Economically Disadvantaged????

[Lagrema]

Hello, guys!
I recently became interested in the program called Drexel Pathway to Medical School, which is for those from socially or economically disadvantaged background and URM.
Since I have to show how I'm qualified as disadvantaged applicant, here's some of my background.

1) from age 0~15, I lived in South Korea, and my family was a middle class
2) At age of 15, I immigrated to America with my family. Both of my parents have bachelor's, but they decided to do a dry cleaning due to language barrier (we don't own the cleaner, we pay for rent)
3) Since then, my family's adjusted gross income has been ~25k/year (family of 4)
4) during my high school, I received free/reduced lunch. While I didn't work to make money, I helped my parent after school so that they wouldn't need to hire a worker
5) Once I got into college, I started working at a restaurant (25~30 hours/week), as well as helping my parents, for my living expenses, tuition and supporting my family (about 80% of my tuition was covered with FAFSA, Pell grant, loans and scholarship)

I once considered myself to be economically disadvantaged, but I became doubtful after reading several posts about economically disadvantaged background.
I didn't receive any gov assistance besides free/reduced lunch. Although my family started to struggle financially after we moved to America, both of my parents are alive and "business owner." We are living in 2-bed apartment in a suburban area.

What do you guys think? Should I give a shot or not??
Thank you for your opinions!!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[lalalallala]

I would ask Drexel what they count as economically disadvantaged. I wouldn't send them your situation - I would just ask what situations/incomes meet that requirement

 

[Lagrema]

I would ask Drexel what they count as economically disadvantaged. I wouldn't send them your situation - I would just ask what situations/incomes meet that requirement

They said that there is no "specific" guideline for incomes/situations. It is self-defined and I need to write a brief essay about what qualifies me as a disadvantaged applicant..

 

[LizzyM]

Were you less prepared for your freshman year of college because of the disadvantages you experienced at any point between birth and HS graduation?

 

[lalalallala]

They said that there is no "specific" guideline for incomes/situations. It is self-defined and I need to write a brief essay about what qualifies me as a disadvantaged applicant..

I think you should be honest about your situation and they will decide themselves, but I think you count. I would say when you came to America (I don't think you need to mention the middle class in China part if you don't want) and your working particularly during school as well as what your parents do

 

[Tenk]

I think you should be honest about your situation and they will decide themselves, but I think you count. I would say when you came to America (I don't think you need to mention the middle class in China part if you don't want) and your working particularly during school as well as what your parents do

South Korea isn’t China bro.

 

[Lagrema]

Were you less prepared for your freshman year of college because of the disadvantages you experienced at any point between birth and HS graduation?

While I had to work for my parents due to financial struggle, I was able to manage my grades pretty well, so my academic performance was not significantly affected during high school. Money started to affect my academic performance during my freshman year.
If you consider immigration as a disadvantage, I certainly experienced language and cultural barriers, which did affect my psychological state. But, I decided not to write about it, since I think its matter of effort.

 

[Lagrema]

I think you should be honest about your situation and they will decide themselves, but I think you count. I would say when you came to America (I don't think you need to mention the middle class in China part if you don't want) and your working particularly during school as well as what your parents do

Money significantly affected my college, but it didn't affect as much during my high school, at least academically. But as lot of people say, people are considered to be economically disadvantaged when their financial situation greatly influences their earlier part of life. That's why I'm hesitating. Ty for your advice!

South Korea isn’t China bro.

Looooool ty too

 

[lalalallala]

South Korea isn’t China bro.

'Bro' - I made a mistake because I did not reread OP's post when I got the notification and I happen to be writing a paper about China

 

[lalalallala]

apologies OP

 

[Lagrema]

apologies OP

All good 🙂

 

[Tenk]

'Bro' - I made a mistake because I did not reread OP's post when I got the notification and I happen to be writing a paper about China

Well don’t make mistakes that bad on it or you’ll get an F.

 

[Master Thinker]

China or South Korea? Meh. North Korea might get you more attention haha. OP I think since there's no guideline, it pretty depends on how you frame your experiences. Best to apply and see.

 

[LizzyM]

While I had to work for my parents due to financial struggle, I was able to manage my grades pretty well, so my academic performance was not significantly affected during high school. Money started to affect my academic performance during my freshman year.
If you consider immigration as a disadvantage, I certainly experienced language and cultural barriers, which did affect my psychological state. But, I decided not to write about it, since I think its matter of effort.

More than grades, did you attend a high school that well prepared you for the rigors of college or did you attend a school that had poor teaching, frequent classroom disruptions, few upper level courses, etc.?

Immigration is a two edged sword. Certainly you had some disadvantage due to language and cultural barriers but at the same time, you had a tremendous advantage over someone who came to the US as an international college student without having the benefit of HS in the US and parents nearby.

The bigger question is, why do you think that you need to pay for an additional year of school (about $30K) to garner admission to medical school. This is a huge risk because if you don't meet the benchmark at Drexel you may be a pariah at all medical schools and if you do make it, you 'll have paid an extra year of tuition.

Also, I'd suggest looking at the FAQ of the program you are thinking about. It defines disadvantage in this way, "Your disadvantage is self-defined. You will write your Drexel Pathway to Medical School essay explaining why you feel that you are disadvantaged, including any struggles or prejudices that you encountered growing up."

 

[enalli]

Is the advantage of this program guaranteed admission? I thought other SMPs or post-bacs had guaranteed admissions too.

This is a huge risk because if you don't meet the benchmark at Drexel you may be a pariah at all medical schools and if you do make it, you 'll have paid an extra year of tuition.

Does this program have a different benchmark than other SMPs/post-bacs? Failing out seems like a risk in any of these programs.

 

[LizzyM]

Is the advantage of this program guaranteed admission? I thought other SMPs or post-bacs had guaranteed admissions too.



Does this program have a different benchmark than other SMPs/post-bacs? Failing out seems like a risk in any of these programs.

I think that this program which is priced at $30K ($15K/semester) is a discounted program that is meant to serve as a pipeline of qualified URM candidates into Drexel. It gives Drexel the opportunity to take "high risk/high reward" applicants, test them over one year, and then take those who have proven themselves to be strong enough to undertake medical school.

 

[Lagrema]

China or South Korea? Meh. North Korea might get you more attention haha. OP I think since there's no guideline, it pretty depends on how you frame your experiences. Best to apply and see.

lool. Maybe I will just give a shot, since the worst case for it is wasting $75 and rejection.

 

[Lagrema]

More than grades, did you attend a high school that well prepared you for the rigors of college or did you attend a school that had poor teaching, frequent classroom disruptions, few upper level courses, etc.?

Immigration is a two edged sword. Certainly you had some disadvantage due to language and cultural barriers but at the same time, you had a tremendous advantage over someone who came to the US as an international college student without having the benefit of HS in the US and parents nearby.

The bigger question is, why do you think that you need to pay for an additional year of school (about $30K) to garner admission to medical school. This is a huge risk because if you don't meet the benchmark at Drexel you may be a pariah at all medical schools and if you do make it, you 'll have paid an extra year of tuition.

Also, I'd suggest looking at the FAQ of the program you are thinking about. It defines disadvantage in this way, "Your disadvantage is self-defined. You will write your Drexel Pathway to Medical School essay explaining why you feel that you are disadvantaged, including any struggles or prejudices that you encountered growing up."

The main reason I'm considering this program is that my last two cycles were unsuccessful, and that I'm questioning myself if it is worth to wait for 2 years, preparing myself more.
While I consider language, cultural and financial barriers as disadvantages, I'm also aware of those who have undergone more extreme difficulties, like unfortunate family situation, gov assistance etc, and as you said, I had advantages over other people like international students. This is why I am now wondering if I'm really disadvantaged compared to those. Or, maybe I should stop comparing myself with others, idk.

 

[Lagrema]

@enalli It is a post-bac program, mainly for those from disadvantaged background. If you maintain certain GPA and meet MCAT requirement, the admission will be guaranteed.

 

[Dr. Spoodermen ND]

Well, give it a shot. Like you said, the most you lose on it is $75; it's not like getting rejected from this program is detrimental to further med school considerations.

As a fellow SK immigrant, I definitely feel you. The green card process is so disgustingly backlogged and convoluted.

 

[Lagrema]

Well, give it a shot. Like you said, the most you lose on it is $75; it's not like getting rejected from this program is detrimental to further med school considerations.

As a fellow SK immigrant, I definitely feel you. The green card process is so disgustingly backlogged and convoluted.

Ty man 🙂 I will just go for it and see how they decide.

 

[enalli]

I think that this program which is priced at $30K ($15K/semester) is a discounted program that is meant to serve as a pipeline of qualified URM candidates into Drexel. It gives Drexel the opportunity to take "high risk/high reward" applicants, test them over one year, and then take those who have proven themselves to be strong enough to undertake medical school.

This seems like a really good idea, actually. I wonder why more schools don't do something like this to find disadvantaged but capable students with less-than-stellar academic history. I can't think of many downsides to this from the school perspective.

 

[IMGASMD]

I think if you have to ask and justify why you belong, you know the answer. Sure seventy-five dollars is not a lot of money, but I personally think it will be money wasted.
No one came out and said it out loud. I will be the bearer of the bad news. You “maybe” economically disadvantaged but you will not be considered URM no matter how you slice it. The fact you had two application cycles behind you, will make this argument that you’re economically disadvantaged even harder.
No harm in trying, all they can say is no, and all you will be out of is 75 dollars. I wish you better success in the future.

 

[Lagrema]

I think if you have to ask and justify why you belong, you know the answer. Sure seventy-five dollars is not a lot of money, but I personally think it will be money wasted.
No one came out and said it out loud. I will be the bearer of the bad news. You “maybe” economically disadvantaged but you will not be considered URM no matter how you slice it. The fact you had two application cycles behind you, will make this argument that you’re economically disadvantaged even harder.
No harm in trying, all they can say is no, and all you will be out of is 75 dollars. I wish you better success in the future.

It's just that I'm considering this program, since this is for socioeconomically disadvantaged students or URM. I knew I won't be considered URM, but I was wondering if my situation was "enough" for me to claim that I'm economically disadvantaged. For the last cycles, I actually didn't mention anything about my financial background, the part that I think I failed to provide more vivid image of who I actually am. ty for your honest feedback though

 

[IMGASMD]

It's just that I'm considering this program, since this is for socioeconomically disadvantaged students or URM. I knew I won't be considered URM, but I was wondering if my situation was "enough" for me to claim that I'm economically disadvantaged. For the last cycles, I actually didn't mention anything about my financial background, the part that I think I failed to provide more vivid image of who I actually am. ty for your honest feedback though

There are just so many Asians who want to be doctors and many come from similar background: Zero/first generation immigrants. You never discussed your stats in this thread, but mentioned two unsuccessful application cycles. Have you considered to retake MCAT? Apply to more schools, if you didn’t consider DO before? Put the idea of applying medical school on hold for a year or two then try again?

One of my cousins who is a zero generation immigrant came at age 13. Did very well in school, had so so MCAT. Got to into medical school. Had real hard time in med school every single semesters. Had to retake either step 1 or 2. Finally in residency, still having trouble with standardized exams, went to get tested for dyslexia? Who would have thunk, they have it. Everyone this person ever encountered, probably including themselves, had thought it was just a second language issue and never explored other possibilities. I am sharing this story to illustrate that sometimes we get so focused in one solution, and just forget to look for the alternatives.

If it’s a post-bacc you need, I wish you will find one that will help you with your application.

 

[Lagrema]

There are just so many Asians who want to be doctors and many come from similar background: Zero/first generation immigrants. You never discussed your stats in this thread, but mentioned two unsuccessful application cycles. Have you considered to retake MCAT? Apply to more schools, if you didn’t consider DO before? Put the idea of applying medical school on hold for a year or two then try again?

One of my cousins who is a zero generation immigrant came at age 13. Did very well in school, had so so MCAT. Got to into medical school. Had real hard time in med school every single semesters. Had to retake either step 1 or 2. Finally in residency, still having trouble with standardized exams, went to get tested for dyslexia? Who would have thunk, they have it. Everyone this person ever encountered, probably including themselves, had thought it was just a second language issue and never explored other possibilities. I am sharing this story to illustrate that sometimes we get so focused in one solution, and just forget to look for the alternatives.

If it’s a post-bacc you need, I wish you will find one that will help you with your application.

To answer your question, my overall GPA is 3.63, sGPA 3.60, MCAT (second time) is 506. Had volunteering, research, shadowing etc. In the second cycle, I did apply to some DOs, but I don't think I will end up getting in somewhere. If I don't get into any post bac programs, I will take one or two years retaking MCAT, doing more volunteering etc. But now, I just want to see if it is better for me to try to apply post bac programs.