<p>So after writing and re-writing I finally ended up with an essay that I am quite proud of. Unfortunately, it didn't really cross my mind until after it was written that I might be subject to bias simply because of the topic. I wrote about how I used music to overcome my depression. It frustrates me immensely that writing openly about mental illness could be the reason for rejection (especially when I'm in a stable mind set currently). So my question is, is it worth the risk of submitting this controversial essay or do a move to a less risky topic?</p>
<p>Schools are very sensitive to admitting students with a high risk profile - and mental health issues are a red flag. I hate to say it, but this isn’t a creative writing assignment in which your goal is to express your truth. This is a marketing assignment where your goal is to convince them that you would be a great addition to their school. That being the case, I’d recommend you find a less risky topic. </p>
<p>There are many threads on cc on this very topic, so do a search and you will get a full range of opinion.</p>
<p>I really appreciate your feedback! I’m so torn right now because the essay is not focused on my depression, but rather music. I understand the risk factor though and I will definitely do a search. Thanks again!</p>
<p>I don’t think that topic is controversial at all. You’ve acknowledged that you were able to overcome an issue in a creative and reasonable manner. Just be sure your essay focuses mostly on the overcoming part rather than the being depressed part so it has an upbeat tone.</p>
<p>It’s not that it’s controversial, it’s that you don’t want to open that can of worms. No matter how successful you were in overcoming depression, you still risk the Depression label, as it can come back, and some school may not want to deal with that when there are plenty of “safer” picks.</p>
<p>But don’t worry, even in my short time here, I’ve seen FAR worse topics. I’m sure you did a great job, but sometimes you shouldn’t reveal that much of yourself. It’s not like that essay on that topic is going to give them a reason to admit you, instead, there is only downside to the topic, and therefore, it should be avoided.</p>
<p>Maybe you could morph your essay into a specific event that made you turn to music as comfort rather than bringing up depression as a general idea, making it seem like you weren’t sad for very long. I think adcoms are worried you’ll be depressed in college</p>
<p>@RunningFreak I appreciate the idea and I did consider it, but I personally feel that is making light of an issue that really needs to be talked about. Therefore, I’m not willing to do that for a college which may seem silly, but it’s just my personal opinion. Thank you for your feedback though! It really is appreciated (:</p>
<p>:) good outlook. I think that if you’re rejected to a college then it’s probably their loss and you wouldn’t have been a good fit there anyway…</p>
<p>Really there was no point to the question, then, was there? Next time ask essay questions over in the College Essay forum. You can use advanced search and see many answers to similar questions in that forum.</p>
<p>Agreed with previous posters; it may raise red flags.</p>
<p>BrownParent has it exactly right, the question was not an honest one, OP wanted to hear that it was a good topic, felt antsy, wanted reassurance, but was going to do what OP wanted regardless, therefore, it was a waste of all our time.</p>
<p>Done.</p>
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