How to list family parents & siblings on AMCAS if adopted?

[thr-OH-away]

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Hello,

I was adopted at a very young age. I was raised by my biological aunt and her husband (people I absolutely consider to be my parents) and live with 2 of my 5 biological siblings. My biological father and mother have both recently passed away. Both suffered from mental illness.

Should I just list my adoptive family on AMCAS? I am in regular contact with all 5 of my siblings and it seems wrong to leave some of them out, but I don't want to tell an incomplete story. The biological family that I come from has profoundly shaped who I am and has motivated me to pursue medicine. Maybe this is more appropriate to address in my PS?

Thank you!

 

[OMG I'm going to be an MD]

If there was actual adoption process, then your aunt and her husband are legally recognized as your parents. Regardless of which set you recognize as your parent, (or even which set is recognized legally as your parents) your siblings are your siblings even if you have no personal relationship with them.
If I were in your shoes, I would list both sets of parents and all sibling I am aware of. I wouldn't mention my parent's mental health in my PS except if I was asked about it or it impacted my decision to pursue a career in medicine.

 

[LizzyM]

I'd suggest listing all 4 parents and the application has a spot for you to list that your birth parents are deceased. That would make the most sense, I think. Then also list all your sibs (all that is asked is age and sex, IIRC) as it is part of who you are whether or not you were raised together.

 

[thr-OH-away]

Thank you both for the helpful replies! I appreciate it.