related to disadvantaged status... not sure what to do

[UDbiochem]

i'm wondering what to do in may or whenever i start my AMCAS. This semester, during finals week, my grandfather passed away. He has been my first grandparent to pass away, and for many other reasons, etc... this has hit me really hard.

Let's just say I didn't do so hot on my math final or my molecular biology one due to this. I'm wondering what I should do in May, explain this in my personal statement... just wait until interviews when they ask why my grades went down... apply disadvantaged status (i don't know what this means actually, i couldn't find a formal definition from doing a search on SDN)...?

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[Heal&Teach]

Hey UD,

I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather. A few booboos on your transcript aren't going to hurt you (esp. if they are C and above). You should concentrate on doing well on the MCAT, and your time will come to explain what happened with these grades. You can explain the impact on your grades in your AMCAS essay, but I would save that space and explain yourself on your secondary apps when they come in (some give you ample opportunity to explain yourself).

Disadvantaged status refers to social and economic disadvantages. Read more about it on the AMCAS website (included within the first thread I believe).Also, here are a few other threads on disadvantaged status.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=92556&highlight=disadvantaged+status

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=90585&highlight=disadvantaged+status

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=94836&highlight=disadvantaged+status

Best of luck to you,
H&T

 

[UDbiochem]

thanks H&T!

 

[potuhusky]

Originally posted by UDbiochem
apply disadvantaged status (i don't know what this means actually, i couldn't find a formal definition from doing a search on SDN)...?

i understand that claiming disadvantaged status may not be crystal clear. but it usually is very clear to those who are. h&t has provided some good links. i'm sorry for your lost. i know a few things about losing love ones myself. good luck.