<p>Hi I am writing my college essays and I'm planning on choose topic 1: the one about personal experience and impact on yourself.</p>
<p>I was suspended my sophomore year for drug use, and I wanted to base my essay on that since it was a huge black mark on my life and write about what I have learned from it. The problem is that the suspension was appealed and taken off my record, and I am checking NO on my application. </p>
<p>My question is: is it a good idea to write about my suspension (I'm gonna mention that it was appealed, of course) even though I checked NO?</p>
<p>That is a terrible idea. Do not write the essay. Colleges ultimately don’t want to take risks on kids with problems like drug addiction and depression, because these problems can recur indefinitely.</p>
<p>If you feel like your story must be heard, then write about it. If you feel no other essay topic will work, then write about it.</p>
<p>But just consider the risks you are taking. To one forgiving reader, this might be a perfect essay. For the reader who will associate past with present and who has a “bad” perception of drug use, your essay topic would potentially be a huge detriment, one that can keep you out of schools. </p>
<p>This would be very different if your suspension were on record. But it isn’t.</p>
<p>I don’t want you to feel like your voice is being stifled by what I, or others, may say. We are just trying to warn you the huge cons associated with this. Ultimately, it is your choice.</p>