what about a "disadvantaged" student?

[Ema]

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I am not sure whether I should classify myself as a disadvantaged student, or not. It seems like that would look like whining and seeking some pity. However, I would like to show my story because I think that's quite interesting...and a bit unfortunate. I grew up during civil war, where I had experiences from surviving the bombings, starvation, being refugee in a camp, immigration to US etc. etc.( did I mention, no electricity, water, doctors.. but there was a lot of creativity let me say ))I have a lot of interesting stories to tell that’s for sure…I do not feel sorry for myself, these experiences definitely build some character and strength. Since immigration to US I have been going to school full time, volunteering and working almost full time during semester to help out my parents. I know that a lot of students are doing same thing as I am, and I do not want to seem as complainer, its certainly not a positive thing , what to do?
Are there any benefits of classifying yourself as a disadvantageous student anyway?

anybody outhere who has listed themselves as such student?

 

[ac101ac]

I am not sure whether I should classify myself as a disadvantaged student, or not.


I had the same question so I decided to talk to an admissions counselor at one of the schools that I was really interested and he said that portion of the application is only there to allow the school to know more about YOU and why you would be considered disadvantaged. He said many students go to college and live the regular student life ... unlike many who have to support their families, overcome cancer, or have had a tragic experience. He gave the example of a young man who was a migrant worker, had to put himself through school, and worked 40+ hours a week while raising his own two children and providing fin. support for his parents. He also said not to write info. just so that you "fill" up that spot. "If you decide to tell us something about yourself make sure it's worth reading" . Hope this helps some. It sounds like you have a lot to say and I definitely think you should include your story! Good luck to you.

 

[njbmd]

I am not sure whether I should classify myself as a disadvantaged student, or not. It seems like that would look like whining and seeking some pity. However, I would like to show my story because I think that's quite interesting...and a bit unfortunate. I grew up during civil war, where I had experiences from surviving the bombings, starvation, being refugee in a camp, immigration to US etc. etc.( did I mention, no electricity, water, doctors.. but there was a lot of creativity let me say ))I have a lot of interesting stories to tell that’s for sure…I do not feel sorry for myself, these experiences definitely build some character and strength. Since immigration to US I have been going to school full time, volunteering and working almost full time during semester to help out my parents. I know that a lot of students are doing same thing as I am, and I do not want to seem as complainer, its certainly not a positive thing , what to do?
Are there any benefits of classifying yourself as a disadvantageous student anyway?

anybody outhere who has listed themselves as such student?

Hi there,
Your experiences certainly classify you as disadvantated. I am not sure that "disadvantaged" is a classification but rather a characteristic and you meet that characteristic. There are no specific "benefits" of being disadvantaged but having that designation will draw more attention to your application. If you think that receiving more attention is a benefit, then your classification as disadvantaged is a benefit. It's all in how you look at it.

Will being classified as a "disadvantaged" applicant translate into acceptance? This largely depends on what your application looks like.

njbmd 🙂

 

[medicalbound]

I agree that it would be appropriate (to say the least) for you to include your story in the disadvantaged student section of your application. From what I've heard, adcoms often hone in on the "whys and whatfors" of students who claim a disadvantaged background, but this only opens up the doors for you to better explain your story. I couldn't imagine anyone taking this as "whining" based on your experiences.

 

[njbmd]

This is a duplicate thread therefore I am closing in NonTrad and merging with Allopathic.

njbmd 🙂