevent you from getting a good eduction? Did you go to a good private school or did you go to a bad public one (I know there are good public schools but I just want to make a point)?

Did the high school you choose or your dad's income affect what colleges you chose?

Going to the right high schools and colleges can mean large advantages in terms of resources in higher education. If you are taking care of your family and you decided to go to a near by university instead of a more prestigious university, this could affect the amount of resources you gain about medical school as well.

You have to really think about whether you have been denied educational opportunities in your life. What I have mentioned above can put you into the category of being disadvantage. However, this depends on what exactly your situation is.

 

[isoquin]

I feel kinda persecuted.

You are a medical student.....