When to Use the AMCAS Disadvantaged Applicant Status

Applicants to medical school may apply as a disadvantaged candidate through the AMCAS portal. If they opt in, they are allotted 1,325 characters to respond to an additional essay prompt: "Do you wish to be considered a disadvantaged applicant by any of your designated medical schools that may consider such factors (social, economic or educational)?"

When determining if this designation is appropriate you will want to consider the following:

Does my disadvantage fall into one of these categories: economic, social, or educational? For example, did you attend an underfunded/underperforming high school that left you struggling to adjust to college (with associated impacts on your GPA)? Or were your individual or family assets below specified thresholds, which qualified you for state or federal assistance programs?

Did my disadvantage change my application to medical school in a way that necessitates additional context for the admissions committee? For example, did you grow up in a rural area that is medically underserved, which impacted your ability to obtain clinical experiences?

If you feel that you’ve experienced a situation that merits the disadvantaged designation, use this essay to provide the admissions committee necessary context as they review your application.

Find the full blog post, with advice on crafting your essay, here.

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[skaran17]

Something I've wondered about.

Would an applicant who worked full time and had kids while taking all their prerequisites be counted as "disadvantaged" because of the practical stressors this adds? Or is this really meant for people who attended underperforming schools as a kid, grew up in low income families etc.?

 

[petomed]

Something I've wondered about.

Would an applicant who worked full time and had kids while taking all their prerequisites be counted as "disadvantaged" because of the practical stressors this adds? Or is this really meant for people who attended underperforming schools as a kid, grew up in low income families etc.?

I second this question.

 

[ApplyPoint]

This is an excellent question - thank you for raising it!

While we would not recommend applying as a disadvantaged applicant in your case, we would certainly take the time and space to address the challenges of working full-time while raising children in your personal statement, and/or in optional/challenge/diversity essays throughout your secondaries. Let us know if you have any other questions. We are always happy to hop on the phone, just email us at [email protected].