Should I address abusive relationship on app?

[deleted445355]

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Hi guys,

I took the MCAT 3X with significant improvements each time and I was wondering if you guys think I should have my premed advisor address the personal issues I had that impacted the 1st set of low scores. During the period of my 1st two MCAT attempts, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and prolactinoma, which luckily turned out to be benign. These health problems were exacerbated by the fact that I was an in an emotionally abusive relationship that took a toll on me emotionally. Everything started out normally, but then the guy started telling me my opinions were wrong, pointing out my flaws, and treating me like crap. At one point, he even said that he didn’t love me and that being with me was settling. None of my friends or family liked him, and I should’ve just left at that point, but we stayed together until graduation. I’m on medication now so my health issues are resolved and I got rid of my crappy ex. At the time, I struggled to stay concentrated and energetic when studying for the MCAT, but I was unprepared to deal with the effects of the fatigue that accompanied my health problems and the emotionally-draining thoughts I suffered by being with a guy who treated me terribly.

If I do not address my 1st two lower MCAT scores, they will be a red flag on my application, but if I detail everything in my life, adcoms may think I’m not mentally prepared for med school. What do you think I should do? I could be completely honest or I could leave out the abusive relationship part and just address my health issues. I will definitely ask my premed advisor about this issue and he will definitely include these obstacles in his committee letter if he deems them appropriate, but I’m just curious as to what you guys think.

 

[laughingfrog]

My opinion is if you can explain the circumstances in an objective way, and not look like you're making excuses but rather just stating the circumstances you were in then it fits nicely

 

[muzzy44]

If you decide to give some sort of explanation, I think addressing the health issues but leaving out the abusive relationship would be best. However, sometimes even that could be viewed as "making excuses" and should be done carefully. What were the scores of the 3 tests? That might help us give you advice

 

[Goro]

This is the type of subject one can address in "greatest challenge overcame?" essays on secondaries.

 

[HooktOnFiziks]

In my opinion, undergoing emotional abuse while you are in school and studying for the MCAT warrants you to apply as "disadvantaged." You can discuss this in the "disadvantaged essay," and then when you write your personal statement you'll be able to keep it more focused without having to diverge into this issue.