Disadvantaged status

[Daneosaurus]

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What constitutes a disadvantaged status? I know that being a full time student/dad/husband (of another full time student)/employee has kept from really putting my all into school (refuse to give up time with my kids), but I've kept my grades up, and hope to still do well on the DAT. We don't have a ton of money...I'm not sure if this really qualifies as disadvantaged because, to me, it's just life. Everyone deals with life (some do it better than others).
I think of disadvantaged to be more along the lines of growing up in abject poverty with a single mom, working to help support your brothers and sisters sort of thing.
I ask because someone, who is not my school's prehealth advisor, recommended I explain this in the disadvantaged portion.

 

[customx]

I grew up poor, worked 25-35 hours during undergrad and full time while taking all my prereqs but never thought once about considering myself disadvantaged. Like you said, I figure that's life. Maybe others can chime in, but I don't think being busy constitutes being disadvantaged.

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[TheDanger]

I wouldn't include it if I were you. I think the definition you mentioned is what AADSAS considers as disadvantaged, as well. If anything, I'm sure it'll come up in many of your interviews and that's when you can elaborate. To be honest, I think if an applicant has filled out that section and isn't truly disadvantaged, ADCOMS look at it negatively. But that's just my opinion.

 

[Daneosaurus]

Thanks. You guys confirmed what I was thinking as well.

 

[ziggy1104]

I agree with both of the above posters. I do want to add, though, that I think the fact that you're working and attending school full time, w/ a wife doing the same. and you have kids (that you refuse to give up time with) is incredibly inspiring regardless, and that will show through elsewhere in your app. I definitely think ADCOMS will take all of that into consideration. It takes hard work and dedication to keep grades up with everything else going on!