Will I be considered a URM

[itsalwayslupus]

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I am not looking to be flamed here. I am simply wondering if medical schools will consider me a URM because I am hispanic (my grandfather is from Spain).

I do not speak Spanish. I have heard talk on this forum of interviewers starting to speak spanish in an interview to "call out" applicants. I never learned Spanish as my father is Polish and my mother is Italian/Spanish and didn't teach us any languages (even though I could be tri-lingual 👎...).

I feel strange marking "Not hispanic" but at the same time I don't want to be accused of trying to gain an advantage over my fellow applicants. I did grow up fairly poor and have tried to give back to the community however I could.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

If you look like a Caucasian, you will be looked at negatively. Sounds like you are definitely trying to gain advantage.

 

[shushumiga]

I have the same question...
I couldnt find anywhere in the aacomas application if being a Gypsy is conseidered URM???? My father is and I am too.

 

[UTsksk]

lol I'm mexican american and I live as close as you can to mexico, but my spanish is horrible. I have that issue where I understand what you're saying, but I'm not able to completely respond in a suitable manner (yeah I need to work on it). I hope they don't start interviewing me in spanish and if they do I'll just say, ay perdon, si enteniendo pero tengo una problema hablando en espanol porque en la lugar cuando vivo hablamos tex mex 😎

And I can't roll my "r's" to save my life. My fiance makes fun of me because when I say "perro" it sounds like "pedro" and when I say "carro", it sounds like "cardro". So essentially I've removed all double r words from my vocabulary hehe.

 

[guydudcl371]

I am not looking to be flamed here. I am simply wondering if medical schools will consider me a URM because I am hispanic (my grandfather is from Spain).

I do not speak Spanish. I have heard talk on this forum of interviewers starting to speak spanish in an interview to "call out" applicants. I never learned Spanish as my father is Polish and my mother is Italian/Spanish and didn't teach us any languages (even though I could be tri-lingual 👎...).

I feel strange marking "Not hispanic" but at the same time I don't want to be accused of trying to gain an advantage over my fellow applicants. I did grow up fairly poor and have tried to give back to the community however I could.

Being from Spain does not qualify you as an URM...

"URM currently includes African Americans, Mexican-Americans, Native Americans (American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians), Pacific Islanders, and mainland Puerto Ricans."

You are technically Hispanic though, so I would check the box if you personally identify that way. If anyone asks, I'd just be honest, they can't fault you for the crappy/unclear categories AACOMAS has...

 

[Ravizzle]

Yo tengo un gato en mis pantalones.

Sent from my Galaxy S2 via tapatalk

 

[UTsksk]

Yo tengo un gato en mis pantalones.

Sent from my Galaxy S2 via tapatalk

You just told those people that you have a big cat in your pants.

 

[Ravizzle]

Si, yo habla muy poquito espanol, porque vivo en California. Yo necessito nadar, porque me gusta tu novia. ¿Donde esta la biblioteca?

Sent from my Galaxy S2 via tapatalk

 

[UrshumMurshum]

I'm not sure

 

[Ravizzle]

Jk. Ima start rosetta stone next week though. Hope to be decent by the time im a doc. Its useful skill to know multiple languages, i got 3 i can speak, tryna get it to 4.

Sent from my Galaxy S2 via tapatalk

 

[itsalwayslupus]

If you look like a Caucasian, you will be looked at negatively. Sounds like you are definitely trying to gain advantage.

Is this a joke? I am not even URM according to the definition someone posted. I am Hispanic, but not a URM. So how on earth would I gain an advantage from that?

 

[ShabNasty]

Is this a joke? I am not even URM according to the definition someone posted. I am Hispanic, but not a URM. So how on earth would I gain an advantage from that?

Right. Just because you are hispanic doesn't mean you can't have lighter skin. I am in the same boat. I identify as being of mexican heritage, but you could never tell from the way I look.

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

Hispanic is heritage, RACE CAN BE ANYTHING. You can be a black, asian, white, etc hispanic. OP, YES, you ARE hispanic, but you are also White, and you are NOT a URM. If you are from Mexico, Central America, or most parts of S. America, you are likely a URM. If you're from Spain, not so much... However, you can put down you are hispanic...

 

[piojita63]

If you look like a Caucasian, you will be looked at negatively. Sounds like you are definitely trying to gain advantage.

Wow. This person needs to educate themselves on the differences between race, ethnicity, and heritage. Not understanding the difference could definitely put you in a situation where you might offend a patient, or a medical superior, for example.

I would be terribly offended if someone was in disbelief about my Puerto Rican heritage/ethnicity because I am "caucasian-looking". I would go into a history rant explaining that Latin America was colonized by SPANIARDS (most are fairly light-skinned), who intermarried with natives (brown skin, generally), and then mixed with slaves from Africa (dark-skinned). I just happened to get more Spanish in my blood than native or African. However, that doesn't make me any less Puerto Rican...I was born and raised there.

In all, to this poster...I don't want to flame, but I suggest you read up on the subject, because it might be beneficial to your career in the future. People can be awfully sensitive on these subjects (myself included), and if you go into your career with stereotypes like these, I feel you will be at a disadvantage...

To the OP, I agree with what was said above...you are Hispanic, though not necessarily URM. Best of luck to you!

 

[drshark]

I had an issue to and people here attacked me too so don't feel so bad OP, however there is a box that asks if you are economically disadvantaged, which you stated you are, not sure if that contributes any sort of advantage in your app, but it can't hurt it right?

 

[Iliketoytles]

Wow. This person needs to educate themselves on the differences between race, ethnicity, and heritage. Not understanding the difference could definitely put you in a situation where you might offend a patient, or a medical superior, for example.

I would be terribly offended if someone was in disbelief about my Puerto Rican heritage/ethnicity because I am "caucasian-looking". I would go into a history rant explaining that Latin America was colonized by SPANIARDS (most are fairly light-skinned), who intermarried with natives (brown skin, generally), and then mixed with slaves from Africa (dark-skinned). I just happened to get more Spanish in my blood than native or African. However, that doesn't make me any less Puerto Rican...I was born and raised there.

In all, to this poster...I don't want to flame, but I suggest you read up on the subject, because it might be beneficial to your career in the future. People can be awfully sensitive on these subjects (myself included), and if you go into your career with stereotypes like these, I feel you will be at a disadvantage...

To the OP, I agree with what was said above...you are Hispanic, though not necessarily URM. Best of luck to you!

I'm pretty sure Stok was just being sarcastic... Calm down. Although, if someone has to ask if they qualify as URM, that obviously means they are trying to apply for it which means they'll have an advantage. Not saying this is a bad thing... but it's dumb when people say "I'm not trying to gain an advantage", when clearly they are.

Anyway, OP - I don't think you qualify as URM.

 

[MedPR]

I am not looking to be flamed here. I am simply wondering if medical schools will consider me a URM because I am hispanic (my grandfather is from Spain).

I do not speak Spanish. I have heard talk on this forum of interviewers starting to speak spanish in an interview to "call out" applicants. I never learned Spanish as my father is Polish and my mother is Italian/Spanish and didn't teach us any languages (even though I could be tri-lingual 👎...).

I feel strange marking "Not hispanic" but at the same time I don't want to be accused of trying to gain an advantage over my fellow applicants. I did grow up fairly poor and have tried to give back to the community however I could.

I'm pretty sure Stok was just being sarcastic... Calm down. Although, if someone has to ask if they qualify as URM, that obviously means they are trying to apply for it which means they'll have an advantage. Not saying this is a bad thing... but it's dumb when people say "I'm not trying to gain an advantage", when clearly they are.

Anyway, OP - I don't think you qualify as URM.

+1. The only reason you apply as a URM (even if you really are a URM) is to get a leg up. I speak from experience.

 

[Iliketoytles]

Yeah, but again there's nothing wrong with an actual URM applying for it. The URM status qualifications are already messed up as it is... where african americans who happen to be millionaires can still apply as a URM and get the advantage a caucasian who lived in poverty his whole life, may not.

I've said multiple times on other threads that the URM qualifications need to change for people who actually deserve a little extra help due to variables not in their control and that actually have an affect on their studies. It seems like being african american automatically means "wow, you've suffered so much in your life... here's some extra help" , which is obviously ridiculous. Anyway...

The point is... if you're URM, then apply for it. I would. Anyone would. But someone can't ask "Am I URM?" while also stating "I'm not looking to gain an advantage". Otherwise, you could just put "non-URM" on the application and move on.

 

[PikminOC]

Yeah, but again there's nothing wrong with an actual URM applying for it. The URM status qualifications are already messed up as it is... where african americans who happen to be millionaires can still apply as a URM and get the advantage a caucasian who lived in poverty his whole life, may not.

I've said multiple times on other threads that the URM qualifications need to change for people who actually deserve a little extra help due to variables not in their control and that actually have an affect on their studies. It seems like being african american automatically means "wow, you've suffered so much in your life... here's some extra help" , which is obviously ridiculous. Anyway...

The point is... if you're URM, then apply for it. I would. Anyone would. But someone can't ask "Am I URM?" while also stating "I'm not looking to gain an advantage". Otherwise, you could just put "non-URM" on the application and move on.

Does URM status take into consideration the amount of money you or your family may have? I didn't think so but I could be wrong. I thought URM was just for the certain races and does not have anything to do with finances.😱

 

[Iliketoytles]

Does URM status take into consideration the amount of money you or your family may have? I didn't think so but I could be wrong. I thought URM was just for the certain races and does not have anything to do with finances.😱

Currently, the emphasis seems to be on race/ethnicity. I'm saying that URM status should be based more on financial status, and not nearly as much on ethnicity.

 

[NurWollen]

Being from Spain does not qualify you as an URM...

"URM currently includes African Americans, Mexican-Americans, Native Americans (American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians), Pacific Islanders, and mainland Puerto Ricans."

You are technically Hispanic though, so I would check the box if you personally identify that way. If anyone asks, I'd just be honest, they can't fault you for the crappy/unclear categories AACOMAS has...

That is so messed up. What about Cuban Americans? What about immigrants from El Salvador or Guatemala? The above definition smacks of the very racism that URM policies are trying to make up for.

 

[HM3]

Currently, the emphasis seems to be on race/ethnicity. I'm saying that URM status should be based more on financial status, and not nearly as much on ethnicity.

It should be both. You can't speak on equality and ignore one of the three : race/class/gender

 

[TriagePreMed]

That is so messed up. What about Cuban Americans? What about immigrants from El Salvador or Guatemala? The above definition smacks of the very racism that URM policies are trying to make up for.

That is the old definition from before 2003. People here love to quote it but not put it in proper context. The definition today is not as strict and allows for the schools to decide. University of Utah, for example, allows filipinos to be considered URM despite being lumped in as "Asian."

 

[MedPR]

That is so messed up. What about Cuban Americans? What about immigrants from El Salvador or Guatemala? The above definition smacks of the very racism that URM policies are trying to make up for.

Even if the URM policy wasn't somewhat exclusive, it would still be racist, so I don't understand what your problem is with it. Affirmative action is racist, "historically black colleges" are racist, BET is racist, etc.

 

[guydudcl371]

Even if the URM policy wasn't somewhat exclusive, it would still be racist, so I don't understand what your problem is with it. Affirmative action is racist, "historically black colleges" are racist, BET is racist, etc.

Take a race studies or women's studies class and learn what "racism" actually means...you seem to love stirring stuff up on posts for no reason with your ignorance...

 

[HM3]

Take a race studies or women's studies class and learn what "racism" actually means...you seem to love stirring stuff up on posts for no reason with your ignorance...

x2

 

[411309]

I suggest getting a black marker and coloring yourself up a bit. Then you are a disadvantaged URM.

 

[itsalwayslupus]

Even if the URM policy wasn't somewhat exclusive, it would still be racist, so I don't understand what your problem is with it. Affirmative action is racist, "historically black colleges" are racist, BET is racist, etc.

Ehhh... No. Nice try though.

 

[psychgirrrl]

Here is the definition of URM:

https://www.aamc.org/initiatives/urm/

I think SDN is a pretty bad place to ask these questions. I struggled with the same thing and a lot of people gave me bad advice. I would encourage you to talk to your adviser or someone who knows about admissions. People here tend to be very angsty about the whole minority status thing and create lots of unproductive discussions about something that is very close to our hearts, our heritage and identity.

 

[411309]

Take a race studies or women's studies class and learn what "racism" actually means...you seem to love stirring stuff up on posts for no reason with your ignorance...

oh gosh another one of you white privilege people, lols. My bad my bad, I keep forgetting all white people are evil and we oppress everyone else blah blah blah white people bad everyone else good blah blah. at least theres a huge profit margin in racism; just ask jesse jackson.

 

[HM3]

oh gosh another one of you white privilege people, lols. My bad my bad, I keep forgetting all white people are evil and we oppress everyone else blah blah blah white people bad everyone else good blah blah. at least theres a huge profit margin in racism; just ask jesse jackson.

So are you saying there is no such thing as white privilege?

 

[411309]

So are you saying there is no such thing as white privilege?

I'm saying I think the people that believe in that nonsense are idiots and need to find a justification for their own shortcomings so they decide white people are evil and oppress them. Then you have these other people who jump on board and start giving talks about it because they know theres huge profit in racism right now, it sells rather well. Ill bet jesse jackson doesn't believe half the bullcrap he says, he just laughs his way to the bank everyday.

 

[HM3]

I'm saying I think the people that believe in that nonsense are idiots and need to find a justification for their own shortcomings so they decide white people are evil and oppress them. Then you have these other people who jump on board and start giving talks about it because they know theres huge profit in racism right now, it sells rather well. Ill bet jesse jackson doesn't believe half the bullcrap he says, he just laughs his way to the bank everyday.

There's really nothing to believe in. It's not an ideology, it's just how our society is. Sounds like you're the one who's mad about it.

 

[411309]

There's really nothing to believe in.

The concept that being born white is a "privelege" is a belief. Not a fact. Being white has yet to get me anything extra in life. Theres discrimination everywhere in the world. These days though, everyone seems to think they're a victim. I remember the good days when a white person killed a black guy, it was just sick convoluted murder. Now it's automatically a hate crime. Doesn't matter what the circumstances are.


I'm sure so many people are going to flame me for this but oh well.

 

[HM3]

Here's an example of what being white will get you: Let's say in the off chance you get into medical school; People will generally think you did it based on your own merit and not because of a URM status check mark in an application.

 

[TriagePreMed]

Even if the URM policy wasn't somewhat exclusive, it would still be racist, so I don't understand what your problem is with it. Affirmative action is racist, "historically black colleges" are racist, BET is racist, etc.

How is it racist to have HBCU if they admit people of all races? You do know that people that aren't black simply don't apply in large numbers, right? And how is BET racist? They are targeting a segment of the population, just like MTV targets the teenager up to 25 crowd. I don't think you understand what "racist" means.

 

[HalfListic]

Now, stop me if you've heard this one...


A pirate walks into a bar with a steering wheel sticking out of his pants, bartender asks him whats up with the steering wheel and the pirate replies "yarrr its driving me nuts"

I like pirates...

 

[TriagePreMed]

I'm saying I think the people that believe in that nonsense are idiots and need to find a justification for their own shortcomings so they decide white people are evil and oppress them. Then you have these other people who jump on board and start giving talks about it because they know theres huge profit in racism right now, it sells rather well. Ill bet jesse jackson doesn't believe half the bullcrap he says, he just laughs his way to the bank everyday.

LOL Someone hasn't left his bubble for all his life. It just goes to show how ingrained your white privilege is. I can understand it's difficult to see. As a man, I know I have male privilege and most of the time I'm unaware, and when women have privilege, I see it more. You can't allow the blinders on your sides to dictate how the world around you works. Grab a mirror once in a while and turn it to see beyond the blinders.

 

[HalfListic]

Now, stop me if you've heard this one...


A pirate walks into a bar with a steering wheel sticking out of his pants, bartender asks him whats up with the steering wheel and the pirate replies "yarrr its driving me nuts"

I like pirates...

It's funny, because you dont know whether he means it's driving HIM nuts or driving HIS nuts...

Deep down, I hope it's the latter

 

[411309]

Here's an example of what being white will get you: Let's say in the off chance you get into medical school; People will generally think you did it based on your own merit and not because of a URM status check mark in an application.

Who cares? Id rather have people think that and get more acceptances than get less acceptances. I don't care what most people think about me because most people are stupid anyways, lol. They could think that all they wanted and ill happily take it to bank with multiple acceptances, if I was URM. I don't blame people for using URM advantage though, id use it too. So if you're URM or even close to it, by all means try to use it. I just think the advantage is unfair and furthers racial tension.

Now lets say on the off chance you stop playing the pity card, you may realize that having more options is always more important than what a few idiots think.


And triage, i'm sorry that me being white oppresses you so much. I'm sorry that wherever you walk, the police suddenly attack you with clubs. I'm sorry that being a URM, has made it hard for you to apply to medical school because you need higher stats than the norm to get into med school if you're URM status. Oh wait...


From now on when I brush my teeth, I will make the conscious effort to do it in a way that does not oppress triagepremed.

 

[MedPR]

Ehhh... No. Nice try though.

How is it racist to have HBCU if they admit people of all races? You do know that people that aren't black simply don't apply in large numbers, right? And how is BET racist? They are targeting a segment of the population, just like MTV targets the teenager up to 25 crowd. I don't think you understand what "racist" means.

Teen to 25 isn't a race, so I'm not sure what point you're trying to make. Racism is any opinion, program, policy, etc(good or bad) based on someone's race. The fact that Asians need higher stats to get into medical school is racist just like the assumption that Asians are smarter than other races is also racist. Would people allow "Historically White Colleges" exist? Doubt it. There are tons of universities that have primarily Caucasian students, but are they allowed to label themselves the way the HBCUs do? Of course not.

Make a "White Entertainment Network" and see if it flies. Try to start a student group at your college called "White Student Alliance" or "Caucasians For Change" and see if the dean lets you. There are special groups, rules, and programs for minorities, but if a caucasian started one, it would be totally racist.

People always get caught up in the idea that racism has to be negative. It doesn't.

Also I'm not white, so don't even try to say I'm defending myself or am bitter about something.

 

[MedPR]

Take a race studies or women's studies class and learn what "racism" actually means...you seem to love stirring stuff up on posts for no reason with your ignorance...

Anything based on race is racist. I don't know why that's so hard to understand. It doesn't have to be negative to be racist. Racism isn't always bad like everyone seems to think. Everyone is racist, and just about everything can be spun to seem racist. That's just how the world is.

 

[LPpostbacc]

Now, stop me if you've heard this one...


A pirate walks into a bar with a steering wheel sticking out of his pants, bartender asks him whats up with the steering wheel and the pirate replies "yarrr its driving me nuts"

I like pirates...

🙂

 

[LPpostbacc]

I am not looking to be flamed here. I am simply wondering if medical schools will consider me a URM because I am hispanic (my grandfather is from Spain).

I do not speak Spanish. I have heard talk on this forum of interviewers starting to speak spanish in an interview to "call out" applicants. I never learned Spanish as my father is Polish and my mother is Italian/Spanish and didn't teach us any languages (even though I could be tri-lingual 👎...).

I feel strange marking "Not hispanic" but at the same time I don't want to be accused of trying to gain an advantage over my fellow applicants. I did grow up fairly poor and have tried to give back to the community however I could.

I don't think you're quite the URM that they talk about when discussing minority status. You're of european descent, like the "majority of the majority" of US citizens.

Your family must be pretty divided during the soccer semifinals!

 

[MedPR]

Here's an example of what being white will get you: Let's say in the off chance you get into medical school; People will generally think you did it based on your own merit and not because of a URM status check mark in an application.

So.. being white gets you what, exactly?

Who cares? Id rather have people think that and get more acceptances than get less acceptances. I don't care what most people think about me because most people are stupid anyways, lol. They could think that all they wanted and ill happily take it to bank with multiple acceptances, if I was URM. I don't blame people for using URM advantage though, id use it too. So if you're URM or even close to it, by all means try to use it. I just think the advantage is unfair and furthers racial tension.

Now lets say on the off chance you stop playing the pity card, you may realize that having more options is always more important than what a few idiots think.


And triage, i'm sorry that me being white oppresses you so much. I'm sorry that wherever you walk, the police suddenly attack you with clubs. I'm sorry that being a URM, has made it hard for you to apply to medical school because you need higher stats than the norm to get into med school if you're URM status. Oh wait...


From now on when I brush my teeth, I will make the conscious effort to do it in a way that does not oppress triagepremed.

+1 for that. Seriously, the URM "policy" is completely racist. It helps me, and other URMs, and it hurts lower-statistic non-URMs. Obviously someone with a 4.0/40 isn't going to "lose" their spot to a URM with a 3.0/25, but if a caucasian person applies with a 3.0/25 they're probably not getting in, whereas a URM has a half decent chance.

I honestly don't care about all the assumptions that URMs are disadvantaged and had a harder road or whatever. At the end of the day you are what you make of yourself.

Each and every one of us will take advantage of an opportunity to further ourselves. It just so happens that URMs have one that is obvious and very simple to get during the application process.

 

[HM3]

Who cares? Id rather have people think that and get more acceptances than get less acceptances.
Now lets say on the off chance you stop playing the pity card, you may realize that having more options is always more important than what a few idiots think.

My comment obviously went over your head. And where did I mention anything indicative of self pity? I am a very privileged person.

 

[HM3]

So.. being white gets you what, exactly?



/QUOTE]


🙄

 

[411309]

My comment obviously went over your head. And where did I mention anything indicative of self pity? I am a very privileged person.

No, I think my response went over your head. Your brain was too busy thinking "DOWN WITH WHITE PEOPLE" that you couldn't understand the importance of gaining admission to schools and having options vs foolish pride.

 

[HM3]

No, I think my response went over your head. Your brain was too busy thinking "DOWN WITH WHITE PEOPLE" that you couldn't understand the importance of gaining admission to schools and having options vs foolish pride.

I have a 3.7 Science GPA and a 38 MCAT as well as way above avg. ECs. I'm pretty sure I could be chameleon and get into Medical School.

And FYI I love all people of all colors. I do however, have negativity towards overweight folks.

 

[411309]

I have a 3.7 Science GPA and a 38 MCAT as well as way above avg. ECs. I'm pretty sure I could be chameleon and get into Medical School.

And FYI I love all people of all colors. I do however, have negativity towards overweight folks.

And that's wonderful gumdrop, but not every URM has those stats and im sure if they were borderline applicants and they had to choose between getting in because of their race or not getting in so they can retain their "pride", im pretty sure they'd gladly take the acceptance. i know I would.