<p>I just visited the campus for a tour/info session this past weekend. Only disappointment was that they did not show us actual classrooms or dorms or dining facilities.</p>
<p>Here is my dilemma. My parents are now divorced. During the last 4-5 years, I have spent half of my time with my mom. She has severe depression with psychosis. Yet, she will not seek or accept treatment. When I am with my mom, I do not have access to even basic things (no phone, no tv, no internet, no hot water, no desk, no bed). I know that in this day age this may seem far fetched, but its all true.</p>
<p>Here are my stats in brief. Sat-2160. SatII-800chem, taking 2 more in Nov. AP scholor with distinction. Most rigorous course load from a very rigorous high school. Wgpa-4.65. Interested in either econ w/ heavy math emphasis or chem.</p>
<p>Do I mention my family history and the hurdles that I have had to overcome? I do not want to be painted with the same brush as my mother and I do not want pity.</p>
<p>This is the sort of information that is best articulated in your counselor’s letter as he/she puts your academic achievements and ecs in context.</p>
<p>It depends on if you think an essay about this will paint a picture of who you really are. If yes, go ahead. If it would just be poor me, then no. Doesn’t sound like you are in the poor me camp.</p>
<p>I agree. I think it says a lot about your dedication and character that you are succeeding academically in that kind of environment. Talk to your guidance counselor (if possible) about ways that you can let colleges know about your life experience. This is the kind of unique situation that calls for individualized advice.</p>
<p>I don’t think you need to mention it because your achievements speak for themselves. I agree that counselor can mention it.</p>
<p>S has ADD. We were advised not to mention it because his achievements were sound enough for someone without ADD, as yours are.</p>
<p>Your record needs no excusing.</p>
<p>If it is important enough to you to center your essay around this, that is a different story. You should feel free to write about anything you wish with the proviso Alumother gave.</p>
<p>All,
Thanks for your input. I have decided to let my record stand on its own. I don’t want a pity plea or a pity decision. The other minor factor in my decision analysis is that my counselor is brand new to the school and does not really know what I have been through for the last 4-5 years. Frankly, i have decided to let my family situation remain private and confidential. While I would like to get into Princeton, (getting a reject letter is nothing compared to what I have been through) I plan on learning as much as I can, interacting with interesting professors and students, working hard, meeting some interesting people, and having some fun.</p>
<p>Good luck to you all and if I can be of any help, please let me know.</p>
<p>bangolfer75, I sincerely hope on your behalf that you get in! Raising yourself out of difficult circumstances to have that kind of academic record is truly inspiring, and an ability that will carry you far in life regardless of whether you end up at Princeton.</p>
<p>Write a brief letter on the side, or, better yet, have a counselor do so for you. Don’t overtly publicize it, but absolutely include it if affected you. Good luck, PM me if you have any further questions.</p>
<p>"I don’t think you need to mention it because your achievements speak for themselves. I agree that counselor can mention it.</p>
<p>S has ADD. We were advised not to mention it because his achievements were sound enough for someone without ADD, as yours are.</p>
<p>Your record needs no excusing.</p>
<p>If it is important enough to you to center your essay around this, that is a different story. You should feel free to write about anything you wish with the proviso Alumother gave."</p>
<p>Our son was finally diagnosed with ADD last summer (after sophomore year) and this semester we’ve been dealing with getting the medications right. His grades have been good all through high school (A’s and B’s in Honors and AP classes) but not great (UW 3.5). If his grades for the remainder of junior year shoot up to all A’s, and his SAT’s put him in Princeton range, would you recommend that his GC mention the ADD if he decides to apply to Princeton?</p>
<p>I cannot help commending that you must be a strong and excellent young man. You sure can, and had btter, demonstrate how you have achieved so much in this difficult period of life.</p>
<p>i say you mention it in your personal statement…my father is in jail and my mother had me young and I talked about how I used those obstacles to thrive and succeed…def. not a cry for pity but was showing my battle scars if you will lol…anyways, I say you adresss I can only imagine how that situation has affected you emotionally!</p>
<p>Good luck with all your college apps and God continue to bless!</p>