<p>I have a few major genetic problems that caused me to gain weight over the past many years. I won't go into detail here, but is it alright to describe these problems in a college essay?</p>
<p>I already have a good format ready, so the issue of putting the content into context is not the issue for me. </p>
<p>I am wondering whether it would be appropriate to speak about my genetics, my weight, the problems both have caused, and the solutions I have pursued through science in a college essay.</p>
<p>Thank You</p>
<p>Sure! It sounds like something that will really set you apart, and your response to your illness will show how you’ve overcome something. At the same time, it’s a “safe” obstacle to write about, unlike mental illness or substance abuse.</p>
<p>I would be very cautious about it, and would speak to your guidance counselor about it. </p>
<p>As others have said, be cautious about it. If you do end up writing about it, you should focus less on the past and more on the future - i.e., not what has happened to you, but what you’ve learned from your experiences or lessons learned or something. Talk about your outlook on life, if that’s relevant. Make sure that you’re writing about you and your outlook on life more than the disease. Basically, whatever you write, be positive. And don’t include anything that you wouldn’t feel comfortable having strangers read in the daily news ^.^ I’m not sure if you’re looking for readers, but I’d be happy to help you out. :)</p>
<p>@UMTYMP2015 Discussing the disease itself would be helpful - and taking an informal tone is best - but just make sure that you are only providing enough information to lay the foundation for what you’ll be talking about in the rest of the essay. It should be mostly about you, but if you’re writing about the disease and linking it to your academic interests, then you’ll have to let the reader know at least a bit about it, haha. One of your main challenges will be getting the perfect balance of talking about the disease and about yourself, but if you do find a good balance, it will be a great essay.</p>
<p>Also, keep in mind that most adcoms probably didn’t graduate with a degree in genetics like you want to - so make sure that you’re using extreme layman’s terms, as I’m sure you know. I’m excited to read your essay!</p>