PS Question Regarding a Rough Past

Started by MedKC
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MedKC

MedKC

Full Member
10+ Year Member
I am wondering if talking about a rough past in my personal statement will help me or hinder me. The past includes mostly recreational drug use, among other things of these sorts. I didn't know if having a story of being down in the dumps and then completely turning my life around would help me. I'm thinking it may be best to leave this out, but thought I would run it by SDN. It is a pretty good story of making a strong turnaround for the best. Thanks, guys.
 
Drug use is something you only want to talk about if you don't have a choice - ie a charge or something else. I wouldn't recommend it. Too much of a red flag and so many other applicants with no red flags.
 
How old is this rough past? Relapse is a huge concern for applicants with a history of drug use - for obvious reasons.
 
costales said:
How old is this rough past? Relapse is a huge concern for applicants with a history of drug use - for obvious reasons.
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Yeah, that's true. It's been 10 years since I've touched or even thought about doing drugs. I'm a non-trad student, obviously.
 
I am just a know-nothing pre-med at this stage in the game but I can't imagine volunteering this information would be a good thing.

I see why you could want to include this but I would just focus on positives on the PS..remember you only get one first impression and I would bank on the people reading this being conservative physicians. Keep that in mind but maybe Goro can better advise you.

Goodluck and congrats on making it this far!
 
Don't volunteer information about drug use, even if you're far removed from that behavior now.

It's possible that an adcom could see your redemption in a positive light, but for every one who does, there will be nine other adcoms who don't.
 
Escape_Goat said:
Don't volunteer information about drug use, even if you're far removed from that behavior now.

It's possible that an adcom could see your redemption in a positive light, but for every one who does, there will be nine other adcoms who don't.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the reply. I will not be stating my story afterall.
 
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