Last year the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) gutted the AMCAS Disadvantaged Status section, replacing it with the Other Impactful Experiences, which allows for a broader approach to challenges that can adversely affect an applicant's life and candidacy.
In other words, when you're considering the Other Impactful Experiences essay, consider financial barriers, but also issues like learning disabilities, immigration experiences, caregiving roles, etc. Here is some guidance from the AAMC.
