<p>My son has written an essay required for a scholarship and we would like advice on the topic he chose to write about. </p>
<p>The prompt is: "Describe a recent issue that you have experienced or addressed that has helped you to define who you are or who you hope to become."</p>
<p>He wrote about when he was depressed last year, how he dealt with it (in counseling) and who he has become after it. </p>
<p>The concern is the word depression and how it will be heard by the scholarship committee. Any ideas how this would be viewed?</p>
<p>Just my opinion, but if he hasn't handed in the essay yet, it might be a good idea to re-evaluate and choose a different topic. Is there something that he did that improved his leadership skills? Has he overcome fear or shyness and gained confidence? Has he done a community service project to raise money for a specific cause that he feels passionate about? The essay should show strengths---a way for him to positively stand out among other applicants. Try to imagine yourself on a scholarship committee. If you were in charge of giving out a scholarship that your organization has worked hard raising the funds for, what kind of student would you be looking for? The goal of the essay is to help the candidate shine.</p>
<p>The idea, generally, is to take advantage of the essay prompt to present the most positive attribute of the applicant that will allow the selection committee to picture a happy, well-adjusted student.</p>
<p>If you son thinks that his depression is the most positive attribute he brings to the party, then by all means, go for it.</p>
<p>Application essays are not confessionals. They are marketing brochures.</p>