ED for NYU..."personal" issues?

<p>hey guys, im an over-anxious EDer waiting and waiting for the letter. i have some questions, if anyone would be kind enough to answer them.</p>

<p>does anyone have any idea whatsoever of how much attention NYU (particularly to CAS applicants, im applying there as an english major) pays to personal issues that affected grades? i had severe depression during freshman year, which only got worse during sophomore. finally, at the end of my sophomore year, i was diagnosed with ADD, anxiety disorder, and depression. </p>

<p>therefore, my GPA is only about a 3.249 unweighted, even though my junior year GPA was much, much higher. i feel like i have everything else theyre looking for--lots of clubs and community service, varsity sports, chorus, select chorus, bandfront, mission trip, business camp, internship, babysitting & more, a 30 on the ACT and sat 2 scores of 700 (literature) and 590 (us history). i go to one of the more competitive public schools in the philadelphia area.</p>

<p>all in all, do you think they will consider me despite my downfalls of my early high school career? my guidance counselor mentioned it in her rec, i wrote my essay a significant experience that helped me get control of my depression (fyi my goal was NOT to sound like i was begging for admission/pity). All in all, i want this more that anything. Ive had so many unfortunate experiences in life where ive felt like a failurethat this would just be the ultimate, this would just complete my life.</p>

<p>props to you if you read all that
that and then some if you can offer some insight</p>

<p>Peanut you have a good ACT score. That said, everyone here with grades and scores all over the place is in the same rocky boat until the decisions arrive. Hang on and try not to obsess about it if you can (easier said than done!). Props to you for battling your depression! To me that's more impressive than any college admission.</p>

<p>yo peanutbutter3...hang in there bro...not getting into NYU is def not the worst thing that could happen, and is probly not even that bad. i know right now that your heart is set on going to NYU, but it really doesnt matter what happens...do u want to pay that 52K and be in debt for a while after college? and it doesnt matter what college you go to, especially undergrad! chill out man, i knw its hard but just kick back and know that u will have other options if u dont get in...and u can transfer if you want later on from a different place...cheer up bro u have ur whole life ahead of u...and remember this ISNT your last shot at making it to NYU if u are set on going here.</p>

<p>Peanutbutter, I'm conflicted putting my two cents in, but I say it in the spirit of honesty...when it comes down to it, you pretty much HAVE to disclose something like that to justify your grades. But the downside is (especially at NYU where they had those rash of suicides a few years back and after Va Tech) schools can be overly cautious about things like mental health these days. I did read some articles a couple of years ago about NYU and other schools and how they're dealing with applicants with a history of mental health issues. That said, it was pretty far in your past and it sounds like you have recovered and actually kicking some acadmic butt.</p>

<p>A personal "trimumph" story is also an interesting and compelling read for an Adcom and a nice break from "how I lost the big game and learned a life lesson" essay. </p>

<p>I myself was going to write about a similar topic but opted not to cause I was afraid. But to win big you have to take risks, and we are all hoping yours will pay off!</p>

<p>thanks...im hoping it goes ok. im feeling like it could be either way</p>

<p>oh, btw i think they will only know about depression. i didnt include the add or panic disorder. i thought that would freak them out...and depression is significant within itself.</p>

<p>anyone else have an opinion?</p>

<p>a girl from my hs committed suicide at NYU a few years back, and then landed our hs on the front page of the wall street journal. lovely.</p>

<p>i think u should def say it to disclose yoru grades. make sure you talk about it in a positive light. in addition, try to make other aspects of ur essay to stand you out. also cause they will look at both your grades and your essay.</p>

<p>I don't think they'll be necessarily "freaked out" if you had ADD, panic disorder, or depression, but it was definitely a good move including it to explain your grades. If anything, I think the fact you grew from it and succeeded should show something. But who knows, it's NYU.</p>

<p>About the ADD, though, if you get in and choose to attend NYU, you can go through the Moses</a> Center for Students with Disabilities if you need testing accommodations.</p>

<p>Also, if you are still dealing with panic disorder/depression, I have heard good things about the Student</a> Health Center Counseling, especially since we get some free sessions with tuition.</p>