How to Write the Disadvantaged Essay for AMCAS | Medical School Application

What counts as "disadvantaged" for AMCAS? And how do you write a good disadvantaged essay? Let's go over the guidelines and some real examples!

Some points I cover in this video:

• What are some examples of ways you can be disadvantaged?
• Why did the AAMC leave the definition of "disadvantaged" so vague?
• Does AACOMAS or TMDSAS have disadvantaged essays?
• Who sees your disadvantaged essay—the AAMC, schools, or both?
• What counts as "underserved" for the disadvantaged essay?
• Should ALL students from underserved areas check the disadvantaged box?
• What counts as "family issues" for the disadvantaged essay?
• What are different kinds of "financial hardship" for this essay?
• What other struggles qualify as disadvantaged?
• Are you required to mark yourself as "disadvantaged" if you meet these qualifications?
• How can your disadvantaged essay help you?
• When will marking yourself as "disadvantaged" potentially hurt you?
• Does being a first-generation college student count as "disadvantaged"?
• How to go beyond just the negative in your essay?
• Should you worry about being pitied or sounding whiny?
• How to use statistics to make your disadvantaged essay more impactful?

Check out my other videos for more help with your med school application:

[nathanhung]

The hardest part for me to mark myself as a disadvantage was when I compare my situation with other applicants who are even more at a disadvantage. I considered myself as fortunate despite coming from a broken family and fortunate to be in college despite delays in education...
I now feel more confident to do so after this video, so thank you, Dr. Gray.

[mbb]

This man is a God send. Thank you for all of the guidance you provide to us for FREEEE!

[chatalola]

I know this is for premed students, however, as a pre-vet student the information and guidance you are providing has helped me out a lot. Thank you so much for all you do!!

[minelitarverdian]

Just wanted to tell you that you are amazing and a life saver. Your Podcasts keeps me sane at work and gives me hope. Thank you

[coco]

I wish you made this before I submitted 😭

[gaithrrishan]

It's so funny how you post videos answering my AMCAS and AACOMAS questions right after it pops up in my mind XD

[NapFroCentrics]

I was JUST filling out my CASPA and was wondering about this!!! Thank you!!!

[connerross]

I put it since I have Cerebral Palsy. My handwriting was bad so I got stuck in special education classes which put me at a huge disadvantage for college as I had to take remedial classes and attend community college.

[SunSunSunn]

Thank you! My visa status completely prevented me from working or volunteering due to the lack of an SSN for background checks. I didn't know where to mention that information.

[Maureen-MO]

Thank you, Thank you so much. I thought I knew what to write but you pointed me to parts of my story that I didn't realize placed me in disadavtanged place but I worked to present myself recourses.

[jameshumann]

This is an incredible and articulate explanation

[catherinestratton]

No discussion on disability, such a shame. Disabled students face tremendous barriers due to chronic health condition flares, but also, structural barriers that are built for abled-bodied people. Take the MCAT. It is notorious for failing to grant medically vetted academic accommodations. How can do your best when you have not had your accommodations? Then, an enormous amount of your application success is place on the MCAT. It is really important that disabled people be remembered in these conversations. They are too often forgotten or left out discussions on equity - only highlighting how disadvantaged they truly are.

[thedoctah]

This was incredibly informative. Thank you so much for uploading it.

[RamirezAnaid]

That was extremely helpful! Thanks So much!

[carinasclafani]

hope to see the application book out for the 2022 cycle!!! 👀👀

[TrevorAllenMD]

Finally, an abusive father and multiple divorces/fathers/adoptions has one single upside other than forced harder work.

[VyNguyen-eszp]

Hi. Can you please make more videos about admissions to US medical schools for international students (under student visa) with a Bachelor degree in the US? I am not sure how having a BA in the US/ outside of the US affect your disadvantage essay and in general.

[tedlam]

Hi Dr Gray. Have you ever worked in admissions? If so, how many applicants have you made decisions on. Thanks so much!

[rashidimran]

Sir also plz make a video on how international students can take admission in US medical schools. Plz don't forget that.

[noelletyson]

Thank you so much for making this video, it was so helpful!!