should I include this in my personal statement or not?

[Younobigpaaapi]

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Hi all. This is my first post on this site. I truly need only honest opinions and advice. Thanks a ton in advance.

Basically I have a very weak application. I have a GPA somewhere between a 3.2-3.3 and although I have not received my MCAT score I expect somewhere near a high 20's or low 30's. I have very limited EC's. Mainly shadowing two doctors, as well as a semester long clinical assistant course followed by a semester long phlebotomy externship at a local hospital. I'm hispanic, born in Cuba, if that makes any difference.

I truly want to go to medical school but my stats really worry me. The reason for my low grades/limited EC's is that during my first 2 years in college I had a really bad gambling problem (poker). I was making and losing hundreds of dollars on a weekly basis using all the money I had saved up for school. I lost thousands although at this point I have no idea of the actual number. I suffered from a terrible depression during this time. Poker took over my whole life. I skipped class, slept through tests, and basically had no focus. Somehow I managed to never fail a course nor get anything lower than a C (3 of them). This was a horrible period in my life that is now completely behind me.

My question is: Is this something I should disclose in my personal statement? I mean it really is the only explanation I have for my weak app. My premed advisor told me that it was a very bad idea to write about that since medical schools will red flag me and not give me a chance. He said all forms of addiction are heavily frowned up regardless of whether one is past it or not. What do you all think?

 

[bold text]

No, you don't want schools to know that you suck at gambling.

 

[deleted307836]

No, you don't want schools to know that you suck at gambling.

Grow up.

OP, I would not include this in your app as it could be perceived as you having a compulsive personality, etc. If anything, be vague about this being some sort of "rough period" in your life, or that you had some "personal/family issues" going on during this time. Whether it's fair or not, I don't think having had a gambling problem will be seen as an adequate explanation for poor grades.

 

[addo]

I think your advisor gave you good advice, and also CityLights point about this being seen as you having a compulsive personality that may strike at any moment is valid. Ironically they would be taking a gamble on you if you include this in your PS.

 

[echolalia16]

You will certainly have to explain yourself for having a below average GPA. You can either beat the bush and not give them a definitive answer why your grades aren't stellar, lie to them and hope they don't find out, or be honest. If there is a way that you could spin this weakness into a strength (ie overcoming a hardship) it might be a good idea to put it in.
But what do I know, I'm a premed student who hasn't applied yet.

 

[rxlea]

Did you get help for your addiction?

 

[TexasHopeful]

I would assume the two types of addictions medical schools frown upon the most are substance abuse (for obvious reasons) and gambling addictions, because you're making decisions with patients lives. I would not write about it. =\

 

[Younobigpaaapi]

Thanks for all the input everyone. I guess it really isn't a great idea to write about that. I was thinking that would be the only thing that could possibly make me stand out and give me a shot but it probably would hurt more than help it seems.

rxlea, to answer your question, in the beginning I did go see some psychologists and psychiatrist for help with the depression this brought on. They prescribed all sorts of things which only seemed to make me feel nauseous or just plain high. I stopped all medications and with the help of friends and family I was able to cut it out of my life. I stopped hanging out with the "friends" who encouraged it and started looking for more positive ways to spend my time like that clinical assistant and phlebotomy externship. It was a long struggle but now I have a much more positive outlook on life in general and much more faith in myself. Now all I have to do is make medical schools have some faith in me too 😀

 

[PreMedder]

I'm hispanic, born in Cuba, if that makes any difference.

Play the URM-card?

 

[AH3]

I wouldn't mention it. I saw some suggestions about being vague, which is fine for your PS but most of your interviewers will probably ask for more details. Try to find a way to explain it though, because you will certainly have to during secondaries and interviews in order to be considered for acceptance.