<p>I was diagnosed this summer with manic depression and ADD, months after my graduation from high school. I decided to take a year off from school to receive treatment and also just because I felt like I was tired and directionless in school.</p>
<p>Because I had gone untreated senior year of high school, my schoolwork suffered TREMENDOUSLY. My GPA that year is absolutely embarrasing. However, my previous years and my SAT scores were all competitive and commendable.</p>
<p>Sooo, I chose to write my essay about my struggle senior year and how I've dealt since being diagnosed. I wish I could write my essay about something more uplifting, but I feel it's necessary to really show how much of a fog I was in last year, and how much it impaired my studies.</p>
<p>So could someone please read my essay and offer some insight and constructive criticism? I'd really appreciate it.</p>
<p>I strongly suggest another topic. Colleges have had many problems with students with mental health problems including some law suits and suicides, and consequently, it appears that many colleges will avoid accepting such students. </p>
<p>If you check CC's archives, you'll find many posts on this subject.</p>
<p>In general, it's better to use your essay to highlight something that's really a strength instead of explaining something that may be perceived as an area of concern.</p>
<p>In your case, perhaps what you could emphasis is how you've matured, etc. during your gap year.</p>