What topics are too sensitive to discuss in secondaries?

[Persistence101]

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abuse? sexual discrimination? others? thanks.

 

[Alexander99]

That's up to you. You should write whatever you feel comfortable discussing. Just know that there's a good chance it will come up in the interviews and you'll have to talk about it.

 

[drlexygoat]

Your favorite sexual positions...

Seriously, use your best judgement. Don't write about anything you wouldn't feel comfortable discussing face-to-face to a complete stranger during an interview. I think that's a good rule of thumb to stick to.

 

[periodic]

It's often more about _how_ you discuss something, rather than what the underlying topic is. I can see abuse or sexual discrimination being in an essay if..

-the experience is very relevant to your decision to go into medicine or the development of your thoughts that pertain to the question being asked

-your handling of the topic reflects maturity, compassion, and intelligence

-it's not the only thing you talk about...if it's in a long essay where you could reasonably move to other areas. if it's a short essay, you might not have enough room to handle a sensitive topic well at all.

So, the stakes are higher, but incorporating these sensitive experiences (given their strong influence on your life or thoughts) can help you create a stronger essay thats more true to your motivations.

Personally, I brought up two sensitive topics (for me at least) in my personal statement, and in some cases brought up other aspects of those experiences again in some secondary essays.

However, I think in some cases I achieved what I outlined above, and in others I did not. Where I constructed my thoughts well, it was a real strength. In the cases I didn't, well...let's just say I haven't heard from those schools yet :0

I echo drlexygoat and Alexander99's point - I've only had 1 interview where I wasn't asked about either of the two experiences I mentioned in my essay and had to discuss it at some depth.

 

[Optimist]

Also, realize that many schools have panel interviews, with something like 3 interviewers and 3 interviewees, so make sure you're comfortable talking about that stuff with potential future classmates.

 

[The JockDoc]

If you're only writing about a sensitive topic, forget it. It's uncomfortable and unnecessary for anyone to read.

If you're writing about a quality in yourself, and you use a sensitive topic to show this, use it as best you can. Just remember to stick to the point.