Too much or just enough?

[oiwaiemon]

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Hello! I'm a non-trad pre-med. Still have a while to go until I need to start worrying about this, but I have a question about PS and interviews. How much struggle is too much to include? I don't want to sound like the heroine of a tragic sob story, but I also feel that the things I've been through have made me the person I am today.

1. I dropped out of high school when my mom became disabled. She could no longer work, my brother was 9 years old, and my father wasn't in the picture. So I obtained my GED and began supporting my family.
2. I've been homeless.
3. There is a gap in my employment, which is due to sexual assault. I developed PTSD and wouldn't leave my room for months. I finally decided that those men took enough from me, they weren't going to take my dreams and aspirations, too. That is when I decided to go back to school.
4. I am LGBT.

All of these experiences, I feel, make me a more rounded individual and help me to relate to multiple demographics. But I don't want to overdo it. How much is too much?

Thanks!

 

[Goro]

You have a compelling story. It needs to be heard.

It's all part of "who am I?", for your PS, and demonstrates resilience, for secondaries.

 

[CyrilFiggis]

When you write your personal statement, reflect on these events and how they have shaped you into someone who will make an outstanding doctor. Most schools have secondaries that ask you to discuss times you have overcome adversity. This is where you can bring up some of these other life events. Finally, most schools will ask you to explain gaps in your education, this is where you can discuss any remaining points.

 

[x3kib]

Hello! I'm a non-trad pre-med. Still have a while to go until I need to start worrying about this, but I have a question about PS and interviews. How much struggle is too much to include? I don't want to sound like the heroine of a tragic sob story, but I also feel that the things I've been through have made me the person I am today.

1. I dropped out of high school when my mom became disabled. She could no longer work, my brother was 9 years old, and my father wasn't in the picture. So I obtained my GED and began supporting my family.
2. I've been homeless.
3. There is a gap in my employment, which is due to sexual assault. I developed PTSD and wouldn't leave my room for months. I finally decided that those men took enough from me, they weren't going to take my dreams and aspirations, too. That is when I decided to go back to school.
4. I am LGBT.

All of these experiences, I feel, make me a more rounded individual and help me to relate to multiple demographics. But I don't want to overdo it. How much is too much?

Thanks!

You should write what feels "right" to you. As someone who also has led a life willed with struggles, try to only include things you would feel comfortable addressing in an interview. As awkward as it is, some people have NO sense of discretion and will ask invasive questions sometimes. These people could be interviewing you. You don't want to trigger anything. Other than that, you have an amazing story and definitely should be heard.

 

[libertyyne]

I would also stay away from a victim narrative and focus what you learned about yourself, the strength inside you that you tapped into the overcome those substantial obstacles or events in you life.