<p>I've read from several sources that the counselor recommendation can be particularly useful to a college if it shines light on the student's personal situation and the context within which the student progressed through high school.</p>
<p>This affects me, and I'd like very much to note some of my family circumstances to provide the appropriate context for my scholastic achievement. Even though I'd done well, I still struggled with chronic stress and depression each year of high school--and by indicating this to colleges, I'd like them to see that I did well despite adverse conditions. </p>
<p>But I have never spoken to my guidance counselor about my personal problems. It's never occurred to me to; no one really seeks an audience with any school faculty member to talk about something that personal. How do I ask my guidance counselor to include some details about my life that I had never before uttered to him? And moreover, I'm afraid that it will look like I'm seeking pity--that this is all just a "woe is me" maneuver. Would it be best to just not mention it at all, and have my counselor write a typical bland recommendation?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>