No specification when asked race/ethnicity on app

[CastleWolfenstein]

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The application does not require you to specify under this section. What are some thoughts from ADCOM's for those who choose not to identify?

 

[To be MD]

The application does not require you to specify under this section. What are some thoughts from ADCOM's for those who choose not to identify?

I don't believe it means much. If you were a URM, you'd place it. If not, it doesn't mean that much, if anything.

 

[CastleWolfenstein]

I really don't have a reason not to. I'm a white male with successful parents. What are the chances of me getting asked about it during an interview?

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

I really don't have a reason not to. I'm a white male with successful parents. What are the chances of me getting asked about it during an interview?

Why would they ask you about something that makes you pretty much like the majority of applicants they get? No one will care of you don't check a box, they'll know as soon as you walk in the door.

 

[CastleWolfenstein]

I have no idea what to expect from interviews. From what I've read on here, they can and will ask about anything. I'd rather have an answer ready for them than be a deer stuck in the headlights.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

I have no idea what to expect from interviews. From what I've read on here, they can and will ask about anything. I'd rather have an answer ready for them than be a deer stuck in the headlights.

"Why didn't you check the box?"

"Well I decided not to because I wanted the focus on the other aspects of my application that I feel help me stand out from other applicants"

It's not a trick question, if they even care to ask.

 

[CastleWolfenstein]

I'd like to think of it as a mystery factor. Hopefully they won't be too disappointed when they see a white boy walk through the door.

 

[rolliespring]

My name gives out everything about my ethnicity. I might as well check the box.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

My name gives out everything about my ethnicity. I might as well check the box.

Yeah OP I guess if your name sounds like something commonly associated with an ethnicity then check the box. I have a good friend whose name is Tyrell... Straight up pasty white farm boy, complete with farmers tan and cowboy boots. I can imagine an interviewer's face if he were to walk in without checking the box.......😵

 

[LizzyM]

The applicant's race is not something we can ask about AFAIK, along with marital status, religion, etc. If you check the box, or list your marriage and one of the three most meaningful experiences of your life then it might be fair game but just out of the blue from someone who didn't bring it up in the application? My Dean would have my head. Besides, unless the school can check a box stating that you are one of the x% of URM in the student body, no one really cares. They care about URM because the accrediting body for medical schools cares about having schools demonstrate that they have a diverse student body.

 

[Avicenna]

Leave it blank, keep schools wanting more. It's like playing hard-to-get with adcoms I bet they love it.

 

[gyngyn]

The application does not require you to specify under this section. What are some thoughts from ADCOM's for those who choose not to identify?

We don't care.

 

[doctorleospaceman]

If one was an URM, they would definitely put it in their application. If there is no mention at all, then assuming that the applicant is an ORM is a safe bet.

 

[xffan624]

The application does not require you to specify under this section. What are some thoughts from ADCOM's for those who choose not to identify?

I didn't check it for my own personal reasons. No one asked me anything about it. Stats do so that it slightly lowers ones chances bases solely on MCAT/GPA for some odd reason (I didn't realize this when I applied, I might not have done so, had I known this).