How to mention (or not mention) sexual assault

[Pinkfluffybunny]

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I was recently sexually assaulted last week, and I am worried about my GPA. Before the incident happened, I had a fairly high GPA, however many of my finals were immediately following the attack. I have documentation from my school of the incident occurring as I was hurt both physically and emotionally, but my GPA is going to drop as I cannot focus on school at the moment. Should I have my school disclose this information when applying? I don't want dental schools to think I was slacking off for the semester when I was not, but I also do not want them to see it as a sign of weakness? I'm just really confused as I don't want to ruin my future because of something I could not control. I hope to go to penn/columbia and (i think) they value high GPAs?

 

[deleted767916]

I'm so sorry for what happened. I was also sexually assualted so I really can empathize with how you're feeling; of course every incident is unique. For me it happened 3 years ago and impacted me for 2 years. Luckily it happened near the beginning of my school year so I can show that I healed and improved. All I can say is to get better and when interviews come I'm going to just tell them it was due to personal reasons; I'm pretty sure dental schools aren't allowed to ask that. If you need someone to talk to feel free to message me

I was recently sexually assaulted last week, and I am worried about my GPA. Before the incident happened, I had a fairly high GPA, however many of my finals were immediately following the attack. I have documentation from my school of the incident occurring as I was hurt both physically and emotionally, but my GPA is going to drop as I cannot focus on school at the moment. Should I have my school disclose this information when applying? I don't want dental schools to think I was slacking off for the semester when I was not, but I also do not want them to see it as a sign of weakness? I'm just really confused as I don't want to ruin my future because of something I could not control. I hope to go to penn/columbia and (i think) they value high GPAs?

 

[Faefly]

I am so sorry about what happened to you.

But you know what, the hell with any dental school that fails to see this as a life-changing incident, people take years to heal from sexual abuse and assaults.

If any schools will see this as a sign of weakness, then the hell with them, tons of other dental schools will see it as what is,
a tragedy that hit you right before finals and thus as a human being you were affected.

You should definitely disclose that!

I don't want to sound crude or someone who lacks feelings or empathy.

But, it's bad enough that life screwed you over literally, don't make it worse by not using this incident to your advantage.


Remember, you were suffering while others didn't, but still, you had the courage to go to the test. This is commendable, and something to feel extremely proud of.
Even if you failed the finals, you were so strong and courageous to go to the finals despite the fact that you were in pain and suffering!

If some school fails to see this as a sign of strength, then seriously, you don't want such callous school to begin with!

One last thing to say: If you feel this is a touchy subject and will hurt you every time it's mentioned, then don't disclose it.

 

[AppalachianDentalBoy]

Your priority needs to be you right now and not your GPA. As Faefly said any school that doesn't recognize assault as an impactful event in your life isn't worth going to.

You said this was recent, have you gone to the hospital? If it has been less than five days you can get an exam done by a SANE nurse, and if it has been more than four it is still worth going too. Taking care of your physical wellbeing is an incredibly important step in the recovery process. Additionally, any tears and bruising you might not be able to see could be found during an exam. You can also get STI medication and pregnancy prophylaxis administered. Do you have many people you can talk to about this? Have you found a therapist or counselor you trust?

To answer your question: TMDSAS has a whole essay that you can write about anything and I know people who have written about similar things for theirs. AADSAS should have something similar but you get like 600 characters as opposed to 2500. One bad semester won't tank your chances.

I work for a women's health clinic so I am pretty familiar with the medical and legal process. If you ever need someone to talk to about anything hmu.

 

[sb.tnh]

Include it in your essay if you think can you tell a compelling story.

 

[Pinkfluffybunny]

Your priority needs to be you right now and not your GPA. As Faefly said any school that doesn't recognize assault as an impactful event in your life isn't worth going to.

You said this was recent, have you gone to the hospital? If it has been less than five days you can get an exam done by a SANE nurse, and if it has been more than four it is still worth going too. Taking care of your physical wellbeing is an incredibly important step in the recovery process. Additionally, any tears and bruising you might not be able to see could be found during an exam. You can also get STI medication and pregnancy prophylaxis administered. Do you have many people you can talk to about this? Have you found a therapist or counselor you trust?

To answer your question: TMDSAS has a whole essay that you can write about anything and I know people who have written about similar things for theirs. AADSAS should have something similar but you get like 600 characters as opposed to 2500. One bad semester won't tank your chances.

I work for a women's health clinic so I am pretty familiar with the medical and legal process. If you ever need someone to talk to about anything hmu.

Hi, I did end up going to the hospital and I do have some injuries, however a lot of my worse injuries were due to physical assault that occurred when I tried to resist. Unfortunately my attacker is an exchange student who goes back home in a week, so I'm not really sure if any action can be taken. I suppose one of my main stressors is my GPA, as my whole college career so far had been based off my desire to go to penn/columbia, and this is ruining it for me. Would it be weird writing about assault for my essays, as it has nothing to do with my research experience/internships/volunteering etc?

 

[princeafrica]

I would only restrict this to the disadvantaged essay part. I’m sorry you went through this. I think putting it in the disadvantaged essay part would be a good place but not your personal statement. This can be life changing but I am assuming you don’t want this event to define you (pardon my ignorance if I’m wrong).

If you can make it work with your personal statement go ahead but make sure you aren’t steering away from the main question “why dentistry”.

 

[AppalachianDentalBoy]

Hi, I did end up going to the hospital and I do have some injuries, however a lot of my worse injuries were due to physical assault that occurred when I tried to resist. Unfortunately my attacker is an exchange student who goes back home in a week, so I'm not really sure if any action can be taken. I suppose one of my main stressors is my GPA, as my whole college career so far had been based off my desire to go to penn/columbia, and this is ruining it for me. Would it be weird writing about assault for my essays, as it has nothing to do with my research experience/internships/volunteering etc?

I know you think there won't be any recourse but I would still report your attacker to both the cops and the title ix office at your school. I personally would leave the assault out of your PS since it needs to focus on "why dentistry" but absolutely write about it in the disadvantaged section.

 

[Faefly]

I don't know. They say don't force the victims to press charges against the creeps nasty beings who assault them, but I just feel sad that this disgusting human being is going back home unscathed. His pathetic family will be proud of him and people will cheer him on and say oh he got his education from AMERICA.
when all he did was being a predator who assaulted a girl and got away with it.



The nasty ugly creature should be in Jail. Should rot in Jail! 🙁

 

[AppalachianDentalBoy]

They say don't force the victims to press charges against the creeps nasty beings who assault them

Unfortunately, a lot of survivors of sexual assault just want to try and put the attack behind them as quickly as possible and the vast majority do not report. I try and encourage survivors to report if not for themselves but for the other potential women and men who might be attacked by their perpetrator. There have been very few instances where I have agreed with survivors desire not to report (justified fear of retaliatory violence).

 

[Faefly]

Unfortunately, a lot of survivors of sexual assault just want to try and put the attack behind them as quickly as possible and the vast majority do not report. I try and encourage survivors to report if not for themselves but for the other potential women and men who might be attacked by their perpetrator. There have been very few instances where I have agreed with survivors desire not to report (justified fear of retaliatory violence).

Yeah, I understand this; sometimes you just want to let go and forget about what happened, besides sometimes you report and people blame you or even don't believe you.
It's a sad situation.
Anyway, I hope Op get into Penn or Columbia

 

[ddsmt]

I don’t have any advice for you, but I do have good vibes. You are strong and will get through this, I believe in you.

Best of luck!!

 

[Pinkfluffybunny]

thank you guys so much for the support!! it really means a lot! I have a note from my schools sexual assault center saying that an incident occurred this semester, so I'm pretty sure dental schools will get the gist without me having to mention it. My bruises are gone and I'm attending therapy so I'm in a slightly better place now🙂

 

[2TH MVR]

thank you guys so much for the support!! it really means a lot! I have a note from my schools sexual assault center saying that an incident occurred this semester, so I'm pretty sure dental schools will get the gist without me having to mention it. My bruises are gone and I'm attending therapy so I'm in a slightly better place now🙂

Good for you and good luck with your dental school admission.