Talking about dysfunctional childhood in med school apps

[tropmedbaby]

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Hi. I was wondering if any of you guys had any advice on writing about dysfunctional childhoods in med school apps (secondaries under 'additional info' or 'supplemental essay'). I am not sure if schools will see it as a strength that I had an alcoholic parent and that my childhood was messed up and that I made it though a stronger person or if it will scare them away. Anyone have a similar struggle?
Thanks a lot!

 

[Faol]

Hi. I was wondering if any of you guys had any advice on writing about dysfunctional childhoods in med school apps (secondaries under 'additional info' or 'supplemental essay'). I am not sure if schools will see it as a strength that I had an alcoholic parent and that my childhood was messed up and that I made it though a stronger person or if it will scare them away. Anyone have a similar struggle?
Thanks a lot!

Hey man I'm in the same boat. If you decide to write about what happened make sure it's relevant. I'm going to include my info when i apply and flesh out what happened and why it made me want to pursue medicine but I'm also going to be as careful as possible to keep it from sounding like a sob story . So if it made you want to pursue medicine or something along those lines I'd include it.

 

[Catalystik]

If you write about your background in the Primary essay, it should be relevant to your goal of medicine. Since you're planning a Secondary essay on the challenge you overcame in your childhood, even if not specifically relevant to medicine, but demonstrating the personality traits that emerged during such a struggle, I do think this could be an asset to your application. Adcomms like to see that you've dealt with adversity, developed coping mechanisms, and become a stronger person.