<p>Hi, C.C. I'm not a regular member here, but I just had a question. I'm applying to schools this year, and a big part of my identity is wrapped up in my mental health. I had an eating disorder, depression (self harm but not with suicidal intent), anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD. I wasn't going to mention any of this, just focus on other stuff, because although I'm comfortable with myself and I don't think mental illness is something to be ashamed of, I also think that there are boundaries - admissions officers are not my family, my friends, or my therapists. </p>
<p>While I don't want to get too personal, a lot of my application doesn't make sense because of hospitalizations. Especially the MIT application, with tons of essays. Like, they ask what you do over the summer and freshman/sophomore year I did a ton of stuff, and then junior year... relaxing. (I was really in residential care, but I don't want to say that.) And then there's the "significant challenge" essay, and the "describe the world you came from" one, etc. </p>
<p>I feel like it's going to look like I'm hiding something if I don't come clean, at least for MIT. Common App I can get away with. And really, I know MIT is a reach for anyone. But I don't know if it's worse to have a half-hearted, sort of inconsistent application or one where I come clean about everything and hope MIT is real about its no discrimination stuff. I would make sure it was clear that I'm recovered now and that I've learned a lot about myself and the world through my challenges. This just feels like too big of a part of my personality to gloss over.</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>