Underrepresented undergrad as aspect of diversity essay

[vrazzles]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi all,

So in short here's me:
3.95 cGPA and sGPA with 178 credit hrs
524 MCAT (130/132/131/131)
200+ hrs of volunteering in VA nursing home
600+ hrs of CNA work in a very rural nursing home/rehab facility
250+ hrs of tutoring disadvantaged peers
50 hrs of tutoring veterans as a volunteer
~400 hrs of meals on wheels delivery driving
100 hrs of gross anatomy internship
150+ hrs of shadowing in mostly primary care and gen surg
3500 hrs of research between two labs with 2 3rd author pubs, 1 6th author, a first author poster at a national conference, and an honors thesis.

IA for marijuana possesion. Charges dismissed and expunged.

Fluent in Russian, English and Swahili.
Currently in Peace Corps teaching A level Chemistry to students aged 18-21. I've started a computer literacy club as well as a club for pre medical students and am currently trying to design and implement a peer tutoring system. I also serve on the grants committee mentoring volunteers on matters concerning grant writing protocol. I will be here for another year and a half so more things to come.

Hobbies include running, reading, studying mycology, and writing short stories/poems.

Now for the question: I come from an unknown and (frankly) academically non-rigorous school. I have taught myself most of what I know through textbooks and one on one conversations with my professors. I chose to attend this school due to my abysmal high school gpa, the offer of a full ride scholarship, and the desire to remain near my family so that I could salvage my relationship with them (I was a really bad high schooler).

I'm aware of top medical schools love for prestige inbreeding, despite what the latest survey on ADCOM attitudes may suggest. Would it behoove me to stress my fairly unusual characteristic of coming from a rural, educationally disadvantaged environment when writing diversity essays? I would frame this from the perspective of understanding just how powerful familial culture can be in decision making and the importance of understanding and considering subcultures when teaching patients and making medical decisions. Addtionally, I would tie this in with my ability to self-educate and my motivation to continue the process of life-long learning. Would love to hear opinions, in particular from adcoms but also just anyone. Thank you in advance.
@Goro @gonnif @LizzyM @gyngyn

 

[vrazzles]

I did not actually say that I chose to go to a school due to its lack of rigor. If anything, I would have preferred to have been challenged a lot more. My decision was based on finances and proximity to my family. Not rigor. I appreciate your advice. My interests lie in the intersection between research and medical education abroad.

 

[Goro]

The diversity prompt is, in my opinion for what is cool about you?
What do you add to the class.?

It's not about ethnicity.

 

[vrazzles]

The diversity prompt is, in my opinion for what is cool about you?
What do you add to the class.?

It's not about ethnicity.

I have no desire to say anything about my ethnicity. There's nothing unusual about it.

When I look at lists of students at top 20 schools, the vast majority seems to be from highly ranked universities. I simply wonder whether these higher tier schools would be interested in adding diversity of the "non-elite undergrad" kind or whether HYPSM is the goto preference. My experiences in rural Appalachia have certainly shaped my desire to be a physician-educator, and it's a large part of my identity. However, I don't want there to be a perception that I "took the easy way out" by going where I went. My reason for posting this is to ask advice on whether to downplay this aspect of my education or to be fully candid. Thank you Goro.

 

[Goro]

I have no desire to say anything about my ethnicity. There's nothing unusual about it.

When I look at lists of students at top 20 schools, the vast majority seems to be from highly ranked universities. I simply wonder whether these higher tier schools would be interested in adding diversity of the "non-elite undergrad" kind or whether HYPSM is the goto preference. My experiences in rural Appalachia have certainly shaped my desire to be a physician-educator, and it's a large part of my identity. However, I don't want there to be a perception that I "took the easy way out" by going where I went. My reason for posting this is to ask advice on whether to downplay this aspect of my education or to be fully candid. Thank you Goro.

Where you went to school doesn't overwhelm me. You can do better.

 

[vrazzles]

Where you went to school doesn't overwhelm me. You can do better.

Thanks for the advice again Goro.

 

[Nathan17182]

I have no desire to say anything about my ethnicity. There's nothing unusual about it.

When I look at lists of students at top 20 schools, the vast majority seems to be from highly ranked universities. I simply wonder whether these higher tier schools would be interested in adding diversity of the "non-elite undergrad" kind or whether HYPSM is the goto preference. My experiences in rural Appalachia have certainly shaped my desire to be a physician-educator, and it's a large part of my identity. However, I don't want there to be a perception that I "took the easy way out" by going where I went. My reason for posting this is to ask advice on whether to downplay this aspect of my education or to be fully candid. Thank you Goro.

Schools don't really care where you went. I think that mentioning that your school wasn't academically rigorous would not come off the right way. Focus your diversity essay on what Goro said, what you add to the class. If you have extensive rural experience and that is important to who you are, then talk about that. However, there's no need to mention your non-elide undergrad.

 

[Goro]

Hi all,

So in short here's me:
3.95 cGPA and sGPA with 178 credit hrs
524 MCAT (130/132/131/131)
200+ hrs of volunteering in VA nursing home
600+ hrs of CNA work in a very rural nursing home/rehab facility
250+ hrs of tutoring disadvantaged peers
50 hrs of tutoring veterans as a volunteer
~400 hrs of meals on wheels delivery driving
100 hrs of gross anatomy internship
150+ hrs of shadowing in mostly primary care and gen surg
3500 hrs of research between two labs with 2 3rd author pubs, 1 6th author, a first author poster at a national conference, and an honors thesis.

IA for marijuana possesion. Charges dismissed and expunged.

Fluent in Russian, English and Swahili.
Currently in Peace Corps teaching A level Chemistry to students aged 18-21. I've started a computer literacy club as well as a club for pre medical students and am currently trying to design and implement a peer tutoring system. I also serve on the grants committee mentoring volunteers on matters concerning grant writing protocol. I will be here for another year and a half so more things to come.

Hobbies include running, reading, studying mycology, and writing short stories/poems.

Now for the question: I come from an unknown and (frankly) academically non-rigorous school. I have taught myself most of what I know through textbooks and one on one conversations with my professors. I chose to attend this school due to my abysmal high school gpa, the offer of a full ride scholarship, and the desire to remain near my family so that I could salvage my relationship with them (I was a really bad high schooler).

I'm aware of top medical schools love for prestige inbreeding, despite what the latest survey on ADCOM attitudes may suggest. Would it behoove me to stress my fairly unusual characteristic of coming from a rural, educationally disadvantaged environment when writing diversity essays? I would frame this from the perspective of understanding just how powerful familial culture can be in decision making and the importance of understanding and considering subcultures when teaching patients and making medical decisions. Addtionally, I would tie this in with my ability to self-educate and my motivation to continue the process of life-long learning. Would love to hear opinions, in particular from adcoms but also just anyone. Thank you in advance.
@Goro @gonnif @LizzyM @gyngyn

Just as a teaching moment, OP has what I consider "Killer ECs."

 

[boogiecousins94]

you speak russian and swahili, those are spoken in like two geographically opposite places in the world...why do you know both of those? Thats diversity in my opinion not your school

 

[begoood95]

Wo/man, there is no need for you to stress about this! Like @Goro said, you're a rockstar. You're going to sway ADCOMs with that MCAT score, GPA, research, and diverse set of (strong) EC's. In diversity essays, maybe talk about your short stories & running, and perhaps your languages and experience with PeaceCorp. YOUR APPLICATION WILL SPEAK FOR ITSELF. Craft it carefully, meticulously, and you'll be swimming in IIs.

(As an aside, I see you have a marijuana IA. IMO, don't mention that extra interest in mycology... If I were an ADCOM, and I saw that IA, then saw that you had an interest in mycology, I might think it's of a magic nature—if you catch my drift. It's just not a good look when entering the medical field, within which professionalism is of an utmost importance. I personally don't think there is any issue with magic mycology, but I don't think it will help your application, so I wouldn't risk it, especially with an IA. I could be reading into this; either way, better safe than sorry.)

Did I mention you've got a great application? Remember that. Read up on the stickied threads, and kill it whenever you apply. Good luck!

 

[Goro]

you speak russian and swahili, those are spoken in like two geographically opposite places in the world...why do you know both of those? Thats diversity in my opinion not your school

Bingo

 

[vrazzles]

you speak russian and swahili, those are spoken in like two geographically opposite places in the world...why do you know both of those? Thats diversity in my opinion not your school

I'm in Peace Corps Tanzania and my job requires me to learn Swahili. It's a beautiful and highly accessible language. I was born in Russia and speak it with my family and girlfriend (who also knows Swahili and Russian) 🙂

 

[vrazzles]

Wo/man, there is no need for you to stress about this! Like @Goro said, you're a rockstar. You're going to sway ADCOMs with that MCAT score, GPA, research, and diverse set of (strong) EC's. In diversity essays, maybe talk about your short stories & running, and perhaps your languages and experience with PeaceCorp. YOUR APPLICATION WILL SPEAK FOR ITSELF. Craft it carefully, meticulously, and you'll be swimming in IIs.

(As an aside, I see you have a marijuana IA. IMO, don't mention that extra interest in mycology... If I were an ADCOM, and I saw that IA, then saw that you had an interest in mycology, I might think it's of a magic nature—if you catch my drift. It's just not a good look when entering the medical field, within which professionalism is of an utmost importance. I personally don't think there is any issue with magic mycology, but I don't think it will help your application, so I wouldn't risk it, especially with an IA. I could be reading into this; either way, better safe than sorry.)

Did I mention you've got a great application? Remember that. Read up on the stickied threads, and kill it whenever you apply. Good luck!

That's wise advice. While my interest in mycology is from the perspective of field identification and isolation of potentially chemotherapeutic compounds, I could definitely see the train of thought of an ADCOM going in that direction. Thanks!

 

[TMC07]

Hi all,

So in short here's me:
3.95 cGPA and sGPA with 178 credit hrs
524 MCAT (130/132/131/131)
200+ hrs of volunteering in VA nursing home
600+ hrs of CNA work in a very rural nursing home/rehab facility
250+ hrs of tutoring disadvantaged peers
50 hrs of tutoring veterans as a volunteer
~400 hrs of meals on wheels delivery driving
100 hrs of gross anatomy internship
150+ hrs of shadowing in mostly primary care and gen surg
3500 hrs of research between two labs with 2 3rd author pubs, 1 6th author, a first author poster at a national conference, and an honors thesis.

IA for marijuana possesion. Charges dismissed and expunged.

Fluent in Russian, English and Swahili.
Currently in Peace Corps teaching A level Chemistry to students aged 18-21. I've started a computer literacy club as well as a club for pre medical students and am currently trying to design and implement a peer tutoring system. I also serve on the grants committee mentoring volunteers on matters concerning grant writing protocol. I will be here for another year and a half so more things to come.

Hobbies include running, reading, studying mycology, and writing short stories/poems.

Now for the question: I come from an unknown and (frankly) academically non-rigorous school. I have taught myself most of what I know through textbooks and one on one conversations with my professors. I chose to attend this school due to my abysmal high school gpa, the offer of a full ride scholarship, and the desire to remain near my family so that I could salvage my relationship with them (I was a really bad high schooler).

I'm aware of top medical schools love for prestige inbreeding, despite what the latest survey on ADCOM attitudes may suggest. Would it behoove me to stress my fairly unusual characteristic of coming from a rural, educationally disadvantaged environment when writing diversity essays? I would frame this from the perspective of understanding just how powerful familial culture can be in decision making and the importance of understanding and considering subcultures when teaching patients and making medical decisions. Addtionally, I would tie this in with my ability to self-educate and my motivation to continue the process of life-long learning. Would love to hear opinions, in particular from adcoms but also just anyone. Thank you in advance.
@Goro @gonnif @LizzyM @gyngyn

Dude, help me out, I’m confused. According to your post-history, you’ve only been an actual PCV for a couple of months now. If you got to Tanzania in July and then did about 2.5-3 months of training, you’ve only been at site for 3 months now. How in the world are you on a grants mentoring committee? My SO is an RPCV from Eastern Europe and she says they weren’t allowed to even start writing a grant until at least 6 mo into their service. So you’re on a PC grants writing committee and haven’t written a PC grant? How does that work?

I’m just not fully believing the qualifications you posted above. While PC is a highly respected oragnization, I would caution you from saying things like you’re “fluent” in a language you definitely are NOT fluent in. There’s no way you’re fluent in Swahili after only 6 months in-country, PCV or not. I know a ton of RPCVs who did two full years and they are not confident enough in their language skills to say they’re fluent, and one was even in a super remote village where there were no other expats for hours. The only thing that makes sense to me in this post is that you’re projecting what you “may” be able to put on your AMCAS when it comes time to apply.

I unfortunately didn’t do PC, so props to you for that. But I know quite a bit about the organization, and my RPCV friends are doubtful of some of the info in here. Just be careful about portraying yourself and your service in an inaccurate light. Many may read this post and think there’s no issue, but when you know a little more about PC (and when your RPCV SO is leaning over your shoulder reading this post shaking her head), you start to wonder... just some friendly advice.

Edit: To add to my post because SDN loves evidence, this is the link for the PC Small Grants Handbook which specifically states a PCV must be at least 3 mo into service to write a grant (Small Grants Program) and it also states this is the ONLY grant program you can be associated with. Not all posts are by the book, as is the PC way, but still, the doubt stems from actual information about PC.

 

[vrazzles]

Dude, help me out, I’m confused. According to your post-history, you’ve only been an actual PCV for a couple of months now. If you got to Tanzania in July and then did about 2.5-3 months of training, you’ve only been at site for 3 months now. How in the world are you on a grants mentoring committee? My SO is an RPCV from Eastern Europe and she says they weren’t allowed to even start writing a grant until at least 6 mo into their service. So you’re on a PC grants writing committee and haven’t written a PC grant? How does that work?

I’m just not fully believing the qualifications you posted above. While PC is a highly respected oragnization, I would caution you from saying things like you’re “fluent” in a language you definitely are NOT fluent in. There’s no way you’re fluent in Swahili after only 6 months in-country, PCV or not. I know a ton of RPCVs who did two full years and they are not confident enough in their language skills to say they’re fluent, and one was even in a super remote village where there were no other expats for hours. The only thing that makes sense to me in this post is that you’re projecting what you “may” be able to put on your AMCAS when it comes time to apply.

I unfortunately didn’t do PC, so props to you for that. But I know quite a bit about the organization, and my RPCV friends are doubtful of some of the info in here. Just be careful about portraying yourself and your service in an inaccurate light. Many may read this post and think there’s no issue, but when you know a little more about PC (and when your RPCV SO is leaning over your shoulder reading this post shaking her head), you start to wonder... just some friendly advice.

Edit: To add to my post because SDN loves evidence, this is the link for the PC Small Grants Handbook which specifically states a PCV must be at least 3 mo into service to write a grant (Small Grants Program) and it also states this is the ONLY grant program you can be associated with. Not all posts are by the book, as is the PC way, but still, the doubt stems from actual information about PC.

1. You do not need to write a grant to be on the Peace Corps grants advisory comittee. You need to apply after EST (which is 2.5 months into actual service) and be accepted. I have just begun the process of reviewing grants. The policies vary by country.

2. I would be more than happy to have a conversation with you in Swahili. It is a fairly easy language (much easier than Russian) and I studied the language for months before coming and doing 2.5 months of intense language training. Whatever your knowledge of RPCVs may be, you can't extrapolate to individual situations and abilities or account for the difficulty of a language you have no idea about. I feel that it is rather presumptuous of you to do so. Do I speak like a native? No. However, I am able to have conversations on diverse topics ranging from education, to government policy, to general life matters with a high degree of fluency.

3. I'm not sure what your link proves as it is not necessary to write a grant to be on the grant advisory committee. It is only required to have prior experience with grant writing and reviewing. Additionally, here we review grants up to amounts of $10,000.00.

4. I appreciate your advice, but think that it comes with a lack of understanding as to the diversity of PC policies and training programs. Feel free to PM me for more details.

 

[LizzyM]

I get what you are saying. It is not that you would write on your application that you bring diversity to the class because you graduated from NoName University, but you wonder if the medical schools are looking for students from any different undergrad institutions to "mix it up" a bit.

Yes and no. Some schools love the top schools and believe that they are more rigorous. That said, you have a MCAT that will make everyone who doubts the rigor of your education to STFU.

If anyone wonders why you attended NoName University rather than some prestigious school they need only look at the section of the MCAT where you can detail how you paid for college. Listing 100% scholarship is another STFU moment.

 

[vrazzles]

I get what you are saying. It is not that you would write on your application that you bring diversity to the class because you graduated from NoName University, but you wonder if the medical schools are looking for students from any different undergrad institutions to "mix it up" a bit.

Yes and no. Some schools love the top schools and believe that they are more rigorous. That said, you have a MCAT that will make everyone who doubts the rigor of your education to STFU.

If anyone wonders why you attended NoName University rather than some prestigious school they need only look at the section of the MCAT where you can detail how you paid for college. Listing 100% scholarship is another STFU moment.

I would tend to agree that they are indeed more rigorous, based on my own experiences.

As always, thank you for your advice. The general feeling that I'm getting from this thread is that I should emphasize diversity on other aspects and let my numbers and experiences speak for themselves. Thank you all.

 

[TMC07]

1. You do not need to write a grant to be on the Peace Corps grants advisory comittee. You need to apply after EST (which is 2.5 months into actual service) and be accepted. I have just begun the process of reviewing grants. The policies vary by country.

2. I would be more than happy to have a conversation with you in Swahili. It is a fairly easy language (much easier than Russian) and I studied the language for months before coming and doing 2.5 months of intense language training. Whatever your knowledge of RPCVs may be, you can't extrapolate to individual situations and abilities or account for the difficulty of a language you have no idea about. I feel that it is rather presumptuous of you to do so. Do I speak like a native? No. However, I am able to have conversations on diverse topics ranging from education, to government policy, to general life matters with a high degree of fluency.

3. I'm not sure what your link proves as it is not necessary to write a grant to be on the grant advisory committee. It is only required to have prior experience with grant writing and reviewing. Additionally, here we review grants up to amounts of $10,000.00.

4. I appreciate your advice, but think that it comes with a lack of understanding as to the diversity of PC policies and training programs. Feel free to PM me for more details.

Getting defensive does not help. You’re right, you could very well be doing everything you say you’re doing. It’s just that for someone so early in their service, it doesn’t seem likely. You’re going to run into more RPCVs than you think on the application trail and in med school, my warning is meant to help you if you are over embellishing.

And I do have a bit of knowledge of Swahili. You’re not the only person who has lived in Tanzania, my friend.

Again, I’m not trying to argue with you, it’s just that you’re at the beginning of your service and your posts come off like you’re a veteran. Just be careful, bro. There are many more PCVs out there and the last thing you want is one to run into one on the interview trail who can call BS on you. That’s all I’m saying. Good luck.

 

[vrazzles]

I do not feel as though I am being defensive. I am addressing your points. I apologize if it came across as defensiveness. I am truly grateful for your perspective. Please feel free to PM me and I will give you my contact number and we can have a conversation in kiswahili.

 

[TMC07]

I do not feel as though I am being defensive. I am addressing your points. I apologize if it came across as defensiveness. I am truly grateful for your perspective. Please feel free to PM me and I will give you my contact number and we can have a conversation in kiswahili.

Nah, man, I don’t speak it well. My dad worked for an NGO and I lived Dar Es Salaam as a teen. I was a sheltered expat kid as much as it pains me to admit. It’s a beautiful country though. You’ll have an awesome time there.

What would be the point of someone looking for feedback on their application embellishing on an anonymous online forum?

You think everything people post on the internet about themselves is true? I tend to take everything with a gain of salt.

 

[vrazzles]

Nah, man, I don’t speak it well. My dad worked for an NGO and I lived Dar Es Salaam as a teen. I was a sheltered expat kid as much as it pains me to admit. It’s a beautiful country though. You’ll have an awesome time there.

I am currently in Dar due to an unfortunate incident with the illness of a friend's family member. I was asked to escort him. For those curious, I have been very impressed with all the stops that PCTZ has pulled out to fly my friend out to America. I was contacted at 6 am this morn, told to go out to the sticks to get my friend who has no phone service, take him to the local airport to fly to Dar, and escort him to the international terminal in Dar. All of this was paid for and arranged by peace corps (except for taxis) within a few hrs of getting the news. I highly recommend this organization to anyone. They truly support their volunteers. At least here in TZ

 

[TMC07]

doubting a particular individual is lying =/= thinking everything people post on the internet about themselves is true

But yeah, in this particular case I'm not sure what the motivation for lying would be if one wanted feedback on how to best present themselves in the application cycle.

You always get people like that who make multiple posts listing different GPAs or MCAT scores though. It’s not unreasonable to suspect people of over embellishing on their ECs as well. Everyone tries to portray themselves in the best light possible on their application. But sometimes that can be entirely misleading, even without intention. Hence my advice to the OP.

And I never said he was straight out lying. I said that I was doubtful, gave reasons why, and said that he should be careful.

 

[TMC07]

I am currently in Dar due to an unfortunate incident with the illness of a friend's family member. I was asked to escort him. For those curious, I have been very impressed with all the stops that PCTZ has pulled out to fly my friend out to America. I was contacted at 6 am this morn, told to go out to the sticks to get my friend who has no phone service, take him to the local airport to fly to Dar, and escort him to the international terminal in Dar. All of this was paid for and arranged by peace corps (except for taxis) within a few hrs of getting the news. I highly recommend this organization to anyone. They truly support their volunteers. At least here in TZ

I second that. I’ve heard nothing but positive things about how PC supports it’s volunteers, despite what one may find on Google...

 

[vrazzles]

I second that. I’ve heard nothing but positive things about how PC supports it’s volunteers, despite what one may find on Google...

I can't speak for other countries, but my faith in humanity has been bolstered today. Maybe the IPAs I receieved helped, I don't know. It's one of the material things I miss most about the US. Again, I appreciate your advice and perspective and hope that you were not offended by anything I may have posted. Thanks again!

 

[TMC07]

I can't speak for other countries, but my faith in humanity has been bolstered today. Maybe the IPAs I receieved helped, I don't know. It's one of the material things I miss most about the US. Again, I appreciate your advice and perspective and hope that you were not offended by anything I may have posted. Thanks again!

Don’t worry, man. And I’m sorry if I came off as accusatory. You definitely have strong numbers, and PC is an amazing EC. I would just hate for you to get screwed over for something like I mentioned. RPCVs make great doctors! Be sure to consider the DC area when you apply! You can’t walk into a coffee shop here without running into at least one RPCV or a former staff member!

 

[vrazzles]

Don’t worry, man. And I’m sorry if I came off as accusatory. You definitely have strong numbers, and PC is an amazing EC. I would just hate for you to get screwed over for something like I mentioned. RPCVs make great doctors! Be sure to consider the DC area when you apply! You can’t walk into a coffee shop here without running into at least one RPCV or a former staff member!

Thank you and good luck to you, wherever you may be and whatever you may be doing!