Sorry to belabor an old question. I have read the relevant threads and AAMC materials but I am still a bit confused. I would much appreciate input from current or former adcom members, thank you.
In short, my family has always lived below the poverty line. We had free school lunch, SNAP, and other gov't assistance. I saw shootings outside my window. I also worked with my dad in construction starting at age 12, full-time in the summers. (Yes, 12 years old; he was an independent contractor with no oversight.) But the thing is, I didn't feel very "disadvantaged"--although I know AAMC has superseded the term. I attended a great college on scholarship and did reasonably well. So I don't know if my experiences warrant the essay, or if they are just your run-of-the-mill travails. I guess I need some perspective.
In short, my family has always lived below the poverty line. We had free school lunch, SNAP, and other gov't assistance. I saw shootings outside my window. I also worked with my dad in construction starting at age 12, full-time in the summers. (Yes, 12 years old; he was an independent contractor with no oversight.) But the thing is, I didn't feel very "disadvantaged"--although I know AAMC has superseded the term. I attended a great college on scholarship and did reasonably well. So I don't know if my experiences warrant the essay, or if they are just your run-of-the-mill travails. I guess I need some perspective.
