Economically disadvantaged

[donkeykong1]

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Hey everyone. Its my first post. After browsing through this site through my freshman year of college I realized just how awesome sdn is. That said, there hasn't been much talk about economically disadvantaged applicants. Granted there have been a few, I haven't gotten a concrete answer on its advantages, if any. I know the qualifications, and I'm definitely qualified after contacting the aamcas folks. Are there any people who applied as economically disadvantaged out here on sdn who had a positive application process?

 

[UVAbme2009]

I didn't apply economically disadvantaged, although I did use the FAP and my PS and most of my essays were based on how my family's financial situation has affected me and influenced my goals in medicine.

I'm not sure how much of an advantage you'll have. I think adcoms recognize the difficulty economically disadvantaged students go through. But it's probably more important to emphasize how it's influenced your goals as a physician, if it indeed has. I have a strong desire to work in an underserved location, said as much, and it was the dominant topic during just about every one of my interviews. If you have similar goals, I definitely would encourage you to use them to your advantage in the process.

 

[Appless]

Im applying that way now...so well see but if you are asking are you going to get the free pass that a URM would the answer is not even close. Im sure in some instances it can help but probably more like the above post said. Its been shown that those who come from low income families or who grow up poor are far more likely then your typical rich white/azn kid applying to med school to actually go back to such a community. Just for the general diversity that med schools like im sure applying economically disadvantaged can help a small amount. Once agian though I cant imagine its some huge boost. Maybe more like icing on teh cake for an applicant they were already leaning towards liking.

 

[donkeykong1]

yeah the URM boost is definitely not in play here. I was thinking about a program like HEOP for undergraduate colleges in NY state, where economically disadvantaged students got some aid in admission. I'm not talking about a back-door. are there any HEOP type programs for med schools?

 

[Appless]

yeah the URM boost is definitely not in play here. I was thinking about a program like HEOP for undergraduate colleges in NY state, where economically disadvantaged students got some aid in admission. I'm not talking about a back-door. are there any HEOP type programs for med schools?

Im not sure what HEOP is but there are numerous financial aid packages for those who are severly need based. It depends on the school and how much money they have to give away. But yes you will find those programs and some of the larger schools will have more money to throw your way.