<p>Is it alright to talk about an illness that you had in high school on the common application essay for college? I read that it really isn't suggested. I don't really know if I should or not.</p>
<p>It depends how you’re going to use it. If you’re trying to apologize for poor grades or not being involved, I wouldn’t include it. If it made you a better person or you gained something from it (and can elaborate on that in your essay), then include it.</p>
<p>I’m writing about my serious illness freshman year for my personal statement but using it to show how I got involved volunteering at the hospital as a result (because it’s true and also because I feel like volunteering at a hospital is pretty typical). I also make a point to say that I’m better now…I don’t know if they would but I fear that a college would look at my application and be like, “she’s great, but we don’t want an invalid!” and reject me because of that.</p>