How to properly explain a drug problem?

[wittig]

---

Members do not see this ad.

The title may be a little misleading let me explain. Im currently a junior but In my freshman year I did terrible because I was unmotivated, didn't go to class, did drugs (just marijuana) and partied alot. I cleaned up my act the same summer and since then did pretty well in my classes from then on. My question is. When professors that want to write me letters of recommendation or even adcom members ask me why I did bad in freshman year, what do I say? Do I tell them the truth about my bad habits or should I not elaborate too much and just keep the details of the drugs and partying out? I want to clearly explain to them but I also don't want it to lead to a potential rejection or somehow cause them to write me a bad letter. Thoughts?

 

[flatearth22]

Yeah OP just admit to doing illegal substances that sounds like a great idea.

 

[armybound]

Lack of maturity.

 

[theseeker4]

The title may be a little misleading let me explain. Im currently a junior but In my freshman year I did terrible because I was unmotivated, didn't go to class, did drugs (just marijuana) and partied alot. I cleaned up my act the same summer and since then did pretty well in my classes from then on. My question is. When professors that want to write me letters of recommendation or even adcom members ask me why I did bad in freshman year, what do I say? Do I tell them the truth about my bad habits or should I not elaborate too much and just keep the details of the drugs and partying out? I want to clearly explain to them but I also don't want it to lead to a potential rejection or somehow cause them to write me a bad letter. Thoughts?

You can easily state you had bad habits and didn't take school seriously without saying you used drugs. While many profs and adcoms wouldn't have a problem with it (many of them did and/or do themselves I am sure) a few might, so just don't mention it to avoid any bias. There really is no need at all to mention drug use, so why would you bring it up?

 

[nuance]

The title may be a little misleading let me explain. Im currently a junior but In my freshman year I did terrible because I was unmotivated, didn't go to class, did drugs (just marijuana) and partied alot. I cleaned up my act the same summer and since then did pretty well in my classes from then on. My question is. When professors that want to write me letters of recommendation or even adcom members ask me why I did bad in freshman year, what do I say? Do I tell them the truth about my bad habits or should I not elaborate too much and just keep the details of the drugs and partying out? I want to clearly explain to them but I also don't want it to lead to a potential rejection or somehow cause them to write me a bad letter. Thoughts?

Keep the details of the drugs and partying out. Completely. Do not even allude to them.

edit: and ditto what Theseeker4 said.

 

[NickNaylor]

Tell them the truth if asked. Don't volunteer this information - or really any negative information.

 

[235788]

oh man OP! Yeah goodluck with that -- it can either hurt you or really hurt you.

 

[wittig]

Tell them the truth if asked. Don't volunteer this information - or really any negative information.

So if they say "wittig, explain why your freshman year was terrible" I should explain all of it? Or just stick with unmotivated?

 

[flatearth22]

So if they say "wittig, explain why your freshman year was terrible" I should explain all of it? Or just stick with unmotivated?

You shouldn't admit to doing anything illegal on a med school app (or any other professional school, grad school, job app, etc.) unless you've been caught and it's on your record and you have to admit it and explain it. Period.

 

[jf1987]

Obviously don't describe the drug use like others have said. If needed explain that you were lacking maturity and direction during that period of time or something like that.

 

[wittig]

Ok I think I understand what to do now. Mods can close this thread if they'd like. Thank you everyone.

 

[mdhopeful65]

Are you serious right now?

 

[NickNaylor]

You shouldn't admit to doing anything illegal on a med school app (or any other professional school, grad school, job app, etc.) unless you've been caught and it's on your record and you have to admit it and explain it. Period.

Agreed. The wonderful term "personal problems" is useful for you here.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Tell them the truth if asked. Don't volunteer this information - or really any negative information.

This. Seeing as medicine seems to be a conservative field, I wouldn't outright walk in and scream, "HEY I DID DRUGS, BUT ITS COOL NOW, KK?" Just do what you think is best.😀

 

[MedPR]

Say this.

"I was drunk and high 24/7 and still managed to pass all my classes. Imagine how well I can do sober!"

 

[235788]

Say this.

"I was drunk and high 24/7 and still managed to pass all my classes. Imagine how well I can do sober!"

lol your signature is unreal

 

[LizzyM]

Put a positive spin on everything. Say, "It took me some time to develop good study habits and time management skills. Once I did that, nothing could hold me back."

 

[zeroseventysix]

Bring a flask to the interview

 

[Lil Mick]

Sending you a PM with my experiences in this area. Anyone else with this question can send me a message.

 

[ppfizenm]

.

 

[mishaS]

Unfortunately med school apps and interviews are not a place where honesty is rewarded...