Single parent housedhold, disadvantaged applicant?

[skiddoc]

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I want to know your opinions as pertaining to this question: Would you consider an applicant to MD school from a single-parent household as disadvantaged? I only ask this because I'm a male who was raised without my father, and sometimes I feel like I've been shafted. Thanks!

 

[Everglide]

IMO:

If it led to significant financial disadvantages, then yes. Otherwise, no.

 

[skiddoc]

So you think that when med schools ask whether you would consider yourself a disadvantaged applicant, what they really mean is financially disadvantaged? I guess it might be implicit that a family with one income is less financially stable than a family with two full incomes. I'll have to ask my interviewers whether they think it matters.

 

[DrBowtie]

It means financially, like around the poverty line.

You can write about it in your personal statement if you think it shaped you as a person, but you shouldn't check the "disadvantaged" box unless you financially qualify.

 

[He2]

not too be overly blunt, but while you may garner a bit of sympathy from adcoms, it may also come from a rather small violin.

although it would make a great personal essay topic for overcoming struggles

 

[Law2Doc]

I want to know your opinions as pertaining to this question: Would you consider an applicant to MD school from a single-parent household as disadvantaged? I only ask this because I'm a male who was raised without my father, and sometimes I feel like I've been shafted. Thanks!

Having one parent doesn't per se qualify. You could have one very well off parent and be far less disadvantaged than someone with two struggling parents. It's all about finances.

 

[skiddoc]

It's true. All of you have brought up great points. Sometimes it seems like I just lead an unlucky life. My mom lost her job while I was a senior in high school, and didn't start working full time until I was a junior in college. Up until that time we had to live off her savings, her part-time job and my part-time job. Then, last New Year's Eve, our apartment burned down. But some good came out of it...Our first house in America! I want to tell the interviewer about all of these things, but don't want to sound like I'm making excuses.

To clarify, we were above the poverty line when I was applying.

cGPA:3.58 MCAT: 33

 

[echolalia16]

I grew up with just my mother and have unfortunately suffered a great deal financially compared to when she was married. She makes just enough to not get huge support from financial aid, but not enough to actually help me out. As a result, I've paid for my entire undergrad career through multiple jobs/life savings, the occasional scholarship/grant and about 40k worth of student loans. I'm 22 and still don't own a car and don't see my affording one in the near future, which makes getting around a great deal more difficult.

Whatever, though. Everyone has hardships. Its how you react to the situation that matters. Kudos on being where you are, you should be proud.