Hi ladies,

I'm starting to write my AMCAS personal statement for this admissions cycle and had a question about revealing an illness. I was diagnosed with lupus earlier this year, but have been dealing with its effects since mid-2010. It hasn't adversely affected my grades and I've only had to cut back slightly on my extracurriculars with nighttime components. I have the disease under control, but my experience with being diagnosed and being the patient (etc, etc) has really changed my perspective on why I want to be a doctor. I think I could formulate a good personal statement incorporating it, but I don't want to give an admissions committee any reason not to admit me.

Does anyone have any thoughts on revealing an illness in a personal statement that didn't affect grades or test scores? Is it a bad idea when its a personal illness? Is it cliched? I'd appreciate your advice. Thanks!

I would avoid this and stand out on your own minus your disease.

Although I didn't used to feel this way about mentioning illness, I now think it's VERY cliched to mention anyone's illness in a personal statement.

I agree with above posters. Leave it out.

I'm in trouble after they read my birthdate. I wouldn't dream of adding an illness to it

Should I disclose an illness to explain that I had to withdraw for a whole semester? Apparently, the withdrawal is explained in the transcript as "Health Reasons".

I wouldn't do it in the personal statement. There is a lot more to say about you than that - use those words wisely! Interviews are a great place to explain that kind of thing.

Do not talk about personal illness on a PS period. We see that all the time and as a prior adcom member it does not bode well. IF they want to ask you about the drop-out reason they will trust me. Stand out on your own and you will do well. Good luck you all.

I agree with the 2 poster above. Your application sounds complete and impressive despite your illness, so dwelling on that sort of difficulty will divert your readers attention away from your accomplishment and your future motivations.

Above all, be foward-thinking and ambitious. Shoot for the stars! Medical schools want to know what you plan to do for the discipline, even if your goals are lofty, even if you are facing challenges.

If you feel like you are getting stuck on your personal statement, check out this practical guide.