How Does This Read As A Challenge/Difficult Situation Topic

[Newguy92]

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Hey guys,

I've been having trouble with this essay topic and I want to get my secondaries done as soon as possible. I just had the idea of writing about trying to get my first volunteer position. It was challenging in that those who ran the volunteer program, though nice, were grossly unresponsive and bad a communicating and it took a constant, sustained effort on my part for about 9 months until I was actually in the ER. This hospital was my only option as it was the only one accessible by bus and I don't have a car. I think it could work if I spin it the right way, but I'm afraid that this might read more like me complaining or making an excuse for having less clinical experience than I'd like.

I didn't think that other topics that I thought of were appropriate or were out of the scope of the question (too personal, too focused on social challenges, too common (i.e. balancing everything, "trying to have it all", etc.)

Thoughts?

 

[Mt Kilimanjaro]

Hey guys,

but I'm afraid that this might read more like me complaining or making an excuse for having less clinical experience than I'd like.


Thoughts?

Although this is a fairly common situation, it reads like this to me, but I'm not on an ADCOM.

 

[arainyday]

Hmmm...I would rethink about using that example. It sounds like an excuse and comes off as a little superficial. Even though it's challenging, lots of premeds have to deal with bureaucracy throughout this process (just ask everyone waiting for the delayed AMCAS verification right now...). If it were me, I would pick something a little more unique or personal that ends on positive note, and you'll come off sounding more well rounded.

 

[kyamh]

I agree with the other posters, but also wanted to point out the following: you don't come off looking too great if it took you 9 months to get through the red tape. That's not a reasonable amount of time for someone who is resourceful and persistent to be heard and it may actually make people question why you were unsuccessful at communicating what you wanted and working within a tough system. While I am sure that there are circumstances that may explain why you did everything you possibly could and used every means possible to get in, it is as you start to explain these circumstances that the essay will start to sound whiny.

I think the trick with the challenge essays is to get across the difficulty of the situation as quickly as possible and then spend the rest of the time talking about how you overcome it. Your current example will take most of the essay to "show" how hard it was, so it won't be as easy to focus on your winning qualities.

 

[Newguy92]

Thanks guys,

Yeah, I've had similar reservations, hence this whole post. And kyamh, the 9 months includes a lot, especially since I contacted them before the semester began, but yeah what you said is kind of what I'm afraid of. The situation was beyond my control despite my doing everything I could do; it was more kind of like they were stringing me along, but regardless, I guess that's not really important.

The only thing is I've been trying to come up with a topic for over a week and this seemed to be one I could talk about most and had the elements that are looked for as far as coping, seeking advice, etc. It's not that life has been easy by any means, but it's mostly been dozens of unfortunate situations like the one above which I mostly chalk up to realities of life and just deal with them.

I was also considering writing about adjusting to my new leadership role and the challenges that come with that, but 1. Common theme, 2. It's sort of ongoing and hasn't been completely resolved, and 3. the essay may be to personal/focused on my personality....

Ugh...If I can just finish this essay, I'll be done...

 

[kyamh]

What about a time you balanced/led a very involved group project? Coordinating all the members of the group as they work together for a common goal is a challenge. You would have had to exhibit great qualities like leadership, responsibility, effective communication, and other great "team player" qualities that doctors have to have.