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anon231

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  1. Hi, upon review one program actually requires a personal statement in addition to the statement of purpose. Is it advisable to also not mention holding a GED? Should I say I was not interested in graduate education until later in college? I could craft a mostly honest narrative without mentioning my GED.
  2. Hi all, I've all but finished my applications for the year and wanted to ask a specific question about the optional personal statement (not SoP) that some schools ask for. For those unfamiliar these usually ask the applicant to talk about any unique experiences or hardships that motivated their desire to pursue a graduate degree. It's not that I don't have one of these experience, but that I'm extremely private about talking about it (I made an anonymous account just for this post). I'm going to briefly describe my experience to gauge if it is worth including it. At 16 I developed an addiction to opioids, became temporarily estranged from my family, and on my 17th birthday I dropped out of high school with no job prospect or future plans. 3 months later I reconciled with my family who encouraged me to enroll in a program that helped drop outs earn their GED. I earned my GED two months later while still using. Up until leaving, I maintained strong grades in high school, enjoyed learning (math in particular), and planned on attending college. With only a GED, I assumed that was no longer an option, and my ongoing addiction made it seem like pure fantasy. I struggled to get sober throughout the summer while simultaneously trying to plan for a future worth living. I found a local university that catered to non traditional students with a low tuition rate. After meeting with two admissions counselors they accepted me on the spot. Less than a year after dropping out of school I was pursuing my major in mathematics. I wasn't sober until almost the end of my first semester, and have been since. My first year was a bit rough with some grade variation, but my passion for mathematics was very real. By the start of my sophomore year I had completed Calc I-III, Proofs, Probability for Engineers, and was enrolled in the 400 level Probability Theory course. My last ~70 credits have been mainly A's. These experiences have motivated me. I've always been academically inclined, and the loss felt after dropping out of HS has been a huge source of motivation to excel in the classroom. For the biostat programs I'm applying to studying substance abuse and education is of immense importance to me. I would have more to say and polish in any statement, but that's the gist of it. I'm very happy and awed to be where I am 5 years later, but I'm not sure how an adcom will react to someone with prior drug use (I don't have any criminal record). Or, for that matter, someone with a GED. For what it's worth I've posted my profile here before and the message seems to be that my profile is strong enough for the 20-50 range. The weaker parts of my application are my lower grades in Calc and the obscurity of my undergrad institution which are somewhat related to what I've shared. Even if it is appropriate to include, I'm not sure I would. My substance abuse is not something any of my undergrad advisors, or even most of my family know about, and I'm not sure I'm comfortable sharing this with potential advisors, professors, or advanced students. Any input is greatly appreciated.
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