Personal Statement, should I or should I not...

[vegousc]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi, all,

I have been meaning to post here but decided to wait after I get my MCAT score. My MCAT score just came out and it is not pretty: VR7, PS13, BS11, Total 31R. I was hoping for a 34 or 35, and my AAMC average was 36. This could change how my personal statement is potentially viewed by adcoms, which is why I am here to seek your advice.

I feel the need to disclose some very unique personal circumstances of mine, which are what propelled me for medical school and what I have discussed in about 150 words in my ps before finding out my MCAT score. I am a post-op Male to female transgendered person from Mainland China. I suffered a lot of physical and emotional abuse back there because of my gender identity and a U.S. judge granted me refugee status after studying my case, while I was pursuing graduate studies here in the U.S. I discussed in my ps how the harsh treatment I got growing up actually made me a more compassionate person; that I would like to specialize in Gender Reassignment Surgery later, which was my life saver and will be to many other transgendered individuals. Aside from that, I have two Masters degrees from the U.S., one in the field of preventive medicine, years of graduate teaching and research experience, and some shadow and clinical volunteer experience. My undergraduate GPA was 4.0 in Chemical Engineering.

If my MCAT score was better, I think my story would be convincing to an adcom, but with the score as low as it is, I worry they would feel that I am "milking" my identity for admissions purpose or overcompensating for MCAT inadequacy. The doctor I shadowed( a Stanford trained M.D.) let me know that medicine is still a conservative field and he really cannot comment on how my ps will be viewed by adcom. I know that no one would be able to offer me a definitive answer except for the actual adcoms, but I would love to hear your input as there are so many insightful professionals here. If my ps would not fly with you, it probably would not in adcom's eyes.

Also, I did not make my gender identify the chunk of my ps, which focused on what I learned from research and teaching experience instead, but I did make it the main reason why I would like to go to medical school. Would this be too risky even though it is true to my heart?

Any input that you would like to offer me would be highly appreciated. Thank you for reading my length post and if my personal story makes you uncomfortable, I sincerely apologize.

 

[Brent8927]

I can't imagine all the hurdles you've gone through to get to where you are, but I'd like to say congratulations on being true to yourself and for choosing to pursue medicine.

Personally I would write what is true to my heart, and most importantly, what I want adcoms to know. I had some things in my personal statement that others didn't quite approve of or reccomend, but I wanted to be accepted (or rejected) for who I was. I think it's important to be genuine.

Just always remember your goal is much deeper than getting into medical school--you're goal iis to become a physician and help others. I think one problem with being a pre-med is it gets really easy to look at the next step as the goal, but often when we do that we forget who we are (or at least I do). In my experience the best solution is reflection--and lots of it 🙂

I don't think that adcoms will view your PS as "milking" your identity for benefit. In fact, any admissions offer who is familiar with the LGBT community would probably be highly impressed. It's hard enough to grow up gay or lesbian in the US, much less China, and growing up as a transgendered person is even more difficult.

I do understand that there are definitely adcoms (perhaps most of them) who aren't very familiar with transgendered persons, and it's possible that your personal statement could bring up some concern. But, the perseverence of the human spirit is something that inspires everyone, and I think your story, while perhaps unfamiliar to many, would strike a chord with most of those who read it.

Combined with all your other qualities/achievments (two master's degrees and a 4.0 in chemical engineering---wow!) I think you will do well in your application to medical school. Also, a 31 MCAT is the average score for those who matriculate into medical school. And the average matriculant won't have the same life experiences that you have had, nor will they have two masters' degrees, etc.

Best of luck!

 

[LiveUninhibited]

If you try to suppress such a compelling story that is so central to your identity and mission, you'll come off as more boring than you are at best and disingenuous at worst come interview time. I don't think every adcom member will understand, but my guess would be that you're going to lose more offers by suppressing your story than being open about it.

I don't see how your performance on the VR section undermines your message. Given your score on the essay and other sections, my guess is you could do better than that, but I don't think you'll have to in order to get in somewhere. I can imagine your application would spark a lot of interesting discussion on the adcom, which is much better than being anonymously average.

 

[ksmi117]

I say go for it. Even with a high MCAT score, you would still be trying to tell adcoms why you want to go into medicine, and this is your reason. Just because you have a 31 doesn't mean you have to have a boring PS that doesn't convey your reasons for medicine. I'd say it gives you more reason to if anything. You've gotta have that hook to get them interested.

 

[Caprica6]

Do not worry too much about your PS and BS section scores, they are good. Being from China, I am assuming that English is your second language. If so, I think ADCOMMs will be somewhat forgiving of your low VR score.

 

[longhorn09]

Being from China, I am assuming that English is your second language. If so, I think ADCOMMs will be somewhat forgiving of your low VR score.

Is it really true? Or will they require an even higher VR score to prove your English language ability?

I ask simply because I'm in the same boat!

 

[iwant2doctor]

Is it really true? Or will they require an even higher VR score to prove your English language ability?

I ask simply because I'm in the same boat!

Depends on how long you've been in North America I guess...they are probably more forgiving for international students but, for sure, they won't ignore you VR score simply because you put China as your birth country when you've lived in US for years.

 

[kia ora]

I'd say you absolutely should discuss this in your personal stmt. I mean, you went through the surgery and all that is associated with it because you felt like you weren't "yourself" (I presume this is what it boils down to)...so be yourself in your personal stmt. your stmt certainly will stand out from most others, and probably more in a good way than in a bad way.

incidentally, I used to have a doctor who was a post-op male to female transgendered person. I didn't know that she started out as a he until after I'd been her patient for a few years (and had I known it wouldn't have made any difference to me - she was a fantastic doctor).

as for your VR score, I wouldn't sweat it too much. English is not your first language...and I'd suspect that there are plenty of native English speakers who get a 7 or far worse on the VR section!

 

[Mattabet]

Is it really true? Or will they require an even higher VR score to prove your English language ability?

It seems unreasonable to expect a higher score on VR. I would think that you'll have more than enough opportunity to prove your English ability in the interviews. And that spoken proficiency is probably way more important going forward than the ability to pick something out of a VR passage.

To the original poster, go with your story. Sure, it's possible that it might offend an admissions committee member here or there. But for every oddball that gets offended, five or ten are probably going to be impressed with your honesty and perseverance through difficult circumstances. I think that, for the majority of admissions folk, this is going to set you apart and make you an interesting applicant.

 

[dragonfly99]

If I were reading your app., I'd cut you some slack for the VR 7 due to English not being your native language. However, that score will likely get your application screened out at some schools.

I don't think you should make your personal statement all about your gender reassignment. Also, if the transgender issue is your only or by far biggest reason for wanting to become a doctor, my ? and the ? of some adcom members would likely be, "Why medicine? Why not just become a psychotherapist, counselor, social worker, etc.?". Expect to answer this question during your interview. I think it's fine to mention your gender reassignment as part of your motivation for becoming a physician, but it sounds like you've got a lot more accomplishments and experiences to discuss, as well. Also, the adcom needs to see that you are going to commit to the work and process of becoming a doctor, and not just only plan to spend the whole time you are a trainee as some sort of crusader for any sort of cause (NOT that it might not be a very important cause...but just realize that the bulk of the next few years would be spent learning science and then how to examine patients, take notes/records about them and become organized in doing that).

 

[slick27]

I wouldn't bring it up. It might raise some red flags. Sometimes its best to stay off the radar. I'd stay conservative on the personal statement.

 

[vegousc]

Hi, everyone,

I do not know how I could thank you enough for taking the time and patience to offer such constructive advice to my personal statement, a sacrifice that you must have made out of your tight schedules. I read your responses with sincere appreciation.

I will follow your suggestions, keeping my identity as what motivates me towards medicine while talking about my strengths in research and teaching. I am prepared to answer any questions, if I get to the interview round.

I am very touched that you take the time to comfort me on my verbal score. I think it is time that I mention that I feel very ashamed of my miserable verbal score, after spending seven years in the U.S., while also holding a Bachelor's degree in English besides Chemical Engineering. If I get screened out by schools because of my verbal score, I am not going to complain at all. Nonetheless, I will point out in my ps that it is an anomaly, compared to my 92% percentile GRE verbal scores.

I am very hesitant to ask and I will understand if you would like to laugh at me: Am I being completely unrealistic in applying to UCSF or Stanford? I am interested in both because of their emphasis on research, which I would love to continue to do while in medical school, if accepted. Also both are in the Bay area, and I would like to think they are a little more receptive to a non-traditional student like me( not that other medical schools are not receptive).

Once more, I am very very moved by your empathy and encouragement. I feel very very fortunate and honored to be a member in this forum.

 

[LizzyM]

Do not worry too much about your PS and BS section scores, they are good. Being from China, I am assuming that English is your second language. If so, I think ADCOMMs will be somewhat forgiving of your low VR score.

I agree.

Your birth place is on the first page of the AMCAS and your Verbal is right there too. The Verbal is influenced by reading speed and it is understood that adults who are not native speakers may not read very quickly. This means that you may have to take a little more time with some academic material in medical school. Your PS and BS scores may reassure an adcom that you have a strong foundation in the sciences.

The question of whether/how to address your motivation for medicine is separate from the MCAT.

 

[vegousc]

Hi, Slick27,

I am sorry that I was not able to see your message earlier as I was compiling a response to the previous posters in the mean time. Thank you so much for your cautionary note, which I appreciate as I understand that you are thinking for my good.

After deep elaboration, I take to heart what Brent and many other posters have pointed out: I would like to be accepted and rejected for who I am and what I can do. In fact, if they are going to reject me, I hope they will reject me pre-interview or pre-secondary, so it would not come as a shock or waste of time to either side.

Again, I appreciate your thoughtfulness in responding. I value your input a lot.

 

[Kaustikos]

I agree.

Your birth place is on the first page of the AMCAS and your Verbal is right there too. The Verbal is influenced by reading speed and it is understood that adults who are not native speakers may not read very quickly. This means that you may have to take a little more time with some academic material in medical school. Your PS and BS scores may reassure an adcom that you have a strong foundation in the sciences.

The question of whether/how to address your motivation for medicine is separate from the MCAT.

I always thought non-native americans had a disadvantage for admittance....😕

 

[witness23]

I always thought non-native americans had a disadvantage for admittance....😕

non-citizens/permanent residents you mean?

 

[LizzyM]

non-citizens/permanent residents you mean?

ignore him; I think he's making a "non-URM is a disadvantage" joke.

 

[vickpick]

ignore him; I think he's making a "non-URM is a disadvantage" joke.

u must be a senior member, but no, its not a joke. Non-Urms do have disadvantage and statistics on the AAMC site clearly show that.

 

[LizzyM]

u must be a senior member, but no, its not a joke. Non-Urms do have disadvantage and statistics on the AAMC site clearly show that.

You must be a junior member to know that any mention of that subject is the third rail of SDN. Mention it and your goose is cooked.

 

[MadEvans]

Also, the adcom needs to see that you are going to commit to the work and process of becoming a doctor, and not just only plan to spend the whole time you are a trainee as some sort of crusader for any sort of cause (NOT that it might not be a very important cause...but just realize that the bulk of the next few years would be spent learning science and then how to examine patients, take notes/records about them and become organized in doing that).

This applies to my situation as well, and it makes perfect sense.

Great post.

Vegousc, you can mention it... but don't let it overshadow the rest of your accomplishments.

 

[pietachok]

I think your situation is so unique AND so truly motivating for you that you will probably create a more compelling application if you discuss this topic in your essay.

There is a chance that at some schools, that a conservative person screening your application will have a gut, personal reaction to the topic and will think it makes you somehow unfit to practice medicine. But there is also a chance that at some schools, a liberal person will think it is a great gift to the transgendered to community to offer them an empathetic physician with whom they will be able to find a unique sense of security.

I don't think anybody on this site can tell you which will happen for sure, but realize that the worst case scenario is that you end up applying again next year with a different essay topic.

I think the potential benefit this could offer in terms of doors opened up far outweighs the risk of being rejected by conservative schools, so long as you pick your application list wisely . . . obviously, I wouldn't go applying to Loma Linda, maybe Georgetown, and certain state schools in "red" states, and I would make sure you apply to places with a high chance of being open to you (schools in big cities where people are more likely to be liberal, known liberal college towns/smaller cities, etc.).

 

[Terpskins99]

vegousc, I'm going to take a slightly different angle on this. I think your reasons for pursuing medicine are absolutely valid and admirable. And ideally, all ad-coms would share the open mindedness of the folks posting in this thread.

Unfortunately, I have encountered a number of medical school instructors and administrators that are absolutely not the case. My school in particular has a reputation of fishing out students they feel are potential "trouble makers". By that, I mean anyone they feel would openly voice a different opinion from the status quo. So I would recommend wording your essay in such a manner that it doesn't alienate an ad-com of the religiously conservative-variety.

People might claim that "well, if that ad-com is not willing to accept you then you don't want to be there". I suppose thats fair. But considering how difficult it is to get into ANY medical school, I think its in your best interest to maximize your chances of getting into EVERY medical school. And to do so in your case, I think its important to make your candidacy seem the most attractive to as many ad-com's as possible.

 

[Brent8927]

I am very hesitant to ask and I will understand if you would like to laugh at me: Am I being completely unrealistic in applying to UCSF or Stanford? I am interested in both because of their emphasis on research, which I would love to continue to do while in medical school, if accepted. Also both are in the Bay area, and I would like to think they are a little more receptive to a non-traditional student like me( not that other medical schools are not receptive).

I would definitely apply—if both schools are schools you can see yourself being really happy at, then why not? They are both definitely extremely competitive programs, but you never know when the person assigned to read your file will see something they like. I applied to all the UC’s and wasn’t offered a secondary from UCSF, but was offered an interview at UCLA—which is odd considering it’s a lot tougher of a program to get into than Davis or Irvine (where I wasn’t offered an interview). But someone at UCLA seems to have seen something in me they liked. I hadn't thought I had much of a chance to interview at a school like UCLA.

There’s definitely some uncertainty to this whole process. But your GPA and background are already competitive for UCSF and Stanford, and hopefully combined with your personal story, this will make up for your MCAT score.

If for no other reason, you should still apply because we all need our dream schools. And, I’ve known plenty of people who are accepted into their dream school. 🙂

 

[CyclistOK]

Whether or not the story affects how you are perceived will depend mostly on who is interviewing you and how you present it to them. You should also consider whether or not the Med Schools you are applying to have a background in the specialty you want to pursue, otherwise you may face some significant obstacles.

 

[pietachok]

The flaw in this point, however, is that once the OP shows up at the interview, it is quite likely she will be "outed," unless she had an impecable transformation. What's the point in hiding something in the PS that she knows will cause her to get rejected by conservatives if she gets to interview?

vegousc, I'm going to take a slightly different angle on this. I think your reasons for pursuing medicine are absolutely valid and admirable. And ideally, all ad-coms would share the open mindedness of the folks posting in this thread.

Unfortunately, I have encountered a number of medical school instructors and administrators that are absolutely not the case. My school in particular has a reputation of fishing out students they feel are potential "trouble makers". By that, I mean anyone they feel would openly voice a different opinion from the status quo. So I would recommend wording your essay in such a manner that it doesn't alienate an ad-com of the religiously conservative-variety.

People might claim that "well, if that ad-com is not willing to accept you then you don't want to be there". I suppose thats fair. But considering how difficult it is to get into ANY medical school, I think its in your best interest to maximize your chances of getting into EVERY medical school. And to do so in your case, I think its important to make your candidacy seem the most attractive to as many ad-com's as possible.

 

[vegousc]

Hi, everyone,

Thank you so much for your insightful input! I cherish your sympathy, encouragement, and cautionary notes to the bottom of my heart.

I think my gender identity is a double-edged sword for admissions, but as pietachok and many others pointed out, I cannot hide it in the interviews( if I make it that far), as there are still some traces of the male gender in me that the sensitive ones can pick up. I would not want to be interpreted as dishonest. I will be careful not to let my gender identity define me in the ps, though.

After taking everything into account, I am going to apply to all the schools in CA( except Loma Linda), those in Chicago, and the Northeast. I know not every adcom in these schools would have as open a mind as I would like them to, but that is life and where the luck factor comes in, I think.

But I do have a question on how I should properly address my plans after medical school, which I absolutely need to, as they would expect that from a non-traditional student like me( I am also over thirty with a full time job before). I am equally passionate about becoming a pcp for the underserved ( such as those recent immigrants) as a surgeon, yet if I say I would like to be a pcp for the underserved in general, adcoms may worry that my being a transgender would make the socially conservative patients uncomfortable. On the other hand, if I specifically say that I would like to the serve the LGBT community, I run the risk of appearing very "narrowminded". It would seem that I let my gender identity define the kind of doctor I would like to be. I am in a dilemma, as to how to properly address my plan after medical school, and any input that you would like to offer me would be deeply appreciated.

Thank you once more for your sympathy, insights, and inspiration.

 

[Terpskins99]

Well, they won't expect you to have your career laid out. It makes more sense to let them know that you want to explore every specialty first. Most medical students change their minds anyhow. Thats not exactly new.

I think you would be better off preparing for general questions addressing LBGT issues period. Or perhaps how you would deal with possible discrimination scenario you could encounter at the workplace.

 

[The Poet Sings]

I haven't read all of these responses, but my advice would be to keep it in your personal statement, as much as you're comfortable with. Would you want to end up interviewing at a school that wouldn't accept who you are? Best case scenario, your brief interview with them may change their opinion on people who have done the surgery. Worst case, they still think negatively of you and others who have done it, don't accept you, and you wasted your time and money going to the interview in the first place. I don't quite know what the laws on discrimination say, but I'm pretty sure they can't deny you based on that alone. They'd probably find some other reason though...

About being narrowminded, I don't imagine that being a problem. If you know what you want, go for it. If you feel the need to help a certain community, then by all means go fill the void! If I were an adcom and you told me you knew what you wanted to do, I would say good for you. I'm sure plenty of people prefer what they've personally experienced, whether that is an environment (city vs country) or a specific group of patients like in your case. It is possible you'll change your mind, and there is nothing wrong with that, either. If a patient doesn't want to see you, they won't, and I don't think the adcoms should care about that since that's after you've done your 4 years with them.

However, this is seriously just my opinion and not in any way based in facts of any kind. Best of luck!