Is depression something to not mention when providing personal information?

Applying to College
1

So at the moment this is the bit I’m using for my college application to explain troughs in my academic performance and I would greatly appreciate some feedback on it:
I’ve never been an underachiever in most senses of the word. When I was younger, I always prided myself on
doing well academically, placing a lot of pressure on myself to succeed. I actually still remember the feeling of
shame I had the first time I under performed on a test.
As I got older, though, complications started to arise. I hate using my emotional state to justify inadequacy, but I
became increasingly prone to periods of debilitating depression accompanied with social anxiety, creating what
some may refer to as “roller coaster” averages, varying significantly from quarter to quarter. While these are
things that I am still dealing with today, I’ve improved in these areas a good deal, particularly in the area of
anxiety. Even just talking to people used to be an ordeal for me, but now I have a lot of supportive people in my
life and communication has gotten progressively easier.
These issues also speak for my ability to learn quickly. In my sophomore year, I missed over seventy days, but I
still performed relatively well on my exams, specifically in the English and history portions. Retaining information
has always been my strong suit, so I’ve been considerably lucky in this regard, and I am happy to report that my
attendance has improved since then.
While these factors have negatively impacted my performance, they have played a positive role in shaping my
outlook, giving me a greater sense of perspective and insight into others.

The bigger question though is this: Is the mention of depression something that will negatively impact your chances of acceptance?

2

It certainly can. Colleges worry that it will come back and derail your track to graduation.

3

NEVER disclose disability until admisions letters arrive!!! While schools don’t say some denials might be based on disability, your report could color admissions decisions and you would never be told that. Please don’t squander legal and academic rights by premature disclosure. As soon as you make a decision about where to attend, contact the disability office for information on available services at that office and elsewhere on campus. Think about what privacy documents you sign. If you have a crisis, you will want the offices and your parents involved so assistance can be speeded.

4

Do not disclose or mention it. It will not do you any good. While you stated you’ve made improvement, have you consider seeking professional help from this point on?

I am concerned that depression may return once you get to college. College life can be challenging academically and otherwise. You would want to be prepared and equipped with successful coping strategies from a professional.

5

It’s sad but true that not all struggles to overcome adversity are viewed positively by admissions. Struggle to overcome poverty, racism or physical illness-that’s a “hook.” Struggle to overcome mental illness-you’re screwed. But I agree with the advice above. You aren’t going to change the world.

6

While colleges will deny it, they will often use mental illness against people as a way to maintain their reputation. For best bets, do not mention it until you arrive on campus, where you could have access to trained therapists.