So I know that a lot of people have questions about disclosing mental illness on college applications, but those usually involve things like bipolar disorder and adhd. I have social anxiety and only started to get treatment for it recently. The problems I had because of the anxiety made it incredibly difficult to get involved in extracurriculars and has caused my extracurricular record, while still having things on it, less interesting that I wish it could be. I really wish I had been able to get involved in a greater amount of extracurriculars in the last de years. Currently, I’m a junior, to be a senior next year, but I’m graduating in three years instead of four. Should I discuss social anxiety on my applications, or would that hurt my chances of getting into schools because it makes it sound as though I’m not going to get involved? My extracurriculars include a lot of theatre (a lot of Shakespeare, and I am president of a theatre company that runs out of my church, so I manage social media and stuff like that), a lot of church-based activies, a lot of volunteering at my public library, voice lessons for years, and a few other things. Thanks for any replies.
Ask yourself what benefit disclosing your social anxiety on your application gives you as an applicant. Social anxiety is actually fairly common so I don’t think it gives you any kind of a out on extracurriculars. It’s unfortunate that you didn’t get treatment earlier but it’s great you’re getting it now, I would just move forward and try to make your past activities look as good as possible. I don’t think there’s any shame in disclosing social anxiety but I don’t think it’ll do you much good. My daughter has learning disability and she disclosed that in her essay mostly because it’s very much a part of who she is and where she’s been. We knew that was risky but also felt felt that schools who would discount her because of her disability were schools she didn’t want to attend anyway. How do you feel about that? Would you take an increased chance of rejection in exchange for a better fit? Do you feel like acceptance of your social anxiety is part of what’s needed in a good fit School?
You have good ECs.
Don’t disclose…and continue to get therapy/meds for anxiety.
Consider this when choosing a college:
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/2007642-students-with-anxiety-choosing-a-college-p1.html
Thank you for the advice. One of the things that I forgot to mention is that it got so bad at the end of my freshman year that I decided to homeschool this last year. I know I might have to explain why I switched to homeschooling, and I’m still not sure if saying it was because of anxiety is worth it.
Think of it this way – you want to create an application that will convince admissions officers that you will be a great addition to their college – not only academically but in terms of campus life/activities. I don’t see how disclosing your social anxiety would strengthen your application or make you a more attractive candidate.
That said, in the end it is your application and you can present yourself however you choose.
@shookethspeard I agree with the others above. Don’t disclose it. It isn’t going to help you and will risk a great deal.You have ECs. BTW nothing is wrong with being a homeschooled student. Get your applications ready and focus on your strengths and not weaknesses. You got this!
I’m in a similar situation and it is limiting me severely. I am now only applying to in state universities that don’t value EC’s as highly as GPA/test scores because I have none. Disclosing your anxiety will just seem like a cop out and will probably cost you a great deal of acceptances.
your condition could be part of an essay in the application if you have specific examples on how you overcame your social anxiety issues. That’s usually a typical essay prompt, on overcoming obstacles.
Thank you all this has helped me a lot!