Here’s the situation: From 8th grade until halfway through 10th grade, I was depressed. No, I’ve never been formally diagnosed by a doctor because I’ve never told anyone, not even my parents or my best friends, that I’ve been dealing with this problem, as I didn’t want them to worry about me. However, I took depression tests online from Psychology Today on almost a weekly basis that placed me with severe depression (I almost always scored only a couple points away from the maximum score), and I had suicidal thoughts every day from my freshman year to midway through my sophomore year. Needless to say it was hell (I feel much much better and happier now tho so don’t worry), but it did hurt my grades. In my first semester of sophomore year I got 3 B’s, mainly because I was constantly upset with myself and struggled to find the energy to go to school or even live. As someone who tries to put academics above everything else, these grades made me realize that I had to get better in order to fulfill my dreams of going to a top college. I took steps to make myself act happy, and eventually the feeling stuck and I was able to get over my mental insecurities and unhappiness that was holding me back. What also helped me get better was because I fell in love with astronomy, which I have developed a deep passion for and am planning to pursue in college and in my career by studying astrophysics and aerospace engineering in college. After that, I only got 1 B in the second semester of my sophomore year and then all A’s in both semesters of my junior year while taking 6 AP classes. I know my B’s from sophomore year will look bad on my college application, so how should I bring them up? Can I even say if I was depressed if I never went to a therapist or doctor? I know on the UC application there is a section for additional comments, but how should I discuss them? I don’t know about the common application, which I’m using for Harvard, Cornell, Columbia, Princeton, and Yale.
P.S. As I’ve mentioned before I’ve never talked about my depression with other people, so please be considerate with your insight because I’ve never received any before.
I empathize with your experience with depression, having experienced many of the same things in junior year, though I’m doing waaaaay better now. I know that this can be really hard to talk about and I commend you for asking for advice.
However, I don’t think there is much you can do given that you do not have a medical diagnosis. Internet quizzes aren’t really a substitute. If it was a medical diagnosis you could say that illness impacted your grades, but as it is, I really don’t think this is something you should include.
Also, I would advise against making mental illness a focus of your application. If you choose to do so, I respect that. I have decided that this will not be included in my college application, even though I’m doing much much better now, because colleges can view this as a liability, according to my GC. Also, personally, mental illness isn’t part of who I am - my interest in politics and tutoring is and I want to focus on that.
I’m really sorry for the tough experience you had. I think right now you need to focus on essays and possibly test scores, not explaining your sophomore year grades
I was about to post a similar question. I’m also applying to similar schools, except my depression/anxiety got me four Bs in junior year, right when it counts. One early action app I’m doing right now specifically asks if there are any “extenuating” factors that may have affected my performance, but I have heard that disclosing mental illness is not advised.
I think it’s important to remember your college apps arent bios. They’re your self presentation for admissions and should show what makes you the right candidate for their class. That means, on their terms, their expectations.
Lots of students have grades that improve over time. You don’t need to explain why. It can be assumed that you are maturing and becoming more motivated. It is the grades that worsen over time that need explanation, and even then depression probably isn’t the best way to explain that.
No. They want to know why they should admit you. Frankly, they don’t want to admit students that are risky. And is the only thing worthy about you that you were depressed? No, do not write your essay about your mental health.
I know a lot about mental illness. Let me be the first to congratulate you on getting through this tough time in your life.
However you really need to seek professional help. While you may be feeling fine now, it could easily spin out of control again.
I agree with the other posters - keep the discussion about your battle with depression private. The schools will think that you are unstable and potentially could be a liability. In the meantime seek help from a competent mental health professional. Best of luck
Yes, while you should talk to psychologists privately, don’t discuss your mental depression on your college applications because frankly, I think they would be too scared to admit you. Also, once you get accepted, try to find some professional help. But the very fact you recognize your depression tendencies is a good thing. Heck, I am depressed every day after my mom passed away suddenly recently. I mean, when you think about it, the fact that your loved one will die one by one in itself is depressing – but I wouldn’t discuss this on my college applications. Lol Anyway, there is dignity and nobleness in humans acting responsibly and carrying on despite many blows that life has dealt them.
Again, the very fact that you recognize your depression tendencies in itself is good. I decided long time ago unless there is very, very special reason, I will fight with every ounce of my breath to live. Life is a momentary sunlight that hits your face and eyes through a small crack in an eternally dark cave. Cherish and appreciate it my friend, and don’t let college applications get you down.
An upward trend in grades is commendable. Well done! Finding a field of study that ignites a passion inside you—even better! Informing adults who don’t know you (but who review thousands of applicants of similar students) that you have mental health issues to explain grades less than As? Even if a handful of adcoms might be sympathetic, the vast majority will likely consider your health a negative. I recall reading a non-fiction book where an adcom wanted to give a break to a student who admitted using marijuana one time! No one else in the admissions committee did—the applicant was viewed as being too risky. And that wasn’t even someone who claimed to have the illness of addiction. Overall, the likely cons outweigh the hopeful pros. Fwiw, I work in the disability accommodation field and frequently deal with college officials (admitted not admissions officials). And with that in mind, please talk with a mental health professional. That is a decision where the pros are overwhelmingly in your favor.