<p>As some of you know, I've begun the college search, selection, and application process for the second time in as many years. I've decided to attend a community or junior college to allow myself time to make the transition into college life more easily. Lately I've been completing applications to various colleges, honors, and scholarship programs, and inevitably the question "If you are not currently attending school please account for your free time." comes up. Naturally, in answering the question I've explained that I'm working at least 20 hours per week and helping my mother prepare for her NCLEX-RN exam. The problem (well, I don't see it as a problem, but others might) is that I've also been hospitalized twice for depression. I've explained this when writing my answer, but I've been hesitant to submit the information. I'm certainly not ashamed of the time I spent in the hospital. I believe that my hospitalization was a necessary part of my recovery and a big part of the reason why I'm celebrating two months free of the symptoms of anxiety and depression. I'm not sure if I should include this information, or just subtly allude to it instead of just being frank? I'm just concerned that the unfortunate taboo associated with mental hospitalization will keep me from being selected for admissions or scholarships. (Although, it is my first instinct to say, if someone would be so ignorant as to deny me something I'm clearly quite qualified for based on stereotypes, why would I want it in the first place?)</p>
<p>I would also like to share some good news. I've been accepted to two colleges so far, Garrett College (McHenry, MD) and Central Wyoming College (Riverton, WY). Although community colleges accept most, if not all applicants, I'm still quite proud. I feel like I'm taking the first steps toward returning to college and continuing my education.</p>
<p>Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Amy</p>
<p>I'm not talking about medical records, they usually ask you to account for your time if you are of college age, and not attending college. I left college in late September and was hospitalized twice before I started working in November. I'm just asking if I should mention this on my apps.</p>
<p>I don't see why you would have to mention it unless they ask for it specifically; after all, it's none of their business. Or if you want to be truthful, why don't you just say you spent some time in a hospital due to "health problems"?</p>
<p>If I am understanding you correctly, the time between leaving college and starting work was only about two months. I don't think this is such a long gap that you need to explain it - if it was several years, it would stand out more. Best of luck to you with your college plans!</p>
<p>This is the memoir of Kay Jamison who is a Psychologist who also suffers from Manic-Depression. There is a strong connection between creativity and this disorder which was brought more acutely to mind during her faculty interview at one of the countries most prestigious medical schools. She was honest with the dean about her illness and her need for ongoing treatment. She asked him if he had any problem with that. He replied something to the affect that if he had to dismiss faculty with Manic Depression he would lose a third of his faculty. The colleges to which you are applying probably have more experience with this than you think.</p>
<p>You should be proud of your acceptances, and based on their geography, you can look foward - once all your acceptances are in - to some fun in deciding where you want to be.</p>
<p>Go to Ask the Dean on this website and ask your question. I'm betting you will get a very helpful and thorough answer, either posted or privately. There are some very good folks there,eg,former Deans of Admissions at excellent schools. You will not go wrong with their advice.</p>
<p>Congratulations on your acceptances! I don't think you need to go into full detail about how you spent your time. In fact, just saying that you also had medical issues, is really enough if you want to mention the hospital. You can choose where to draw the line on these things unless you are specifically asked. For instance many app ask if you have been convicted of a felony or midemeanor, and to lie about that is a problem that could come back to haunt you. There is no application that asks about medical issues except possibly in the most general way. A question like how you spent your time, is very general, and there are no firm rules on what to list. You certainly cannot list every single thing you did. Sort of like when they ask for your activities. YOU have to decide what belongs on that page, and what to leave out.</p>
<p>I have always been a strong advocate of 100% honesty. Ignoring obvious philosophical issues, honesty is less work. </p>
<p>That said, there is such a think as offering information that is not asked for, especially when that information can hurt one's chances. </p>
<p>Normally, the question "account for your time" means what have you been doing of a constructive nature. It certainly does not mean "how much time have you spent sleeping, eating..." so I think you can also safely conclude it is not asking about your health. They have other forms for that! Think of what they are really asking: were you working, going to school, finding yourself, on a world tour? Stay within the implied bounds of the question.</p>
<p>Thank you to every one who has offered advice so far. I really appreciate it. I will be submitting my question to "Ask the Deans." I also enjoyed reading the article mentioned in the thread that was linked. </p>
<p>I honestly had no idea what I was supposed to mention when "accounting for" my time. As I've mentioned previously, I have no problem mentioning my depression. I just don't want to be judged in a negative manner.</p>
<p>Thanks to all who have congratulated me on my acceptances. I am quite proud, and very excited. I can't wait until my greatest stressor is where I should attend college! In fact, since I've returned from work I've spent the past hour highlighting colleges whose booths I plan to visit at a college fair at a local convention center. I'm already looking ahead to the transfer.</p>