Out in my PS?

[Bengarama]

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Ok, so I'm writing my PS for applying this year (for 2011), and I've hit a snag. I don't know whether I should blatantly out myself as a gay male.

Some background is in order...

I started college when I was 17, and came out soon after. Actually, my mother found out, but that's a different story. In any case, my parents are southern baptist missionaries, and they disowned me. After trying to make it on my own, and an abysmal first two semesters, I joined the Air Force. A couple of years in I was outed to my supervisor. After a quick hearing, I was honorably discharged. My discharge paperwork actually says "homosexual action" as the reason for discharge. I've since gone back to school and raised my gpa to a moderately acceptable level (~3.6).

My problem is this, I need to address my gpa in my personal statement because it might be the only chance I get to explain myself to certain schools. I don't want to be written off when I feel that I have at least a reasonable claim (and recent track history to back it up) that it was a one-off. In writing my PS I tried to skirt the issue, mentioning getting kicked out of my parents house, but not giving a very clear reason why. My first reviewer, who I trust very much, disliked it. She said that I literally have the only excuse for getting kicked out of my house and the Air Force that doesn't make me sound like a crazy person.

I'm nervous that it might hurt my chances if I mention it, but I'm even more nervous that I won't get taken seriously if I don't. There are other aspects of my application that will obliquely out me (I'm on the board of my gay hockey league, I volunteer for the AIDS network, and I do research in an AIDS vaccine facility), but I'm not sure about blatantly mentioning it. I know some people will tell me (and I've already been told) that I won't want to go to a school that would automatically dislike me for my orientation. That's true, but I'm more worried about the school's that are generally accepting, and that I'd have a perfectly happy time going to, but have that one, lone voice of dissent on the admission's committee.

Anyway, I guess I'd just like some advice. Even better, does anyone have any experience being out on the application?

Thanks!

 

[willen101383]

I wouldnt put that in there. Its great that you you are confident in who you are...but some adcoms may not be so free minded. Med school and your personal life are two seperate entities and I wouldnt mix the two.

 

[MilkmanAl]

I don't know whether I should blatantly out myself as a gay male.

It's generally a good idea to avoid including controversial topics in your PS, but given your circumstances, it's a tougher call. It's the military thing that makes me lean a bit towards mentioning your sexuality since you don't want to leave the people reviewing your application wondering if you did something heinous while under the government's employ. You probably won't have too many problems, but it is realistic to expect to face at least some degree of discrimination, unfortunately.

 

[mfrizzo3]

Sure......I explicitly stated that I was a straight male in my PS.😎

 

[willen101383]

and arent we a little ambitious? Its march 1. Shouldnt you be out drinking and enjoying your senior year?

 

[naijaboi]

Outing yourself will not hurt you, in fact it will help you. Not talking about it would make it seem like you are hiding something and you will risk sounding dishonest. As long as you don't make your sexuality the focal point of the application, you will be fine. Making it on your own while you are 17 is a incredible achievement and can only make you look good in adcom's eyes. Also outing yourself will give a context to your involvements and would make for a much coherent and honest portrayal of yourself. You will also be applying as a URM.

 

[illegallysmooth]

I think if you can talk about it in a way that tells a story of coming to accept and respect yourself for who you are, dealing with prejudices, overcoming obstacles, etc - that might be a good route. In other words, emphasis on the obstacles and accomplishments, not on the sexual orientation. Obviously you will have to mention it, but as you said it will already be on your application. I sort of agree that you don't want to attend a school that would reject you for your sexual orientation, even if it's a subconcious decision on the part of the adcoms. With that said, discrimination and implicit prejudices do exist (as you obviously know) so I would advise you to apply very broadly, and to many schools. You could even research schools that have a history of supporting LGBT groups on campus and other initiatives that display an attitude of social liberalism.

And you do NOT need to explain your GPA.

Best of luck to you.

 

[the duck]

It's generally a good idea to avoid including controversial topics in your PS, but given your circumstances, it's a tougher call. It's the military thing that makes me lean a bit towards mentioning your sexuality since you don't want to leave the people reviewing your application wondering if you did something heinous while under the government's employ. You probably won't have too many problems, but it is realistic to expect to face at least some degree of discrimination, unfortunately.

This...the military discharge looks too iffy otherwise.

 

[WNT Signaling]

Sure......I explicitly stated that I was a straight male in my PS.😎

Was this necessary?

OP, see my PM

To other people on SDN who are debating the same thing, all I have to say is include it if you feel it has affected your reasoning for becoming a physician. As a gay man, I can say that my sexual orientation has influenced everything from where I went to college, which activities I did college, where I studied abroad in college, which PIs I felt comfortable working for in college, which professors I felt comfortable taking classes with, where I moved after college, where I applied for med school, and where I will be attending med school next year. To discredit one's sexual orientation as personal completely misses the mark that personal issues like this affect the choices we make in life, and it is these choices and their outcomes that ultimately make us unique human beings

 

[rbnsafsadgf]

You have a good story. If you use it, make sure it all ties somehow with your desire to go to med school. Think of the PS as your professional-personal statement.

Do a search on SDN for threads where similar topics have been discussed.

 

[WNT Signaling]

You will also be applying as a URM.

You cannot claim yourself as an URM on AMCAS based on your sexual orientation, although some schools will treat you as such

 

[Bengarama]

and arent we a little ambitious? Its march 1. Shouldnt you be out drinking and enjoying your senior year?

I got most of that out of my system when I was in the Air Force 🙂 Besides, I feel like this is an uphill battle that can only be made easier by early preparation!

As for the other advice, thanks; it seems pretty sound. I know that it's a risk, but you're right, getting kicked out of the Air Force needs to be explained somewhere...

 

[werd]

i wouldn't discuss sexual orientation on your ps. first, because it's a pretty unique thing to throw in there and you don't want it to be the first thing ppl think about when they consider your application. second, though it's in no way your fault, some could construe your story to make you someone who's personal life gets in the way of work/performance. schools aren't looking for someone with drama.

 

[BassCaster]

agree with an earlier post. i would include it to explain the honorable discharge. you'll have to explain that somewhere in the primary/secondary... might as well go in detail/get it over w/ in the ps.

 

[Bernoull]

agree with an earlier post. i would include it to explain the honorable discharge. you'll have to explain that somewhere in the primary/secondary... might as well go in detail/get it over w/ in the ps.

I'll suggest to include it, although we have VERY VERY long way to go in ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, I think most people on ADCOMs are reasonable and objective. You lived through profound challenges that very few people, more so premeds experience. It's a testament to ur fortitude, character and capacity to withstand significant challenges. All these are desirable attributes in medicine. Furthermore, you must explain ur discharge so take the initiative and explain things away.

Lastly, try to tie some of this back into medicine, have ur experiences (which I suspect have been formative) fortified ur interest to serve, sparked medical or avocational interests ur want to pursue etc etc...

You have an exquisite raw material/story to write a compelling, memorable and moving PS aboot. Don't even blink.

I have utmost respect for you and I'm moved by the unfathomable challenges u've had to overcome, keep ur head and stay strong!!!

Very best of luck to you..👍👍

 

[deleted307836]

I'll suggest to include it, although we have VERY VERY long way to go in ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, I think most people on ADCOMs are reasonable and objective. You lived through profound challenges that very few people, more so premeds experience. It's a testament to ur fortitude, character and capacity to withstand significant challenges. All these are desirable attributes in medicine. Furthermore, you must explain ur discharge so take the initiative and explain things away.

Lastly, try to tie some of this back into medicine, have ur experiences (which I suspect have been formative) fortified ur interest to serve, sparked medical or avocational interests ur want to pursue etc etc...

You have an exquisite raw material/story to write a compelling, memorable and moving PS aboot. Don't even blink.

I have utmost respect for you and I'm moved by the unfathomable challenges u've had to overcome, keep ur head and stay strong!!!

Very best of luck to you..👍👍

I completely agree with the above. The only thing I'll add is that make sure you're inclusion of it reads very fluidly. Maybe even the phrase "...due to my sexual orientation" would suffice as the reason for your parents disowning you and your discharge (as opposed to "because I'm gay").

 

[red10]

can't you just say "got kicked out of my parent house" or "parents did not support me after high school"
and just say you were HONORABLY discharged?
I mean as long as it was honorably discharged I don't think it's a big red flag

 

[familyaerospace]

I've been told by a few people to not mention in my personal statement that I am a gay female-to-male transsexual. I am likely going to do it because the process of transitioning hugely changed my opinions on medicine from having the medical phobia from hell (due to discrimination due to being trans) to something I want to make a career out of.

 

[thesauce]

Just give them a generic PS. Trying to stand out too much often backfires.

 

[Musclemass]

IMHO,
Gays will never been treated with complete equality until the use of "in your face" exclamations and confrontations becomes less widespread.

I don't care what your orientation is. You had discrimination and identity issues to overcome? That makes me sad but I'm glad you worked them through.

When you meet people (or fill out an app), you showcase your sexual orientation as the most important thing someone should know about you? Fine, it's your choice. Sorry, I just find it a boring topic. And your highlighting it works against your wish to be treated equally, because most hetero people don't make their sexuality the focal point of conversations with strangers, especially not in a professional environment. It's your actions, not those of others, that's making you different from everyone else. I think highlighting this in your PS is a big mistake.

Good luck.

 

[JmanDO]

This is one of those situations where you'd better hit a home run or don't bother.

I think you've got the makings for an amazing PS about overcoming prejudice and difficulty, realizing what is important to you in life and striving your hardest to obtain what your heart is set on. On top of that, you can further drive home the level of commitment you have, not only to getting in and becoming a doctor, but to your brethren, the people of the human family-including fellow gay members of society-through your research work and volunteer work. Even more impressive would be using that AIDS research work to tell a school that also conducts AIDS research why you would want to specifically attend their school.

Beware though, focus on strengths above and how you've grown, DONT use these experiences to explain bad grades. They can infer as to the cause of your grades (though 3.6 ain't bad) and doing so would leave them w/ a bad impression, which is the exact opposite of what a PS is supposed to do. If anything, they might be concerned enough to ask you in your interview, ONLY THEN can you briefly touch on bad performances in school, but always keep a positive spin on things. Be proud, not apologetic, sell yourself!

If you are invited for interview, exude confidence and even though situations may be difficult to discuss, when you do have to discuss them, don't dodge the Q; confidently assert your qualifications and what you've learned and gained from them. If you are confident, you will make the interviewer more comfortable and confident in you and your potential.

Besides, schools are not allowed to discriminate against orientation (though unfortunately, they still do so discreetly).

Spin your PS with a positive message, about the strength you've gained and if you reflect that positivity in your entire app, in your interview, I think you'll get into the place you want.

Best of luck. 😉

 

[WNT Signaling]

because most hetero people don't make their sexuality the focal point of conversations with strangers, especially not in a professional environment.

That's because society is heteronormative

 

[Morsetlis]

I love how it's socially acceptable (and fashionable!) to be poor and minority but not gay.

Wow, being gay is a political issue too? We're so political! What with our gayness and all.

Back to the point, I would make medicine the focus of your PS, not identity. I would agree with no drama, and I would keep society's heteronormacy (normativity?) in mind. After all, the people reading your PS are likely to be older, not younger. Although, they are also smarter and likely to be more socially liberal. Discuss your strengths MORE, explain your weaknesses LESS. Show them the end product, not the process by which you were forged.

For the record, I did not mention a single word of my sexual orientation in my PS. However, if an interviewer ever asked the "most difficult struggle" question, I did answer it as such.

The final question comes to how you want to live your life. Do you want to fight for your rights at all costs? Do you want to lead the life you think others should? Then you should write your life as you see fit. After all, it is pretty hard to get disowned if you're a college student with good grades and haven't killed somebody or crashed a few cars. However, of all the disowning cases I've had semi-personal contacts with (hello Korean Catholic parents), they involved sexual orientation. There might be no other way around explaining these events but your sexuality!

However--if your wish to become a doctor takes precedence over these concerns, then tailor your PS the traditional way UNLESS you think there is no other way to explain the AF discharge. You may just write "discharge" if you wish, and not allude anything else to it. ... However I foresee difficulty in explaining so many things away with non-sexuality clauses.

 

[Morsetlis]

Making it on your own while you are 17 is a incredible achievement and can only make you look good in adcom's eyes.

This makes me respect you more than anything else thus far.

 

[Morsetlis]

IMHO,
Gays will never been treated with complete equality until the use of "in your face" exclamations and confrontations becomes less widespread.

I don't care what your orientation is. You had discrimination and identity issues to overcome? That makes me sad but I'm glad you worked them through.

When you meet people (or fill out an app), you showcase your sexual orientation as the most important thing someone should know about you? Fine, it's your choice. Sorry, I just find it a boring topic. And your highlighting it works against your wish to be treated equally, because most hetero people don't make their sexuality the focal point of conversations with strangers, especially not in a professional environment. It's your actions, not those of others, that's making you different from everyone else. I think highlighting this in your PS is a big mistake.

Good luck.

I would like to see you explain:

-Getting disowned by parents
-Getting discharged from AF under DADT

without mentioning sexuality.

Sure, he could craft a personal statement entirely void of the disowned-at-17 fact and entirely void of the AF fiasco. Then what would he have left to show for the hardship he underwent, through very little fault of his own, that also affected his grades?

It IS a boring topic when it is not RELEVANT. However, here, sexuality is relevant as a catalyst of further events that actually do affect pre-med performance and also drive for medicine. When other people choose to sell their ethnic identity and immigrant-parent childhood, we should be denied ours? I do not discuss my sexuality when applying for laboratory positions since I did not suffer any lab-related hardships or shortcomings due to it. However, I will discuss it when applying for leadership of organizations, simply because of LGBT-related volunteering and leadership I've already done.

And, please, most hetero people DO assert their heterosexuality plenarily in conversations. However, the oblivious are oblivious. Actually, from the entire tone of your post, I suspect a deeper prejudice a priori than those established on objective principles.

Some of you have a brain more resistant to roentgen rays than I thought.

 

[Dianyla]

Agreeing with previous posters, this is too relevant to your military discharge and personal circumstances to not mention. I would do it as casually as possible without sounding like a victim, just stating facts.

I don't see how it should be a problem for med schools such as OHSU and UCSF that actively promote diversity and equality in their classes. I mean, I can't imagine you'd be applying to Loma Linda anyways!

 

[Morsetlis]

Agreeing with previous posters, this is too relevant to your military discharge and personal circumstances to not mention. I would do it as casually as possible without sounding like a victim, just stating facts.

I don't see how it should be a problem for med schools such as OHSU and UCSF that actively promote diversity and equality in their classes. I mean, I can't imagine you'd be applying to Loma Linda anyways!

There's apparently two whole gay and out people at Loma Linda if you believe the posts on SDN.

I did receive a secondary from Loma Linda and would go there, but I found the faith questions difficult to answer.

 

[NickNaylor]

Yikes, that's a tough one. I think you should include it, just be careful. I think as long as you don't victimize yourself you'd be fine.

 

[Musclemass]

I suspect a deeper prejudice a priori than those established on objective principles.

Dude, if you're referring to me, you're wrong.

Whether in an app, an interview, or a meeting with a stranger; none of these situations are a soapbox, a therapy session, or a political demonstration. There are ways for the OP to include the RELEVANT parts of his background without risking being offensive or off-putting. (eg, "I had a dysfunctional home situation as a result of having two parents who were intolerant Baptist missionaries. I ultimately had to leave home and set out on my own").

I was suggesting a course of action for a med school app, assuming the OP's goal was to gain an acceptance. If you see this instead as an opportunity to express feelings and broaden awareness of injustice, have at it.

In one of your posts, you advised avoiding drama. That was good advice, for him and for you.

 

[rxlea]

That's because society is heteronormative

+1 👍 That is what some people do not understand..

OP, I encountered the same dilemma in applying for pharmacy school. I chose not to mention it in supplementals, however, I deeply regret it. You can actually do a search for the most gay-friendly campuses/medical schools/etc. Also, a big indicator of such is presence of active LGBT groups.

And the comments about being victimized...do you not think he was victimized by being kicked out of the damn military just for being gay? C'mon, that is kind of a ridiculous statement. Also, the fact that he was disowned had to do with his sexual orientation. OP, you were at a disadvantage because of this- you encountered emotional trauma and people need to acknowledge that this happens to many gay people everyday.

Also, turn it into a positive by mentioning how you are active with the HIV/AIDS community- really highlight that because it is one of your strengths. By your own experience, you probably have a deeper understanding/more compassion for that community. This is fair game in your application. As for the gay hockey league, you can reword that a bit. For example, I founded the first nationally recognized lesbian and bisexual friendly sorority. I reworded as "founding sister of a sorority for underrepresent women". There has got to be a way to reword your hockey league in a similar manner.

Overall, I would mention your volunteer experience in your general app and make a brief mention of a disadvantaged background in your PS and then write more about it in your supplementals.

EDIT: and these comments about being gay being "offensive" is just an example of how homophobia continues to be perpetuated, even if it is in some indirect "innocent" manner. It IS a political issue just as race, ethnicity, immigrant status is. People are all about giving stuff to other minorities but not gay people...oh no, we can't give them anything LOL

 

[BigRedDeal]

She said that I literally have the only excuse for getting kicked out of my house and the Air Force that doesn't make me sound like a crazy person.

There are actually benign reasons for getting an honorable discharge. For example getting injured and being unable to continue in the AF, or as simple as your service contract was up. So you don't actually have to explain your honorable discharge.

(eg, "I had a dysfunctional home situation as a result of having two parents who were intolerant Baptist missionaries. I ultimately had to leave home and set out on my own").

I would suggest the OP doesn't even bring in the religion of his parents in the PS. It insinuates that their religion caused them to be intolerant. Even non-religious people can be intolerant of the issue. I think bringing in religion in a bad light will only alienate the adcom.

 

[naijaboi]

OP,

The best Personal Statements are honest ones. My PS is what people on SDN will call a sob story. It is filled with so much drama and suffering, yet it was the best thing I could have written. My interviewers loved it, some going as far as recommending that I write a book about my experiences. If I had taken most of the advice on this thread, I would have ended up with a generic statement that says nothing about me. Your experiences are unique - very few applicants would have gone through what you did. That you did and still did well in school is a testament to the strength of your character. Being gay and dealing with a heteronormative culture in itself is an achievement. Even greater is your early maturity, and how you have handled your setbacks so far. I doubt that anyone would not find that impressive. If they don't, then it's their loss, not yours.

It is true that some adcoms are prejudiced and that medical school application is a subjective process, but the people who are reading your application are screened and trained to be open-minded and sensitive about some of these issues. Having said that, I think that being gay should not be the focal point of your application. Only out yourself if it is necessary to discuss your challenges and overcoming them (I believe this is what is most impressive about you), and if your sexuality expanded your social consciousness and also impacted your desire to pursue medicine, and the activities you have been involved in. I think that your life story and path has the makings of an exceptional statement, and hopefully a good doctor. Good luck and I wish you the best. Please feel free to PM if you have any questions.

 

[rxlea]

OP,

The best Personal Statements are honest ones. My PS is what people on SDN will call a sob story. It is filled with so much drama and suffering, yet it was the best thing I could have written. My interviewers loved it, some going as far as recommending that I write a book about my experiences. If I had taken most of the advice on this thread, I would have ended up with a generic statement that says nothing about me. Your experiences are unique - very few applicants would have gone through what you did. That you did and still did well in school is a testament to the strength of your character. Being gay and dealing with a heteronormative culture in itself is an achievement. Even greater is your early maturity, and how you have handled your setbacks so far. I doubt that anyone would not find that impressive. If they don't, then it's their loss, not yours.

It is true that some adcoms are prejudiced and that medical school application is a subjective process, but the people who are reading your application are screened and trained to be open-minded and sensitive about some of these issues. Having said that, I think that being gay should not be the focal point of your application. Only out yourself if it is necessary to discuss your challenges and overcoming them (I believe this is what is most impressive about you), and if your sexuality expanded your social consciousness and also impacted your desire to pursue medicine, and the activities you have been involved in. I think that your life story and path has the makings of an exceptional statement, and hopefully a good doctor. Good luck and I wish you the best. Please feel free to PM if you have any questions.

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

 

[Ana Safavi]

I don't believe you should out yourself on your application. Why? Because, strictly speaking, it's not relevant. The fact that you are attracted to men is NOT the relevant factor here. Your GPA did not suffer because you are gay. Your GPA suffered because of how your parents *reacted* to the fact that you are gay (kicking you out). Your GPA suffered because you had abusive, unfit parents who disowned you and kicked you out onto the street.
In your PS, I think you should say that you were suddenly forced to leave home and cut ties with your family because of domestic issues and an abusive home environment. They don't need to know the details of what those issues were (it could have been that your parents were violent drunks, running a meth lab, hitting you, whatever. doesn't matter). Due to the nature of your extra-curricular activities, the adcom will probably read between the lines and realize that your sexuality was the issue here. That's fine. The point is that instead of making your PS about your sexuality, you need to make it about the adverse conditions (unfit parents) that you had to overcome.

Also, remember to keep the tone of your PS positive. Adcoms don't want to read a sob story about your ****ty life. They want to hear 'I had to overcome a very difficult situation which negatively impacted my marks. However, I persevered, raised my marks, and my hardships sharpened my focus and commitment to medicine. I am stronger and more dedicated than ever. I have shown that I can handle whatever life throws at me and come out the other end.'

As for leaving the air force. I don't see why you would need to justify an honourable discharge? Doesn't 'honourable' imply you did nothing wrong?

 

[FlowRate]

This is one of those situations where you'd better hit a home run or don't bother.

I think you've got the makings for an amazing PS about overcoming prejudice and difficulty, realizing what is important to you in life and striving your hardest to obtain what your heart is set on. On top of that, you can further drive home the level of commitment you have, not only to getting in and becoming a doctor, but to your brethren, the people of the human family-including fellow gay members of society-through your research work and volunteer work. Even more impressive would be using that AIDS research work to tell a school that also conducts AIDS research why you would want to specifically attend their school.

Beware though, focus on strengths above and how you've grown, DONT use these experiences to explain bad grades. They can infer as to the cause of your grades (though 3.6 ain't bad) and doing so would leave them w/ a bad impression, which is the exact opposite of what a PS is supposed to do. If anything, they might be concerned enough to ask you in your interview, ONLY THEN can you briefly touch on bad performances in school, but always keep a positive spin on things. Be proud, not apologetic, sell yourself!

If you are invited for interview, exude confidence and even though situations may be difficult to discuss, when you do have to discuss them, don't dodge the Q; confidently assert your qualifications and what you've learned and gained from them. If you are confident, you will make the interviewer more comfortable and confident in you and your potential.

Besides, schools are not allowed to discriminate against orientation (though unfortunately, they still do so discreetly).

Spin your PS with a positive message, about the strength you've gained and if you reflect that positivity in your entire app, in your interview, I think you'll get into the place you want.

Best of luck. 😉

I think this is perfect. Take this advice. 👍👍

 

[rockaction]

I don't believe you should out yourself on your application. Why? Because, strictly speaking, it's not relevant. The fact that you are attracted to men is NOT the relevant factor here. Your GPA did not suffer because you are gay. Your GPA suffered because of how your parents *reacted* to the fact that you are gay (kicking you out). Your GPA suffered because you had abusive, unfit parents who disowned you and kicked you out onto the street....

It's very relevant. It's not relevant for heterosexuals because in general, because we own this society and dictate it all. It takes a lot of strong character traits to be able to deal with being gay in America. This is who the OP is. If he's got something powerful to say on the matter, he should say it.

Straight people just don't understand what it's like to be gay in this country. Because of the position gay people are in, their sexuality affects their lives more than the sexuality of straight people does.

But, OP, you gotta do this right. It might be a topic that better lends itself to a secondary essay. But it's up to you. It's definitely not an off-limits subject in my book. You could probably sue adcoms anyway if they discriminated against you cause you were gay

Btw, OP: A friend of mine at Vanderbilt said one of their Deans is gay. So I wouldn't buy into the "all adcoms are conservative white folk" talk...

 

[MrCheetah]

You absolutely have to mention this in your personal statement. Use discretion; don't say "My parents kicked me out because I'm gay", but rather "My parents kicked me out due to my sexual orientation," and so on. Make sure you put the biggest positive spin on this you possibly can, because it definitely deserves it.

You really have quite an incredible life story, and expressing it in your PS allows you to tell it, and to give an entirely legitimate reason for being discharged from the airforce.

Make sure to work in that this makes you an URM and that, as a result of your experiences, you can better empathize and connect with minorities you'd be serving as a physician.

IMO, if you throw out some generic PS and don't mention your "journey" your discharge from the airforce and "abysmal" first two semesters will be huge red flags and will almost certainly lead to rejection. And even if you manage to scrap a few interviews, you'll probably have to explain how it is related to your sexual orientation anyway.

If you choose to share your phenomenal story, on the other hand, its possible that acouple of schools will discriminate against you, but these very well may the the schools which would not have taken you anyawy. Its much more possible that some schools will become interested in you which would otherwise have passed if you do tell it.

IMHO, your chances of acceptance are better if you incorporate your sexual orientation, life experiences, etc. into your PS than if you don't.

 

[flip26]

Do not discuss your sexual orientation in the PS. It is your business, nobody else's, and it doesn't serve to illuminate anything about you that is germane to med school admissions.

Discuss your motivation and preparation for a career in medicine. Leave the other stuff out.

Why do you need to explain your GPA? No need to explain a 3.6. They will see the bad first year, the gap of time, and the much improved performance when you return to college a few years later. No need to bare your soul here.

 

[LizzyM]

Do not discuss your sexual orientation in the PS. It is your business, nobody else's, and it doesn't serve to illuminate anything about you that is germane to med school admissions.

Discuss your motivation and preparation for a career in medicine. Leave the other stuff out.

Why do you need to explain your GPA? No need to explain a 3.6. They will see the bad first year, the gap of time, and the much improved performance when you return to college a few years later. No need to bare your soul here.

👎

It is germane to medical admissiosn because the OP brings a perspective to the class that might otherwise be missing and the OP can help all students learn how to best serve the needs of GLBTQ patients. Furthermore, it is well known that GLBTQ patients are often treated poorly in clinical settings and that they avoid seeking care based on fear of maltreatment. Because GLBTQ physicians are more likely than hetero physicians to choose to focus services to member of the GLBTQ community,admitting qualified GLBTQ applicants to medical school will help to aleviate shortages of physicians willing to serve this minority group.

 

[naijaboi]

Do not discuss your sexual orientation in the PS. It is your business, nobody else's, and it doesn't serve to illuminate anything about you that is germane to med school admissions.

Discuss your motivation and preparation for a career in medicine. Leave the other stuff out.

Why do you need to explain your GPA? No need to explain a 3.6. They will see the bad first year, the gap of time, and the much improved performance when you return to college a few years later. No need to bare your soul here.

I agree, there is no need to explain that GPA. But I think it should be addressed by describing the circumstances and challenges overcame during that time. It can be the difference between an interview at a highly ranked school. Plus, OP's overall GPA can be construed as a major strength especially given his background. A PS is all about telling medical schools your business - please give them enough information to see that you are a real human being with real problems and a clear understanding of the world not another faceless premed. However you can do this if fine, outing yourself or not - it is okay. What is germane to med school admissions is compassion, perseverance through adversity, intelligence and intellectual capability, expanded social awareness, generosity and concern for others and an interesting personality.

This might not be helpful - but let yourself shine through and make sure that your statement is honest and true to yourself.

 

[naijaboi]

👎

It is germane to medical admissiosn because the OP brings a perspective to the class that might otherwise be missing and the OP can help all students learn how to best serve the needs of GLBTQ patients. Furthermore, it is well known that GLBTQ patients are often treated poorly in clinical settings and that they avoid seeking care based on fear of maltreatment. Because GLBTQ physicians are more likely than hetero physicians to choose to focus services to member of the GLBTQ community,admitting qualified GLBTQ applicants to medical school will help to aleviate shortages of physicians willing to serve this minority group.

👍 You're eloquent as always.

 

[Bengarama]

Thank you everyone for your insightful comments. I think hearing so many different perspectives has been very helpful.

Why do you need to explain your GPA? No need to explain a 3.6. They will see the bad first year, the gap of time, and the much improved performance when you return to college a few years later. No need to bare your soul here.

I just want to comment on this. I know that a 3.6 isn't bad. I'm happy with it. I think what I failed to iterate was how poorly I did during my first year. I have an F, 2 Ds, and the rest are Cs from that year, and I think that it begs a little more explanation than "he just wasn't ready."

 

[flip26]

👎

It is germane to medical admissiosn because the OP brings a perspective to the class that might otherwise be missing and the OP can help all students learn how to best serve the needs of GLBTQ patients. Furthermore, it is well known that GLBTQ patients are often treated poorly in clinical settings and that they avoid seeking care based on fear of maltreatment. Because GLBTQ physicians are more likely than hetero physicians to choose to focus services to member of the GLBTQ community,admitting qualified GLBTQ applicants to medical school will help to aleviate shortages of physicians willing to serve this minority group.

I didn't say he should "hide in the closet." I said don't put it in the PS (and plenty of secondaries have tailor made questions for applicants to address this issue). Sexual orientation is not a good "motivation" for becoming a physician, but it may be a fantastic reason for becoming a gay rights activist.

The motivation can be discovered, and demonstrated, through the ECs that the applicant says have shaped his life, and in those, if working with the GLBTQ community is part of it, then that's great.

Finally, LizzyM, you are at an undisclosed, highly ranked northeastern US and probably "liberal" minded med school. Care to shade your advice for some kid applying to the Texas system?

 

[flip26]

I just want to comment on this. I know that a 3.6 isn't bad. I'm happy with it. I think what I failed to iterate was how poorly I did during my first year. I have an F, 2 Ds, and the rest are Cs from that year, and I think that it begs a little more explanation than "he just wasn't ready."

Yeah, but that happens to lots of people, for lots of reasons.

You did the smart thing - you left school - and you came back a few years later with newfound maturity and peace, and you kicked butt.

 

[LizzyM]

I didn't say he should "hide in the closet." I said don't put it in the PS (and plenty of secondaries have tailor made questions for applicants to address this issue). Sexual orientation is not a good "motivation" for becoming a physician, but it may be a fantastic reason for becoming a gay rights activist.

The motivation can be discovered, and demonstrated, through the ECs that the applicant says have shaped his life, and in those, if working with the GLBTQ community is part of it, then that's great.

Finally, LizzyM, you are at an undisclosed, highly ranked northeastern US and probably "liberal" minded med school. Care to shade your advice for some kid applying to the Texas system?

I don't discuss my location.... and I don't know why you would identify me with the northeast (must be my accent 😉 ). I suppose y'all don't have any gays in Texas, is that what you mean.?

 

[WNT Signaling]

Sexual orientation is not a good "motivation" for becoming a physician

It was my motivation for becoming a physician: I want to serve my community because there is a dearth of LGBT friendly health care providers in many parts of the country

 

[rxlea]

Do not discuss your sexual orientation in the PS. It is your business, nobody else's, and it doesn't serve to illuminate anything about you that is germane to med school admissions.

Discuss your motivation and preparation for a career in medicine. Leave the other stuff out.

Why do you need to explain your GPA? No need to explain a 3.6. They will see the bad first year, the gap of time, and the much improved performance when you return to college a few years later. No need to bare your soul here.

👎 x2

It's very relevant. It's not relevant for heterosexuals because in general, because we own this society and dictate it all. It takes a lot of strong character traits to be able to deal with being gay in America. This is who the OP is. If he's got something powerful to say on the matter, he should say it.

Straight people just don't understand what it's like to be gay in this country. Because of the position gay people are in, their sexuality affects their lives more than the sexuality of straight people does.

But, OP, you gotta do this right. It might be a topic that better lends itself to a secondary essay. But it's up to you. It's definitely not an off-limits subject in my book. You could probably sue adcoms anyway if they discriminated against you cause you were gay

Btw, OP: A friend of mine at Vanderbilt said one of their Deans is gay. So I wouldn't buy into the "all adcoms are conservative white folk" talk...

You're absolutely right, my friend. People don't realize that it can be a constant stressor in everyday life. For example, I work in an institution that prides itself on diversity and provides its employees with domestic partner beneifts, etc. However, within my department there are many Christian conservatives and I have yet to out myself to many of my colleagues even after 3 years of working here. When people talk about their spouses or regale everyone with tales of what they did on Valentine's Day, I can never mention that I took my partner to an elaborate lobster tail dinner or some amazing flamenco performance. I have to hear snide homophobic remarks like "oh, that's so gay" or "he is such a queer"....not to mention that applying for jobs or working in groups at school is stressful because it is hard to discern someone's "opinion" on the issue. I have been a prime witness to what happens on some college campuses. One of my dear friends was almost beaten to DEATH on a public university campus, yet it was not treated as a "hate crime". Depending on location, some gays and lesbians literally live in fear of being threatened, harassed, or being passed over for a job opportunity because of their sexual orientation. It is even worse for transgendered individuals. The fact that so many people minimize someone's experience with this form (or any form) of discrimination because of sexual orientation is really disconcerting.

...steps of soapbox.

I know it is a rant, but in all honesty OP, why would you want to be at a school that doesn't accept who you are anyway? Just because it is some top name school or something? How unhappy a life would that be being surrounded by people who think you are a pervert, sinner, or mentally ill (there are many people who still believe in reparative therapy)?

 

[flip26]

It was my motivation for becoming a physician: I want to serve my community because there is a dearth of LGBT friendly health care providers in many parts of the country

Is that what you wrote, and exactly how you wrote it, in your PS? That your sexual orientation was your motivation for becoming a physician?

 

[familyaerospace]

It was my motivation for becoming a physician: I want to serve my community because there is a dearth of LGBT friendly health care providers in many parts of the country

It's a huge motive for me as well. My GP has patients that have to travel several hundreds of miles each way to see him because he is one of the few in the southeast that will treat trans patients. I'm lucky enough to be close enough to him that I can see him without having to travel far (only 2 hour drive each way.) He and I are about to start working on a project on LGBT Health together.

 

[rxlea]

It's a huge motive for me as well. My GP has patients that have to travel several hundreds of miles each way to see him because he is one of the few in the southeast that will treat trans patients. I'm lucky enough to be close enough to him that I can see him without having to travel far (only 2 hour drive each way.) He and I are about to start working on a project on LGBT Health together.

Well whatever your project is, if you ever need a student pharmacist, let me know 🙂