How to address significant health issues?

[jturritt]

Hello Clear admit!


Had a unique question that I am hoping for some clarity. My details: I am a 640 Gmat, 3.45 GPA, enrolled in an evening MBA program right now for an accounting class, series 7 licensed, passed first exam of CAIA, from MN, had a mix of good, but economically ravaged capital markets positions. (equity trading support, mortgage back securities trading)

I have two questions...

I am looking at a few tier 2ish schools on the coasts. Does being from MN have any sliver of "diversity" benefit? Say the Boston schools or USC/Ucal Irvine, the Arizonas?

My other question is I have had some unique health challenges. Had open skull (craniotomy) surgery and open heart surgery to replace my aorta and heart valve, both in my twenties. I was told I had weeks to months to live with the brain problem, but turned out ok. I have much to reflect on. There have been lasting life effects, but nothing too harmful. How careful should I be about discussing these health stories? Should I highlight them as long as its part of a narrative or play them down? The brain issue was in undergrad and it did affect my schooling. Just curious how to bring these up, and what level of uniqueness does this add to my resume? I want to highlight it, stick out, but not play the "poor me" fiddle.



Thanks so much for your time and thoughts,
JT

[Stacey Oyler]

Hi JT,

Thanks for your post. It sounds like you did quite well in undergrad especially given your health issues.

In response to your question about "diversity," it is fair to say that the schools on the coast tend to get the majority of applicants from nearby geographical areas. So, yes, it could indeed be possible that all other things being equal a school might select a candidate from an underrepresented area over one from a well represented location. So while it might be a tie breaker, it won't be a game changer if all other application components aren't equal.

In regard to how to address your health. There are a couple of places this could come up. If your grades suffered due to your health or if it took you longer to graduate, you should write an optional essay for each school explaining the circumstances. If this isn't the case, your situation could very well work for another essay topic depending on the prompt. I wouldn't shy away from it since it was such a life altering experience.

Best,

Stacey