<p>So, I'm getting ready to write my essay for the common app. I want to be a nurse, and my first choice is Boston College. I was originally going to send in an old essay of mine that describes my experiences as a hospital volunteer (to show my passion in medicine).</p>
<p>But I realized that this topic doesn't show the real me. I want to stand out, show admissions people that I am different. But I am no Michael Phelps or Picasso.</p>
<p>When I think of the real me, deep down inside...the most significant experience in my life...I would have to say it was my depression.</p>
<p>Now this was by no means a 2 week thing, nor was it light. I experienced severe depression that grew every day for a year. Suicidal thoughts were far from uncommon in my daily life.</p>
<p>I would like to write about this time in my life and how it has shaped me permanently for the better. I would relate this to my potential as a nurse. My plan is to write my story in an artistic tone. There are 2 things I'm afraid of: 1. I won't be taken seriously/my story will be viewed as a "sob story" and 2. This is too personal for a college admissions essay.</p>
<p>I would just like some feedback on this idea of mine. I really appreciate your help.</p>
<p>First of all, if you write an essay on depression then it would certainly be taken seriously. Secondly, you actually want to write something personal when it comes to admission essay to set yourself apart from everyone else. What I’m worried about is that it may indeed come off as a “sob story”, like you said, or that they may reject you because they become unsure of your emotional health. (Who knows, people get rejected for crazy things these days.) Connecting your personal struggles with depression with your volunteering experience at a hospital sounds absolutely great; you just have to try to sound mature and show your emotional STRENGTH, how you had accomplished what you had despite of depression, etc.</p>
<p>Oh and I just remembered: not long ago I had to read a biography titled “Lincoln’s Melancholy” by Joshua Wolf Shenk for my history project. It talked about Lincoln’s struggle with depression and suicide, his emotional turmoil, etc., and some parts of it were so successfully written that I felt an affinity and perhaps admiration for Lincoln for what he had overcome. If you decide to write about depression, then you may want to check it out. In fact, it may help you phrase and describe your own experience.</p>
<p>I’ll keep this brief–you can use the search function to read about depression and college admission. Do not write that essay! Any mention of suidicidal thoughts, ever, will probably make you an automatic reject. Sad, but true.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. I’m gonna pass on this idea. I searched the threads and found some helpful info. I should be focusing on the best parts of my character and not highlighting the worst time in my life, only to my demise.</p>