Physical disability. Should apply as "disadvantaged?"

[hopefulmed195]

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I have a physical disability. I face obstacles due that every single day. I have to work harder in order to catch up with my classes and do well in them. However, I'm still fortunate financially, and I go to a great school. The AMCAS application asks, "Do you wish to be considered a disadvantaged applicant by any of your designated medical schools that may consider such factors (social, economic or educational)?" Does my disability apply to this?

 

[Law2Doc]

I have a physical disability. I face obstacles due that every single day. I have to work harder in order to catch up with my classes and do well in them. However, I'm still fortunate financially, and I go to a great school. The AMCAS application asks, "Do you wish to be considered a disadvantaged applicant by any of your designated medical schools that may consider such factors (social, economic or educational)?" Does my disability apply to this?

physical disabilities do not fit into any of the categories that the term "disadvantaged" refers to here.

 

[EastCoastie87]

I have a physical disability and did not seek disadvantaged student status. That's just me though, my "disability" is a birth defect and doesn't really "disable" me from doing anything besides catching stuff.

 

[han14tra]

No, I don't think a physical disability by itself makes you disadvantaged on AMCAS. However, if your disability has placed financial strains on your family or if you have educational problems due to your disability, then you are disadvantaged.

I applied disadvantaged because my family had no health insurance for a period of time and we were very low-income. I said I was educationally disadvantaged because my high school had very few resources (half the class was ineligible to graduate because of "No Child Left Behind.")

 

[biogirl215]

How is a physical disability not "disadvantaged"? 😕 I consider it a disadvantage that I can't get into a lot of building on campus, for example, or that I was nearly turned down for a TAship solely on the basis of my physical disability....

 

[cyclin M]

I would consider your physical disability to fall under all 3.

financial - extra financial burden placed on your family to cope with this
social - might experience social prejudice or ostracization like biogirl215
educational - not getting to classes on time, having a hard time seeing, etc.

But in the end it is your call. 👍

 

[skrilladoc]

i concur.

anyways, do what you feel is best. the application should reflect you, not someone else's definitions of 'disabilities' in your life. if you feel that you were disabled or held back in a significant way, then mention it.

i come from a family of 11, and trust me, no matter how big of an family income, spreading that 11 ways is a budgeting feat.

good luck, use your confidence, and be the real person that you are in your app.

 

[JaggerPlate]

I have a physical disability. I face obstacles due that every single day. I have to work harder in order to catch up with my classes and do well in them. However, I'm still fortunate financially, and I go to a great school. The AMCAS application asks, "Do you wish to be considered a disadvantaged applicant by any of your designated medical schools that may consider such factors (social, economic or educational)?" Does my disability apply to this?

No, it does not fall under the AMCAS set factors. Also, read the technical standards for admission at the schools you are applying to. If the disability hinders necessary actions as a clinical physician ... you could have some big problems. Good luck with all this ... remember that you can always mention it in your PS and how it's forged your life, etc.

 

[biogirl215]

How would a physical disability not be a social disadvantage?