CONTEXT: After this, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, went to inpatient for a bit, got put on meds, and had a dip in grades start of sophomore year. Used to be a straight A student, albeit a procrastinator, but I was getting mostly Bs and a C beginning of 10th grade. But I got things back on track in the spring semester and pulled my grades back up to As. I went into a program at my school where you go to a community college 11th and 12th grade and graduate with a high school diploma and Associate’s at the same time. I’m in 11th grade now, but since my sister is doing college apps now, so I’ve started thinking about them myself a lot. I plan to apply to a four year school next year, as somewhat of a transfer and somewhat of a freshman.
QUESTION: I’ve heard a ton of different opinions on how much to go into mental health in college apps, everything from “don’t you dare it’s too overdone and you’ll just show weakness” to “show how you’ve overcome your diagnosis!” to “just mention it so they know why your grades slipped”. I think I need a second opinion. I know it’s early and you all are probably rushing to submit by Friday but hopefully someone has time and can clear this stuff up for me! Thanks!
It sounds to me like you have SO MUCH MORE to write about. You’ve come a long way and are on the road to great success. There must be something else about you that resonates and would make a great essay. That moment in your history is nothing to be ashamed of and your recovery is something to be very proud of, but my opinion is that you don’t mention the suicide attempt anywhere in your application and find something else to write about that tells the story of you.
I agree is a good idea to have your guidance counselor write that you successfully overcame an illness that temporarily impacted your grades - which are quite good considering what you have been through. However, you don’t want colleges to have any doubt whatsoever that you have what it takes to complete a degree. Writing about your mental health experiences is not very likely to sell them on the possibility that you would make a good roommate and will make a positive contribution to the campus community.
Colleges appreciate narratives of resilience and “overcoming,” but fundamentally they are risk-averse. On a purely statistical level, a past suicide attempt flags you as higher risk for self-harm once you’re on campus, and most colleges will err on the side of steering clear of that risk, rather than than banking on your confidence that it won’t happen again. Don’t put them in the position of having to weigh their interest in you as a student against their imperative to avoid tragic incidents in their community. You can be as open as you want about your history, once you’re at the college of your choice; but don’t bring it into the application process. As others have recommended, have your counselor explain how your now-resolved health issue affected your grades, and use your application to focus on your positive personal qualities, accomplishments, and potential to contribute to your college community.
Hey. I just want to say, good for you. I mean that seriously. It’s a hard, long road, and it sounds as if you have traveled it safely and are now in a good space. Your story gives hope to students and parents of students who are or have suffered similarly. Cheers!
You will be a success. After what you’ve been through, this stuff is easy. Just don’t overthink it. Who you are today is not who you were then. It’s the today-you who will be applying, not the then-you. Show who you are, not where you were. Best of luck, truly.
Can’t add anything and agree with the above. Whatever school you go to make sure they have good mental health facilities. You might still need counseling or help during your college years.
