Should I apply as disadvantaged status?

[UrbanDweller]

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My family were refugees from a war torn country and we ended up being accepted by the USA. I was 8 years old when we fled here. In the beginning my family received government support to get us on our feet. After that my parents could only obtain unskilled laborer jobs even though both of them were engineers where we were from. While working minimum wage jobs it was difficult for them to make ends meet and we continued to receive some support such as free school lunches.

I ended up working when I was 16 to help the family out. I was able to afford college with the help of scholarships. I chose not to go to into medicine due to the time involved. I wanted to start helping my family out as soon as I could. So I went into engineering and since 2005, I have a really nice career job with an excellent salary. And it turned out my family didn't really need my help since my parents were able to get on their feet finally. Now I'm wanting to pursue my dream and go into medicine.

Even though I'm no longer disadvantaged, do you think I should still claim it on the application since the AMCAS application refers to undergoing hardship under the age of 18? And does my experience even qualify me for it?

thanks!

 

[Muffinpuff]

I don't believe you factor under "disadvantage" but these are personal hardships to mention on your app like in the essay.

 

[Turtlespeed]

yes you 100% qualify.

Its about your life from 0-18

Receiving gov asst. and working before 18 to pay for your expenses are major factors.

 

[isasmommy]

Yes, disadvantaged status is about these specific hardships you encouter that put you at a disadvantage for continuing education.

Good luck to you in the application process.

 

[UrbanDweller]

Thanks for the input. I still kind of feel guilty claiming disadvantaged status since I'm not disadvantaged now(aged 25).

But growing up I was and it affected my upper level education decisions.

 

[LizzyM]

Thanks for the input. I still kind of feel guilty claiming disadvantaged status since I'm not disadvantaged now(aged 25).

But growing up I was and it affected my upper level education decisions.

Don't feel bad about reporting what is true. Others (older non-trads with substantial incomes) have self-reported their disadvantage childhood and it is taken into account.

 

[isasmommy]

I don't think you should feel guilty at all either because it makes you who you are and says a lot about how you react to difficult situations🙂 I had difficulties in my home too and still mentioned them even though I am married now and I am not in that situation anymore.