<p>Hey all, I would just like to get your two cents on what not to write for the Common App standard essays?
There is a possibility that I will write my essay on phase I went through when I developed an eating disorder. But this is a topic that's make-it-or-break-it; it can be either really good or really bad. I think the upside to this is that I was able to get A LOT out of that experience, and so that would add a positive and optimistic tone to an essay that would usually be somber and grave.
But I would like to hear what you think -- do you think this is a good idea, or should I pick something else?</p>
<p>Thanks everyone.</p>
<p>Examples of what not to write about;</p>
<p><a href=“Opinion | Oversharing in Admissions Essays - The New York Times”>Opinion | Oversharing in Admissions Essays - The New York Times;
<p>Don’t write about:
- urinating on youself
- undersized genetalia
- your womanizing success</p>
<p>Like many other topics, it can be done well. But you also run the risk of, in your one chance to give a snapshot of “you,” leaving the lingering doubt that you could relapse if college gets too stressful to handle, which would jeopardize your chances of getting in. I say it’s too risky. </p>
<p>When I applied to colleges, I also wrote an essay about an eating disorder–the worst parts of which only lasted about a year–and I didn’t get into any of the colleges to which I submitted that essay. Granted, I’m an average writer at best, and I submitted it to colleges like the Ivies and MIT because I thought it was my best work, so I could’ve gotten rejected for reasons entirely separate from my essay.</p>
<p>Still, I say that the stigma of mental illness is such that mentioning any kind of mental illness will not endear you to admissions officers.</p>
<p>First, I’m so glad to hear that you feel in a place to write about this and even in a positive way. I am very aware that this is an enormous personal struggle to have overcome such a devastating condition. And for such people it is likely the biggest most important struggle they have gone through and the brought about the most insight and self awareness, . </p>
<p>However I do not think it is a good idea. It brings up a lot of questions if you can handle stress, your mental stability etc. It is sort of TMI, you have to look at the college application a little more professionally, imo. Does it really highlight your strengths from their pov? Does it excite the school about having you as a student? You can search and see this question come up here more often then you might think–read some of the answers. Ultimately it is up to you. You might like to write it and get feedback from adults at school.</p>
<p>I have posted this before, but I have seen a really great essay on this subject. The student was admitted to 6 highly selective LACs. However, note that this student’s anorexia was at least 3 or 4 years ago–plenty of time to show stability. He was the valedictorian of his class. And he wrote a kickass essay.</p>
<p><a href=“Morning Edition - College Essays”>Morning Edition - College Essays;
<p>I think that the fact you are able to look at it in a positive light shows that you’re in a relatively stable place now. If you can write a great essay about it, do it! It’s an experience that you seem to care a lot about (for good reason), and you have the right to write about whatever you want to. </p>
<p>I think it can be done if it can be done tastefully.
I have a very good friend who wrote about his battle with depression and learning disabilities. Got him into UChicago. </p>
<p>As far as I can tell, having lots of senior friends that were writing essays over the past year, is that admin officers are ok with the more common mental health issues like mono-depression and anxiety but not things like bipolar, EDs, OCD, schizophrenia, etc… Comes off as “weakness” and a liability in their eyes. Mental illness is still scary to the majority of the population, and that includes admin officers.
It sucks, but who said college admissions was fair? Glad you’re recovering, BTW.</p>
<p>@GMTplus7 Haha I think those are the topics that no one in their right mind would write about anyways.</p>
<p>@OnMyWay2013 Yeah, that’s what my counselor said too. I don’t know if I’ll take the risk hahah. But we’ll see! Thanks. :)</p>
<p>@BrownParent You had brought up some very good questions that I’ve never thought of asking myself, so thank you! And yes, I guess having an eating disorder would be a little TMI for the college admissions officers. Many people had brought up the fact that they may question my mental stability and ability to handle stress, and I have to admit that this is my biggest worry too. <em>If</em> – and that’s a big “if” – I decide to write about my experience, it will probably be in the “Additional Information” section of the Common App.
Also, I don’t know if this may help: my eating disorder became the worst during my sophomore year, in which my grades suffered greatly (I’m not exaggerating. My GPA was below average). But after junior year, I was able to bring my grades back up again because I was able to go to therapy and do some self-reflection. Would this be a positive sign to the colleges?</p>
<p>@hopeful543 Thank you 
I’m just worried (as I mentioned above) that colleges may doubt my academic and mental abilities. But we’ll see what happens.</p>
<p>@lovethekiller Exactly, but “tastefully” is very hard to accomplish in 650 words haha (and I’m a horrible writer). I’ll probably talk to my counselor more to see if I should write about it.</p>
<p>@evelync Amen to that. But I guess if I put myself in the shoes of an admissions officer, I wouldn’t want someone who is mentally unstable on my campus either. 
I hope my grades and ECs can speak for my recovery, but like many people said, this topic is very iffy. I might include my experience in the Additional Experience section, but for my main essay, I might do something more positive if I could think of anything haha.</p>
<p>Thank you so much everyone! 
And good luck to those applying to colleges with me in Fall 2014. </p>