So I have a somewhat average GPA, about a 3.4. My mental and physical health requires quite a bit of upkeep just for me to stay stable and healthy, let alone be a functional university student. Given the circumstances, I actually do much better than the majority of people in my position. Unfortunately, all the University Admissions boards will see is a 3.4 GPA, and most probably won’t care as to why that is since the standard is set so high. However, I did give a TED Talk at my University last year, and am President of an RSO on campus that advocates for those with mental illnesses. I speak around the community at schools, libraries and other public places to hopefully inspire people to find recovery themselves and how they may go about doing so. I know that isn’t really an academic accomplishment by any means, but I was wondering if that could help my application at all? I feel somewhat fraudulent using my talk to give me a leg up in the admissions process given that I did it for the sole purpose of helping those who suffer from mental health conditions, but I figured they may come across it on YouTube anyways if they were to conduct background checks on their applicants.