Which challenge to use for secondary

[friedburger]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I've been struggling with what challenge to expand upon for the past 2 weeks

Would writing about balancing a busy quarter (plus mcat), work/activities and father's cancer diagnosis and chemo (taking to hospital, helping with recovery etc...) and using that to discuss how i organized time, stayed on top of commitments as opposed to cutting back etc.. be good?

 

[thlaxer]

I've been struggling with what challenge to expand upon for the past 2 weeks

Would writing about balancing a busy quarter (plus mcat), work/activities and father's cancer diagnosis and chemo (taking to hospital, helping with recovery etc...) and using that to discuss how i organized time, stayed on top of commitments as opposed to cutting back etc.. be good?

I would focus more on where you got your support from during your dad's cancer diagnosis and treatment. You could then maybe make a short mention of how you balanced all of your other activities during this time. Personally, I wouldn't emphasize the academic stuff on a 'challenge' essay as these essays are an opportunity to show your non-academic side to adcoms. Just my thoughts 🙂.

 

[SBuck53]

I agree, and also, struggling with classes and learning time management is not a very unique experience. But for you, the circumstances around that experience are quite unique and difficult.

I was always advised that if you are passionate about it, write about it, so trust that instinct.

Just my two cents

 

[kpcrew]

I would focus more on where you got your support from during your dad's cancer diagnosis and treatment. You could then maybe make a short mention of how you balanced all of your other activities during this time. Personally, I wouldn't emphasize the academic stuff on a 'challenge' essay as these essays are an opportunity to show your non-academic side to adcoms. Just my thoughts 🙂.

I agree with this. They'll see a list of your grades on your primary. You want to use the secondary as an opportunity to show the humanistic side of you. Everyone has busy schedules and everyone takes the MCAT. But most people probably don't have any medically related challenge so your story will probably be more relevant and memorable.

 

[Praefectus]

I would focus more on where you got your support from during your dad's cancer diagnosis and treatment. You could then maybe make a short mention of how you balanced all of your other activities during this time. Personally, I wouldn't emphasize the academic stuff on a 'challenge' essay as these essays are an opportunity to show your non-academic side to adcoms. Just my thoughts 🙂.

👍 You could also talk about how it strengthened your decision to pursue medicine. This is uncommon and it gives you something to talk about in an interview.

 

[ShenanigansMD]

Yeah dude, throw the transcripts in the trash can, and talk about your dad and the experience.