I am a senior undergraduate student at the University of Miami. I am currently studying for the MCAT, having wanted to be a doctor since I was fourteen and watched my proud, strong grandfather slowly succumb to tongue cancer. I thought that, even though my family lives in poverty, I would at least have a chance. With my test date next semester approaching, I began looking into the Association of American Medical Colleges' Fee Assistance Program. Their guidelines state: "Unlike some federally funded programs... parent financial information and supporting tax documentation are required portions of the application process for all applicants...This requirement cannot be waived on the basis of your marital status, age, or tax filing status."



My situation is somewhat different. My abusive, single mother suffers from bipolar type I disorder and is addicted to drugs and alcohol. She always has been, and she refuses to get the help we urge her to. As a result, I've decided I need to put the past behind me and move on with my life, since it's useless trying to hold hers together anymore.



I got my school to recognize my independence by supplying them a wealth of supporting documents. My mother's psychiatrist supplied her diagnosis, and my sister signed a statement explaining that my mother used to beat us violently and feed us out of supermarket dumpsters. I even got a written statement from my school counselor supporting my decision to move on with my life.



My University was able to waive the federal government's requirement to receive my mentally ill mother's tax documents. Why does the AAMC assume that every applicant in need of assistance must come from a stable household? The Fee Assistance Program is meant to help under-privileged students realize their dream, but this requirement disempowers the most disadvantaged students of all! The AAMC should accept the same documents that colleges and the federal government accept in lieu of parental tax information. The AAMC should realize that many of their applicants literally cannot supply the tax documents of mentally ill, abusive parents.