hello,
i am currently writing my common app essay about how i deal with my anxiety, and accomplish things even with it there. Do you think it is touchy? I have heard different things. If you have written an essay about your anxiety or mental health does it go well?
Don’t write about that. You don’t want to give them any possible reason to reject you. Pick another topic.
I think its very risky. 1. Most people have anxiety (stress) to varying degrees. 2. It sounds a little like you are fabricating a disability. I’m not saying you are and I have a kid with serious anxiety so I am not minimizing it. Its just that its not like overcoming leukemia or the death of a parent etc. It just seems like is a big negative and that it may be hard not to have it over-define you.
No. Find a positive aspect of you to focus on.
I agree with the others - it’s a no. It’s kind of like when you are on a job interview…you don’t bring up anything about yourself that could be interpreted as a negative. Key word - interpreted.
I think you can give an example or two of overcoming anxiety where you powered through it and were successful in whatever it was. I’ve seen this done in successful applications. The point is to not make the entire essay about anxiety in a general sense but you can certainly mention an anxiety-provoking moment or two and how you pushed yourself to overcome it. Best of luck!
You can write about it but you will be one of 10,000 that have done so. It’s great that you are successful at overcoming it but try to find something that is unique to you and interesting and personal. You can always put a line in the supplement if you think it’s needed or your counselor can add something in the LOR.
Don’t do it. Write about something that genuinely makes you seem like someone they would want attending their school. Stay positive.
I agree-- find another essay.
My daughter has anxiety, and I understand how much it effects your life and your desire to showcase any triumphs you’ve had.
But it’s a minefield. The reader will finish your essay wondering whether your mental health is really as strong as you claim, and whether you would be a liability.
Find something else to write about, something that will absolutely convince the reader that you’re a solid addition to his campus.
Awesome!
Also right about tough childhood, parents divorcing, high school teachers did not like you, losing your pets, or being sick effected your grades.
Sorry I was being sarcastic. Do not write about anything in a negative tone or why you didnt do better than you should have. Be positive and entertaining.
Good luck.
^^ Ouch. That was a bit over the top, don’t you think? And from another kid also asking for advice on his essays in other threads?
I think the OP had every intention of making the essay positive, and to speak of how she has worked to overcome the obstacle presented by anxiety.
But unlike other obstacles, anything to do with mental health issues seems to be a real issue for some Adcoms, hence the advice to avoid it as a topic.
@bjkmom Yes maam, no parents like sarcasm, I apologize for my tone.
Sarcasm has been my best friend, but he can be a jerk too.