Help with question on application

[mdr8]

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While applying to chicago, I encountered this question on the applicaion:

Please describe, as applicable, any personal or academic matters you feel may assist the Admissions Committee in reviewing your application for admission (e.g., special abilities, interests, or personal attributes; personal or financial hardships which you have had to deal with or overcome; academic disadvantage(s) in your previous education).

What would you write about in this section? I am thinking of leaving it blank because it seems like they want to know if you have had any exceptional circumstances that have somehow affected your academic career or you've had to overcome.

What do you guys think?

 

[pharm B]

I had a similar statement on my application. I used it to explain a few F's I had from almost 10 years ago. Basically explained that I wasn't ready for college then, joined the Navy, grew up, came back to kick ass and take names.

If you have any blemishes on your records, or weird points (like significant gaps), that's what I'd use it for.

If you got all A's while working three jobs and volunteering, I'd consider mentioning that here. It doesn't show you being needy; it shows you being able to adapt and overcome.

 

[mdr8]

Hm, well it took me 5 years to finish college due to changing my major..... during my 5th year i only took 2 classes each semester because of when the courses were offered. Now there will have been a one year gap in between when I finished college and hopefully attend pharmacy school. I haven't been working because its impossible to find a job. Is that stuff really worth putting in there you think?

 

[rxlea]

No. Have you experienced any adversity or hardship or anything? Are you an URM?

 

[Celticspride58]

I would def. not leave it blank. I mean to me at is a great way to sell yourself even more then you possibly can. I only say that because it says you can list personal attributes.

In my opinion if you can work into a smooth paragraph including your strengths what you had go go through in regards to changing your major I feel that it would work out for you. Use your best judgment and if in the end you don't find it workable for you then go with your gut 🙂