<p>In May of last year, around the time I graduated from high school, I was the victim of a violent sexual assault. Naturally, it was extremely traumatic, but I was not able to mentally process what had happened to me until around October, in the middle of my first semester at college.
Suddenly, I was having trouble sleeping because I was afraid of having vivid nightmares; in triggering situations, I experienced uncontrollable and embarrassing panic attacks; and I became depressed to the point of passively considering suicide. I somehow managed to keep up with homework and tests, but, needless to say, the classes in which participation & attendance were a big part of my final grade took a hard hit.</p>
<p>Since then, I've gotten professional help, and I believe the worst is behind me. However, I am now seriously considering transferring from my school for unrelated reasons.
My question is: should I explain that my grades were affected by my traumatic experience? On one hand, I'd like to have a chance to explain, but on the other hand, I'm worried that I may be rejected for perceived emotional instability. If I do explain, how much of my situation should I divulge? (And where? In the "additional information" section on the Common App, for example?)</p>
<p>Thank you in advance for your answers :)</p>