<p>i'm applying for college this fall, and is wondering if i should consider telling the honest truth in my essay? I screwed up so bad my sophomore year due to personal and family problems (I was really suicidal and overdosed twice, i was kicked out of my house, and so much more) or will colleges just think it's an excuse? I had seen a very good therapist at the time (only once) and she said I full on have anxiety, depression, and possibly ADD. I only saw her once, so she couldn't put me on any medication because she thought i was going to come back or something lol ( i wanted to but honestly i wasn't living at home and that meant i had no ride ANYWHERE). I'm actually a very determined student in all AP classes and just made Varsity cheer, just that one year realllly threw me off. I would really like to explain why i flunked my sophomore year...yet i don't know if i should because it may seem too long or weird. no hate please! i've been through hell and back and i really want to achieve my dream into going to a university out of state.</p>
<p>I’ll be very interested to read what other write in response, but from what I’ve heard, perhaps it’s best to have your HS counselor write a general explanation that you experienced health and family problems in sophomore year. That permits you, in your application, to focus on all the good stuff you’re bringing to the college. It seems college adcoms are very skitterish about students with mental illness in their backgrounds, which is sad. </p>