Disadvantaged status

[woodhorse22]

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For the biographical section of the AMCAS, there is a question whether I want to be considered disadvantaged. If my mother received food stamps and supplemental income, would I be considered disadvantaged? Thanks.

 

[JohnMadden]

For the biographical section of the AMCAS, there is a question whether I want to be considered disadvantaged. If my mother received food stamps and supplemental income, would I be considered disadvantaged? Thanks.

Did she receive them when YOU were a child? If so, then you should list it

 

[Vvandenn]

Did she receive them when YOU were a child? If so, then you should list it

What if we only received them when I was under 5 years old?

 

[TheRealMD]

It would really depend on her income then versus now. That would have been at least 10-15 years ago. If 5 years ago, you weren't struggling to find food, then I'm not so sure you should put yes.

Besides, I think they end up asking a whole series of questions about it.

 

[UnderdogMD]

It is not as simple as whether or not you received food stamps. It is a personal decision based on the circumstances under which you grew up. Do you believe these circumstances affected your application and do you want special consideration? In the end you have to decide for yourself. If you sincerely feel disadvantaged then by all means apply disadvantaged.

Keep in mind nothing looks worse than an applicant describing how he/she is disadvantaged (there is a section in the AMCAS) when in the adcomms' opinion the circumstances aren't a little more than "money was a little tight"

Do what is right for you. Also a rule of thumb is 'if you have to ask.....'