Even if I meet the definition of disadvantaged status should I claim it?

[13132]

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According to the definition of "disadvantaged" that AMCAS provides I am disadvantaged because I grew up in a medically underserved area (struggling rural Indiana manufacturing town). Additionally, my parents were very poor. I still don't feel lke I have anything compelling to write though.

Would it be seen as a negative for me to simply detail the rural and poor character of my hometown, essentially restating the definition of underserved, or do I need to have a statement that talks about how it affected me? To be honest, I have actually seen my poor upbringing as motivation to do well, and I have never really thought about how it has hindered me. Although I can think of some things... didn't even know SAT prep materials existed, poor quality of schools, my parent's inability to pay for sports or extracurriculars etc I'd rather not write about those things.

 

[Lya]

Usually when people here ask about whether they should claim themselves as disadvantaged, normally the answer is no.

However, even though you are not an orphan or grew up with a single mother, your case seems to be reasonable to certain extent. Did you have to work to support your family to some extent? How long did you live in your manufacturing town?

 

[13132]

Usually when people here ask about whether they should claim themselves as disadvantaged, normally the answer is no.

However, even though you are not an orphan or grew up with a single mother, your case seems to be reasonable to certain extent. Did you have to work to support your family to some extent? How long did you live in your manufacturing town?

Basically for 18 years. There is small town of 1000 adjacent to the manufacturing town I am referencing, and that is where I lived for my first 14/15 years. That town was actually worse because it had no industry and everyone just went to work in the town I am referencing.

For all intents and purposes they were the same place. They were separated by a 4 minute drive.

I did not have to support my parents, but I did work to support any interests I had. For example, if I wanted to do any sports I bought the equipment and clothing with the money I made working at a fast food place. My parents became EXTREMELY frugal and always managed to make things work. Although they both didn't go to college they are very smart and know how to make due with very little.

 

[Lya]

I would claim it as disadvantaged. I hope other posters could contribute, but at least from the way I see it, I think your case deserves it.

 

[Status Sciaticus]

According to the definition of "disadvantaged" that AMCAS provides I am disadvantaged because I grew up in a medically underserved area (struggling rural Indiana manufacturing town). Additionally, my parents were very poor. I still don't feel lke I have anything compelling to write though.

Would it be seen as a negative for me to simply detail the rural and poor character of my hometown, essentially restating the definition of underserved, or do I need to have a statement that talks about how it affected me? To be honest, I have actually seen my poor upbringing as motivation to do well, and I have never really thought about how it has hindered me. Although I can think of some things... didn't even know SAT prep materials existed, poor quality of schools, my parent's inability to pay for sports or extracurriculars etc I'd rather not write about those things.

I understand where you are coming from. I lived in poverty. And i mean real third-world poverty in India for most of my childhood.

It was my motivation to help others and succeed too. I did not claim it.
My parents couldnt afford a lot of things.
No pets, no vacations, no trips... ever.

However, this was just during my childhood. It was a little better during high school and college, but not by much.

 

[Goobs]

I think I'd do it. You might get some merit based aid after to help pay for med school.

 

[TheShaker]

We had a related discussion a few days ago that may be helpful.

A little bit of in it but I found it useful near the middle and end.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=14132632#post14132632

 

[Mt Kilimanjaro]

The things you mentioned are precisely the factors that make you different from the vast majority of incoming medical students and made it harder for you to become one yourself. They are the reason you went to a public university, probably on a need based state scholarship, instead of Butler or Notre Dame. And, IMHO, knowing how a struggling small town family lives will make you a more down to earth doctor. These differences don't make a great essay, though, but the AMCAS now computes SES and "SES DISADVANTAGED" will appear on your app. I think, or at least hope, this will get the point across. Plenty of people won't care but some will and at least you won't be perceived as a complainer or melodramatic.

 

[13132]

The things you mentioned are precisely the factors that make you different from the vast majority of incoming medical students and made it harder for you to become one yourself. They are the reason you went to a public university, probably on a need based state scholarship, instead of Butler or Notre Dame. And, IMHO, knowing how a struggling small town family lives will make you a more down to earth doctor. These differences don't make a great essay, though, but the AMCAS now computes SES and "SES DISADVANTAGED" will appear on your app. I think, or at least hope, this will get the point across. Plenty of people won't care but some will and at least you won't be perceived as a complainer or melodramatic.

My parents actually told me the only way I was going to be able to go to college is if I found a way myself. That is precisely why I worked my ass off in high school and was able to get a full ride academic scholarship to my state school. I didn't apply anywhere else though because the process was expensive and I knew even a partial ride at a better school wasn't going to be enough.

I am VERY worried about being perceived as a complainer since I clearly have not had it AS bad as others. I think I will be very matter of fact in my writing and try not to pull any heartstrings in the essay.

 

[13132]

We had a related discussion a few days ago that may be helpful.

A little bit of in it but I found it useful near the middle and end.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=14132632#post14132632

Very helpful post! My situation is VERY similar.

 

[13132]

I think I have reached a decisions:

This was said by LiveLoveLearn in a previous thread and I agree with it wholeheartedly.

"If your situation really did put you at a disadvantage, and you think that you can support that statement in a way that sounds legitimate, and not just whiny, than I think that it is likely to your advantage. If you really never felt that you were at a disadvantage, though, and you are just putting it because you "can" this will likely come through in your interviews, so it could be a disadvantage.

I personally didn't want the label, so didn't apply that way. I did speak to some of the challenges that I faced, how that made me a unique person, and how it has lead me to where I am in my personal statement and some of my essays. I didn't want it to be the focus of my application, though, and I wanted it to be seen as an opportunity for growth that I took advantage of, rather than something that I was using for sympathy or anything of that nature (not that this is how other people use it, I was just a little worried about the possibility of that perception). I was asked about it in a couple of interviews, but it never seemed to play a primary role in the discussion, which was my hope."

Thanks for the input everyone!

 

[catzzz88]

Would it be seen as a negative for me to simply detail the rural and poor character of my hometown...?

Absolutely not. In fact, it would be seen as positive because you have overcome diversity. Just answer this question for yourself (I bet I know what your answer would be): what percentage of people from your high school (i) applied to college, (ii) took AP/IB classes, (iii) did well on the SATs (iv) graduated from high school, (iv) and are applying to a graduate school? Now take this a look at this and remember where your competition can sometimes come from. Check out the 100% graduation rate, 100% college bound, average SAT above 1700 ... it is important to remember where you came from not just because you need to respect how much harder it was for you to get a good education and have excellent academic and extracurricular opportunities, but so that you recognize in the future that it is important where others come from. Ten years from now when you are a superior physician and you meet an aspiring pre-medical kid from your hometown, will you think they are just like the rest of the country with just as many opportunities and options as a kid in a major city? If the answer is no, that you would respect them a little bit more knowing where they came from, then you should feel the same way about yourself.

I have actually seen my poor upbringing as motivation to do well, and I have never really thought about how it has hindered me.

This is more a sign of maturity than anything else. You do not need to come at this from a position of weakness or "whining," but can simply be mature and recognize that you came from a place that is technically and legally considered as underserved and that you are labeled as disadvantaged, but that you recognize this gracefully and never use it as an excuse to perform below your own standards. In fact, many AdCom might consider you an even better candidate for medical school because you can show maturity and that you overcame hardships and because often the people who came from disadvantaged statuses have more respect and understanding of people who are disadvantaged. It may be the opposite of "cultured" or "worldly," but it sometimes creates the same vein of understanding and truly having respect for those from diverse backgrounds. Does this make sense?

didn't even know SAT prep materials existed, poor quality of schools, my parent's inability to pay for sports or extracurriculars etc I'd rather not write about those things.

These are the exact things that you SHOULD write about. Just be honest and state matter-of-factly any information that directly communicates something that may have affected your educational opportunities. This can include the state of your high school culture, family stresses, financial incapacities, or a lack of superb educational opportunities.

Be real here; you need to be honest when comparing yourself to your competitors and be compassionate with your background and where you came from. If you are still not convinced, look at this chart. Do you see that? 42% of incoming medical students have an incoming parent income of $100,000 - $250,000 and the median income is $110,000. Now, if you are anything like me, you are going to fall into a family income that represents less than 6% of medical school students.

Please PM me if you want advice on this stuff. It took me a little while to figure out how to go about navigating these kinds of things as well. Also, no matter what you chose, go with what feels right. I am making a lot of assumptions about you here, but I simply had to share some of this info with you because it was what I needed to see in order to make an informed decision regarding "disadvantaged status" labels. I hope I have helped you! 🙂

Best,
C

 

[LiveLoveLearn]

I think I have reached a decisions:

This was said by LiveLoveLearn in a previous thread and I agree with it wholeheartedly.

"If your situation really did put you at a disadvantage, and you think that you can support that statement in a way that sounds legitimate, and not just whiny, than I think that it is likely to your advantage. If you really never felt that you were at a disadvantage, though, and you are just putting it because you "can" this will likely come through in your interviews, so it could be a disadvantage.

I personally didn't want the label, so didn't apply that way. I did speak to some of the challenges that I faced, how that made me a unique person, and how it has lead me to where I am in my personal statement and some of my essays. I didn't want it to be the focus of my application, though, and I wanted it to be seen as an opportunity for growth that I took advantage of, rather than something that I was using for sympathy or anything of that nature (not that this is how other people use it, I was just a little worried about the possibility of that perception). I was asked about it in a couple of interviews, but it never seemed to play a primary role in the discussion, which was my hope."

Thanks for the input everyone!

👍

 

[Pattycake25]

My parents actually told me the only way I was going to be able to go to college is if I found a way myself. That is precisely why I worked my ass off in high school and was able to get a full ride academic scholarship to my state school. I didn't apply anywhere else though because the process was expensive and I knew even a partial ride at a better school wasn't going to be enough.

I am VERY worried about being perceived as a complainer since I clearly have not had it AS bad as others. I think I will be very matter of fact in my writing and try not to pull any heartstrings in the essay.

With this post, you confirm you are the intended beneficiary of their policies for disadvantaged students. You didn't have the same luxury of time as most applicants, and yet you come across as industrious, determined, and humble. I think you should absolutely apply as "disadvantaged", because it's merely the truth. Let the adcoms decide what amount of special consideration is appropriate. =)

 

[Espadaleader]

OP, you are a honest person and a fighter. Good luck in everything that you will do.