Had been homless, should I mention it in my application?

[Dentistry's lover]

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[sugarmagnolia91]

I don't think schools will hold it against you, it can be an inspirational story if you talk about what you learned from your experience, etc. especially because you still managed to take summer classes during that time! Good luck!!

 

[BeyonceFan1226]

I would definitely write an essay about your experiences, how you overcame them, and include it in the "Disadvantage Student" section. I doubt schools will hold it against you.

 

[tarheel616]

I would definitely write an essay about your experiences, how you overcame them, and include it in the "Disadvantage Student" section. I doubt schools will hold it against you.

^ Completely agree with the above statement(s). Stories like that only make you stick out more and help show your drive to become a dentist.

 

[Not_A_Doc]

I think if you frame it correctly it could actually be an advantage.

 

[doc toothache]

Why would you think this is going to help? Thread carefully. You claim to have had money, but you could not find a place. Hmm..

 

[A Pre-dent]

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[Dentistry's lover]

Why would you think this is going to help? Thread carefully. You claim to have had money, but you could not find a place. Hmm..

Thank you Doc toothache, you have mentioned a great point. I read in other threads that if I bring up the fact that I had been homeless or struggled financially, admission committee would question my financial capabilities, whether I can afford dental school or not. I just don't want to leave the wrong impression of the struggle I have had since I do have enough money to apply for dental school and pay for its expenses. I would make sure to frame this correctly if I mention it.

 

[Dentistry's lover]

Agreed. That's a pretty big hole in the story. You will end up in a defensive position where you will have to explain yourself, and that is not a good way to make a first impression on the adcoms. I certainly think you can list yourself as disadvantaged, but play this card conservatively. Perhaps you would only say you had a difficult upbringing due to family issues; "homelessness" implies that your primary hardship is economic, whereas your situation actually has a social etiology.

Regardless of the reason, it is clear that you had an exceptionally tough time. Now that you've overcome this, you can at least receive due credit for your experience by demonstrating your new humility, resilience, independence, and self-knowledge.

Hi A Pre-dent,

You are right. The fact that I had been homeless was the consequence of a more grand moral and ethical issues that I had with my family. I am trying to touch upon details of this matter in my PS but certainly not make it a big deal. Thanks for the great advice.

 

[doc toothache]

Thank you Doc toothache, you have mentioned a great point. I read in other threads that if I bring up the fact that I had been homeless or struggled financially, admission committee would question my financial capabilities, whether I can afford dental school or not. I just don't want to leave the wrong impression of the struggle I have had since I do have enough money to apply for dental school and pay for its expenses. I would make sure to frame this correctly if I mention it.

You appear to have missed the point entirely. It is not about whether you can afford dental school or not, since you will likely be able to borrow all the money you will need. Rather, it is about the decisions you have made. You had the money, but for 5 months were unable to find adequate housing accommodations. Rather, it is about the choice/priorities you made when you found yourself in dire straits.

 

[Dentistry's lover]

You appear to have missed the point entirely. It is not about whether you can afford dental school or not, since you will likely be able to borrow all the money you will need. Rather, it is about the decisions you have made. You had the money, but for 5 months were unable to find adequate housing accommodations. Rather, it is about the choice/priorities you made when you found yourself in dire straits.

Sorry doc toothache if I did not address your point correctly. By "dental school expenses" I meant paying for the supplemental apps, school deposit, and cost associated with going to interviews.There is a big hole in the story I have shared above, which I am not comfortable talking about it in public. Knowing that piece would better describe my experience and how I overcame the barriers. I would probably take the "homeless" part of the equation and stick withe fact that I am low income in the disadvantage section of the application. Hope I interpreted your point better this time.