I’m appealing my Georgetown rejection (I have until May 1, and I’ve drafted my letter). I want to get an opinion here though. I’ve been severely depressed since before my freshman year, suicidal thoughts, messed up eating and sleeping habits, motivational crises, etc. I didn’t include this information in my original application because it’s always a risky maneuver admitting that you’re mentally ill. At this point, I’ve got nothing to lose, so I might as well. Do you guys think this will qualify as “new and compelling information”? I personally think it puts my credentials in a new light. I know several other kids in my high school who are depressed, some of whom have flunked out, others who aren’t doing well. I’ve managed to land in the top decile at my school, and my SAT scores are good (available in my profile). My extra curriculars aren’t that great, but they’re there (two years baseball, one soccer, one swimming, (athletic career unfortunately cut short by recurring dislocation of right shoulder) two part time jobs, and a lot of online political discussion). I figured myself for a candidate for this level of school without the explanation about depression, but I didn’t get into any of them. Would the inclusion of this new information be enough to convince them I’ve overcome (or at least dealt with to a commendable level of success) serious obstacles in my life and that I have <em>vastly</em> greater potential than perhaps what I’ve shown through my grades and extra curriculars (my test scores speak for themselves)? Or would they be scared off by having a liability on their hands?
For reference in middle school before the depression really hit I had straight As, was captain of my math team (a team that took 5th in the state twice in a row in the Math Counts competition), played soccer, baseball and a year of lacrosse
Any input would be appreciated.