Learning disability: "disadvantaged" applicant?

[Unepetitevoix]

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I always struggled with school throughout my life despite my efforts. I found out during my senior year of college that I had a learning disability (where I have a short-term memory deficit, i.e., almost like "Dory" from "Finding Nemo") as well as ADHD. It took awhile of tweaking with my study styles to overcome this hurdle and start getting As in my science courses. (I also work full-time in patient care now, and have found strategies to still keep tabs of all the information given to me during a patient visit). From what I've read on the internet, disclosing to medical schools that you have any issue that may hinder your success in medical school, i.e., a learning disability, would be incredibly unwise. However, I wasn't looking to use this as an excuse, but as an explanation as to my "spotty" past record, and how I've overcome those challenges and could still be successful. Most medical schools have told me that the "disadvantaged" category was a loose one, but typically meant economically disadvantaged or an unrepresented minority, but I was curious as to if I would apply in this case (given that I overcame my own adversity?) Any advice would be appreciated -- thanks!

 

[dmf2682]

I always struggled with school throughout my life despite my efforts. I found out during my senior year of college that I had a learning disability (where I have a short-term memory deficit, i.e., almost like "Dory" from "Finding Nemo") as well as ADHD. It took awhile of tweaking with my study styles to overcome this hurdle and start getting As in my science courses. (I also work full-time in patient care now, and have found strategies to still keep tabs of all the information given to me during a patient visit). From what I've read on the internet, disclosing to medical schools that you have any issue that may hinder your success in medical school, i.e., a learning disability, would be incredibly unwise. However, I wasn't looking to use this as an excuse, but as an explanation as to my "spotty" past record, and how I've overcome those challenges and could still be successful. Most medical schools have told me that the "disadvantaged" category was a loose one, but typically meant economically disadvantaged or an unrepresented minority, but I was curious as to if I would apply in this case (given that I overcame my own adversity?) Any advice would be appreciated -- thanks!

My guess would be no. My understanding is that it's economic only, and then only from birth to age 18. URM is completely different. Maybe you can talk about it in your personal statement or challenge essay, but you've heard correctly in that it's probably not a good idea. As far as excuses go, that's what an explanation of spotty performance is, in my mind. I'm not an expert by any means, but my advice is to be honest with yourself regarding prospects of succeeding in medical school. If you stink at short term retention and can't really pay attention, how are you going to pass?

 

[QofQuimica]

No, that does not make you disadvantaged. And I tend to agree with dmf that it's going to be darn near impossible to give your explanation in a PS without it coming off as an excuse. So I suggest saving your explanation for the secondary essay questions about a challenge you've overcome. That, and keep pulling those As. Best of luck. 🙂