What exactly counts as using a state assistance program? Does the pell grant count?

[mrh125]

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I received financial aid all the way through the college including the Pell grant and I qualified for Federal Direct Subsidized Loans (didn't accept the latter though). Does that count as using a state assistance programs? The question is "
Have you or members of your immediate family ever used federal or state assistance programs?
"

Also, what exactly are the consequences of answering either way?

 

[ciestar]

I'm pretty sure state assistance is welfare programs such as food stamps, Medicaid, etc.

 

[familyaerospace]

Pell doesn't count.

As ciestar said, it's things like SNAP, TANF, the section 8 housing, stuff like that.

 

[dudewheresmymd]

I received financial aid all the way through the college including the Pell grant and I qualified for Federal Direct Subsidized Loans (didn't accept the latter though). Does that count as using a state assistance programs? The question is "
Have you or members of your immediate family ever used federal or state assistance programs?
"

Also, what exactly are the consequences of answering either way?

there's a separate question "have you ever received a pell grant" on the amcas

 

[cookiemonsters]

lol it's really amusing how many SDNers are attempting to apply disadvantaged this year.

 

[EMDO2018]

That stuff poor people use.

 

[Ismet]

lol it's really amusing how many SDNers are attempting to apply disadvantaged every year.

ftfy.


2003: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...nt-as-federal-state-assistance-program.72057/

 

[Flashfan]

So can you answer yes to these but still not write a disadvantage statement? We were dirt poor when I was younger but not so bad now. I will already be listed as low SES due to my parent's education level.

 

[Ismet]

So can you answer yes to these but still not write a disadvantage statement? We were dirt poor when I was younger but not so bad now. I will already be listed as low SES due to my parent's education level.

If you believe you were disadvantaged growing up, then indicate that and describe why. There's really no rule set in stone as to what classifies you as disadvantaged or not. Just write what you experienced and leave it up to adcoms to interpret. The disadvantage statement is subjective.

The questions referred to in the OP are more specific. Either you received government assistance or you didn't. Not everyone who considers themselves disadvantaged received government assistance. Similarly, maybe not everyone who received government assistance considers themselves disadvantaged.

 

[Flashfan]

If you believe you were disadvantaged growing up, then indicate that and describe why. There's really no rule set in stone as to what classifies you as disadvantaged or not. Just write what you experienced and leave it up to adcoms to interpret. The disadvantage statement is subjective.

The questions referred to in the OP are more specific. Either you received government assistance or you didn't. Not everyone who considers themselves disadvantaged received government assistance. Similarly, maybe not everyone who received government assistance considers themselves disadvantaged.

That is my concern. If I answer honestly that my family was on government assistance will it look odd if I don't write anything in the optional disadvantaged essay.

 

[mrh125]

lol it's really amusing how many SDNers are attempting to apply disadvantaged this year.

this has nothing to do with rationalizing being disadvantaged im just trying to get an answer about whether a grant through a federal government program qualifies as a federal assistance program.

 

[mrh125]

ftfy.


2003: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...nt-as-federal-state-assistance-program.72057/

lol, what's a reduced lunch? does that mean he only got half a slice of pizza when he went to the cafeteria? 😛 jk

 

[Ismet]

That is my concern. If I answer honestly that my family was on government assistance will it look odd if I don't write anything in the optional disadvantaged essay.

No.

 

[ciestar]

What's funny is that on my assistance applications that they did ask if i received free or reduced lunch in school.

 

[WillburCobb]

lol, what's a reduced lunch? does that mean he only got half a slice of pizza when he went to the cafeteria? 😛 jk