Ok, I was wondering if it is a big no-no to use a medical disease/condition that you have as a hook. For example, last year I was diagnosed with Graves Disease/Hyperthyroidism. Although it’s not fatal or anything, I really think it changed the way I looked at life a lot. Do you think it’s ok to write about this in my essays, or will it sound too cliche? Can it somehow negatively affect my admissions decision (eg. admissions thinks: we want a class of HEALTHY students, she might die on us soon…)
I know for really competitive schools, everyone stresses that you need a “hook”…does talking about my condition and how i’ve learned a lot from it constitute as my hook, or will it seem like I’m taking advantage of a really sensitive issue and abusing it for my college essay?
Thanks for the help 
<p>Unless someone has been through a harrowing lifethreatening experience that makes the Readers' Digest medical drama section, any illness or conditions should probably be discussed by the counselor giving the school report. Kids rarely can carry off the "doing well despite the condition" spiel very well, and it often looks too much like a ploy.</p>
<p>My hook was that I was adopted after living with parents who would rather buy drugs than buy groceries and here I am....DOING GREAT! My essay turned out awesome.</p>