How to Write About Obstacles When Applying to Med School | Ask Dr. Gray

[@anjeden10]

This lady! I adore her!

[@raver2be]

I was born and raised in Hawaii, but I'm now living in Wyoming, so I plan on applying to JABSOM and the University of Colorado as well. :) I still have about 2.5 years of undergrad and pre-reqs, though.

[@Kickbackfool87]

Make sure you look into University of Washington if you establish residency in Wyoming. I actually think Wyoming is one of the best states to be premed at just due to their linkage to UWash and how few people actually apply from Wyoming. If I recall right, only 60-70ish people apply to med schools as Wyoming residents each year.

[@raver2be]

@@Kickbackfool87 physical campus or WWAMI? I'm looking for schools with close ties to hospital residency opportunities in states I'd be willing to live.

[@Kickbackfool87]

@@raver2be WWAMI. For sure, I can understand that. I'd just be wary of being too picky at first and instead casting a wide net and then being picky when you have the acceptances in hand :)

[@raver2be]

@@Kickbackfool87 for sure. I plan on applying to about a dozen schools.

[@Kickbackfool87]

@@raver2be That's pretty low TBH. I'm going to be applying to 30-35. If you're a rockstar applicant, you can maybe get away with it, though.

[@emily2567]

Should you write a disadvantaged statement if you’ve had to overcome a lot personally, but your application wouldn’t allude to any of it if you didn’t speak of it? - ie you don’t come off as being from a low SES, great college grades, and ECs etc.?

[@eduardocod8924]

what if I have a good science and overall, but during my first year of college I slack and fail a class and drop 3 is that going to affect my application ? and if so how much

[@Maureen-MO]

Explain that as part of your application. Don’t fear. Put yourself out there

[@nickiluiso4679]

As another comment said, make sure to include that setback in your essays. Don’t overtly dwell on it through, just make sure to overview it. Good luck 👍

[@imbesrs]

Awesome topic!

[@all4honor]

nicely put

[@Alwaysiamcaesar]

Is listing anxiety problems also a red flag just as addiction?

[@mikell.6064]

Short answer: No. Long answer: Mayyyybbee... Yeah No.

[@troopernate8046]

cool

[@DrCureAging]

Sounds like bull shit. No adcom would want to read how I've been beaten every few days all my life until college, how my parents called me the "reason his life sucks", my mom says "I deserved the pain" (with the migraines I get), and being completely isolated from the other kids from middle school to high school. I only survived and not commited suicide because I'm strong. But of course, no one wants to read my TRUE Story. I've been though fucking shit.

[@lizzie17214]

I hope you’re doing better now💞🙏🏾

[@DrCureAging]

@@lizzie17214 Yes. I'm doing well on my own. Thanks!

[@Fundimb]

First and foremost, I want to say that I'm so truly sorry to hear that. I can't even begin to imagine what your life is like, no matter how many movies or books or songs I listen to that may describe similar experiences. You are strong - stronger than I could ever imagine to be, and your courage is inspirational. If you're watching this video, I assume you are applying to medical school. Although I'm a random person to you behind a computer screen, I want you to know that people do want to hear your true story. I want to hear your true story. The abusively competitive pre-med nature and feeds online make adcoms appear alien to us - but there are human beings behind the applications. I can't pretend to confirm whether or not these individuals care, but I have faith in humanity that there are individuals on adcoms who walk away from written statements truly changed and inspired, as they're human too. If you wanted my advice, and feel free to completely disregard this message as I'd take no offense whatsoever, I would describe exactly what you mention. I would tell your story exactly how it is. No fluff, no lessening: YOUR truth. You shouldn't shape your essays to what they want to hear. Medical schools would be LUCKY to have you, not the other way around. I hope wherever you are you are well, and one day living your dream of being a doctor, if that is what you desire. All the best to you my friend.

[@greshaanbhatthal3308]

Can u elaborate on what type of hardships count

[@greshaanbhatthal3308]

It will help me out in high school and get into a medical program

[@chowder607]

Is a C considered sufficient for pre-req courses?

[@JohnDoe-fg9ng]

Yes C is passing and they will accept it, but you should aim for at least a B, the vast majority of the pre-reqs should be A's ideally.

[@AmbitiousNoodle]

Yes, if it's like one or two but you really should get A's in most of them. Don't be satisfied with B's or C's, but also don't let them keep you from medical school