Should I mention this in diversity essay?

[frozentears]

I'm currently applying to medical schools, and I'm very happy with my application. However, I have a concern about the diversity essay. I'm deaf, and I don't know if I should mention it in my diversity essay. During my undergrad years, I volunteered to tutor the deaf high school students as well as to interact with children with disabilities. I want to help an underserved population and people with disabilities. Should I say something like that in my diversity essay? Another question: Is my deafness a disadvantage to my admission process?

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[drizzt3117]

I'm currently applying to medical schools, and I'm very happy with my application. However, I have a concern about the diversity essay. I'm deaf, and I don't know if I should mention it in my diversity essay. During my undergrad years, I volunteered to tutor the deaf high school students as well as to interact with children with disabilities. I want to help an underserved population and people with disabilities. Should I say something like that in my diversity essay? Another question: Is my deafness a disadvantage to my admission process?

You may want to look at the Technical Standards for the schools you are applying to to see if it is an issue. I would certainly talk about it in the diversity section, though, assuming they're OK with you applying to the school. It certainly sets you apart.

 

[Smctbone]

I'm currently applying to medical schools, and I'm very happy with my application. However, I have a concern about the diversity essay. I'm deaf, and I don't know if I should mention it in my diversity essay. During my undergrad years, I volunteered to tutor the deaf high school students as well as to interact with children with disabilities. I want to help an underserved population and people with disabilities. Should I say something like that in my diversity essay? Another question: Is my deafness a disadvantage to my admission process?

I think that's an excellent aspect to highlight in your essay. Your situation gives you a particular drive and passion that may not be as apparent in others' applications, not to mention it looks like it's the foundation for many of your volunteer activities, another good reason to talk about it.
I dont think this would give you a disadvantage with admissions. The only worry is the ability to fulfill those "non-academic essential functions", but I'm sure you've shown your capacity to adapt, so...best of luck.

 

[Mister Pie]

You may want to look at the Technical Standards for the schools you are applying to to see if it is an issue. I would certainly talk about it in the diversity section, though, assuming they're OK with you applying to the school. It certainly sets you apart.

I agree. It sets you apart but you're going to have to pick your schools carefully. The technical standards thing that schools have could really be bad. Though the truth is, if you're deaf, it's not like you can lie about it for long.

 

[emaj1n]

As long as deafness does not violate a school's technical standards, I think they'd welcome you. If there is one thing deaf patients need, it's a doctor who understands them. You'd stand apart from other applicants.

There is bound to be some program out there that specifically works with hard-of-hearing students.

Good luck! If you think of it, PM me to let me know how your search goes. I took a few years of ASL in high school, and I'm interested in what programs are available to students in your situation.

 

[nick_carraway]

I think that's a great thing to mention! I agree that it can only strengthen your application at schools that do not have restrictions. Hopefully you've already selected those schools if you're already on the secondary stage. Good luck!

 

[Despina]

I had a disability that kind of carried a stigma (I say had because it turned out I was misdiagnosed). I heard mixed things from doctors on admissions committees. I heard a lot of "Keep it out of you primary application, because medical schools have to find a way to dump 95% of their applications. Don't give them anything. They won't ever admit to rejecting you for that reason, but they will subconsciously do it." Some thought it would strengthen my application and some thought I might be discriminated against. But the argument for it was "Do you really want to attend a school that would discriminate against you?" I think if your going to mention it, do your research on the school. Anonymously call the school (well I guess in your case have someone else call), and find out if they have ever had a deaf student. Talk to other people in the deaf community. Or maybe call them...if they have a TDD machine then you know you're probably golden. Also, I would not put it into every secondary. Pick and choose.

Although, my disability was something I could hide. Unless you can perfectly read lips or have some partial hearing, it will be hard to hide in an interview, so you might as well reveal it now. Good luck to you!

 

[Lozza]

first of all, you should be so proud of what you have achomplished. I have done a lot of work with Deaf people and I know there are so many barriers out there that people dont even realize! I dont think you should hold back about this, it is amazing! there are some schools, rochester for example that serve a huge deaf community, so you should definity apply to places like that
also being Deaf hugely increases your diversity, the Deaf community is so close knit and unique!

 

[Flopotomist]

The technical standards issue might be a problem - and now I am curious to hear from the OP what s/he finds out. If you can't hear heart sounds or lung sounds - are you necessarily disqualified? I know there recently was a blind student to graduate from a medical school - and I was quite curious how that worked out.

 

[frozentears]

Thanks for your advice. I forgot to mention one thing--I wear hearing aids. I can hear background sounds, music, and people on one-on-one settings. In several situations, I had to rely on myself without using an interpreter and did just fine. Also, my mother is a doctor, and she told me how deaf doctors can find accomodations for themselves.

But, who knows what would happen in the future? I wish you the best of luck.