<p>I had to think very hard and very long before I posted this.</p>
<p>A year ago a friend of mine, who was going through periods of depression, left a note to his friends thanking them for all they had done for him even though it wasn't enough. 10 minutes later he was lying on train tracks, waiting for it all to end.</p>
<p>I was fast-thinking enough to realize where he would head, tried a few locations, and found him. After that day, I spent countless hours on the phone with him, urging him in the right direction. Today he lives with his girlfriend - both his parents are divorced and neither wish to see or care for him - and is studying at a technical university, moving along in life in stable condition. More than once he has told me that had it not been for my involvement, he would not be here anymore.</p>
<p>Now, I realize it may seem callous to bring up this event for my college applications, but I believe it sets me apart. I have talked with my friend about it, and he's all for it. My question to you is three-piece:
Should I mention this in my applications?
If so, how? In my essays?
Lastly, is it likely to contribute to my chances?</p>
<p>If you were to mention it, you'd have to do a lot more than that--I can't see how this could be anything other than an essay topic. Honestly, you couldn't put "Life saver (one time)" for your ECs, or some award, or in the additional info ("By the way, I saved someone's life..."). But if you do that as an essay topic, you would really need to focus on what it shows about you, perhaps how it changed you, what you gained from it, etc. and NOT on your friend.</p>
<p>Azsxdc and kyledavid80, thanks for your replies - I'll think about using it as an essay topic.</p>
<p>Beefs, that's exactly the kind of response I was hoping to avoid. I realize it may seem crass to some people - myself included - but several people, including my guidance counselor, have been urging me to put that on my application. I am looking for constructive help here, not your ethical judgment.</p>
<p>Sorry, maybe I'm being overly sensitive, but there are certain things you just shouldn't do. One of them is using the story of saving your friend from suicide as a way to gain an advantage in college admissions. If you really are a compassionate person it should show in another way. If I was an admissions officer and I saw this on your application I'd reject you without question. </p>
<p>Sherpa, I'd make sure it would come from my counselor's writing. There was the question of whether to write an essay from it or not, but I guess not.</p>
<p>I guess my sarcasm was too subtle. I think you should write the essay, and disregard what beefs says. </p>
<p>
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Wow, the things people will do to get into college these days...
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</p>
<p>No admissions officer is going to think you did this to get into college. It shows a lot about your character and could be a potentially great essay. Go for it.</p>
<p>if you do write an essay about it, deffinitly mention that it was difficult to decide whether or not to use the topic, and that you asked your friend for permission.</p>
<p>I was thinking you were going to tell a story about talking someone off of a bridge or coming upon a horrific accident and saving the day. The only thing you could do with this is an essay, but I think it's risky because you'll have to be really talented to pull it off and turn it into life inspiration for you rather than a cheesy attempt.</p>
<p>give him a recomendation cause if u tell college directly ull sound like a stuck up who thinks hes all that,but if it comes straight from the freinds they no ur potentials.</p>
<p>does ur guidance councelor know about this? if not get ur freind(who i assume is willing to help u out alot) to send him a letter telling him how good u are and what u did to help him out. Your guidance councelor will be able to tell ur story for u if u dont want ur freind to recomend.</p>
<p>I'm sure of the at least 20 000 super qualified applicants at Harvard over 2000 felt the need to create a sop story about saving someones life... Its not too difficult</p>
<p>No, disagree completely with Ashika. If it was a life-changing experience for YOU, write an essay about how it affected your goals, attitude towards life, death, experience, how it changed the way you approached high school, etc. This sort of thing is not that common. Don't make it a sob story, make it an inspirational story. If it didn't really change your life, write about something that did, and maybe have your friend write a letter. I have heard of people writing very strong essays about a friend's suicide. This is MUCH less depressing, and has the potential for a much more positive impact than a suicide story. Think about how helping your friend has affected your views on life, and write about it, as I said. Basically, I think the essay should be about something that really changed/affected/determined the person you are today. If you think this is it, definitely write a positive, non-sob-story essay on it.</p>
<p>I think this is a superb idea for an essay because it will help convey your benevolence and care for, not just any human being, but a friend. I recommend to avoid the following:
1. Don't sound like a braggart - treat the topic delicately.
2. Don't make it all about your friend but what you learned about helping someone else.
3. Don't emphasize that you saved another life because it may lead to #1.
4. Have your friend read it and others to make sure that it doesn't sound like you're showing off or writing it just to get into college.
5. Try to write the essay but if it doesn't work, let it go and try another topic.</p>