<p>Should i explain my depression in my app.? Is it true that colleges get a lot of essays about depression? I don't want it to be an excuse for my sophomore year grades, but i do think that i want to address it. is this a good idea?</p>
<p>p.s. i am planning on applying to ucla.</p>
<p>Does this show the best side of you that will make a college want to take you?</p>
<p>it's not very original. ...
lots of people write about having some difficulty, becoming depressed and finally overcoming their difficulty.
i mean, if you have something cool, then sure. just not the best essay idea.</p>
<p>God no in this day and age of school shootings and such. To many, depression=mental illness=scary behavior.</p>
<p>This is a tough question, but remember that admissions people see thousands of essays written by 17 and 18 year olds. They are not likely to see too many completely original essays. They are likely to read zillions of essays about divorce, depression, disabilities, sports, dance, whatever. They are familiar with the problems of high school seniors. As long as your depression was situational and is now under control, then mention it if you feel it explains a severe grade drop or a GPA/SAT disparity or otherwise defines you in a way you want them to consider. You can also leave it for the supplemental part of the application if you like. I have read a lot of scholarship application essays and I got very used to certain topics at the end of every reading season. Ask the psychologist at your school for their advice. They would be the one who has seen the upside and downside for previous graduates from your high school. Good luck, I hope you are feeling better.</p>
<p>Many colleges possess very ignorant biases against any form of mental illness or challenge. To paraphrase something I once read from that resume fraud who used to be in charge of MIT admissions, "'Normal' students come under undo stress at a place like this. Why should we take a student who already professes to have mental health issues?"</p>
<p>Me, I don't believe depression should bar a person from any door, anywhere, but that's not the real world. In the real world, I would never admit it to any college. Good luck.</p>
<p>Very cliche (I know this is harsh, but it is the truth). If you can get into UCLA without writing about it, than I would recommend leaving it out.</p>
<p>I think talking about depression is a very bad and risky idea, especially with the (kinda) recent outbreak of school shootings.</p>
<p>There's definitely the issue with shootings etc., but above all, the topic is just too vanilla for a competitive school like UCLA. If you want to address the issue, do so seperately. The essay is supposed to give the admissions committee insight into your character that is not visible through your transcript. Do a little soul-searching, pick a few unique topics that fit you, and go with them. Best wishes!</p>
<p>Thanks everyone.<br>
Even if I do not write my essay on this topic, should i include it in my app. in the space that lets you explain your academic record?</p>
<p>That sounds like a better idea. If it was a serious issue that affected your GPA, I say include it. After all, it is YOUR identity. Why not show them the whole picture?</p>
<p>Search the forums on this topic and related ones. You'll find some other good posts on the subject. Northstarmom has some good input on it.</p>
<p>I find it naive and frankly stupid for anyone to suggest that your topic, or any other for that matter, is clich</p>
<p>
[quote]
Even if I do not write my essay on this topic, should i include it in my app. in the space that lets you explain your academic record?
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Just be wary of sounding like you're giving excuses. I hate to compare depression to this, but it's similar to someone who got lazy one semester and then decided they needed to improve. I really can't see an adcom accepting excuses. But then again, I'm no admissions officer, so my opinion should be taken with a grain of salt.
(Again, I'm not saying that depression equals lazyness)</p>
<p>smartcookie has an apt screen name.</p>
<p>Btw, the problem is not the supposed cliche aspect, as someone else mentioned. The thing is, the essay is a brief, exquisite opportunity to set yourself apart, profile a strong identity, and to have the expression of that be original. (i.e., much more cliched topics can be submitted; depends on the style, context in which they're written -- which by the way could also showcase a talented & artistic writer, depending).</p>
<p>Most students would not be able to write in an impressive, positive, uplifting way about their depression in general-- or put it in a unique, idiosyncratic light. However, a triumph over depression in the context of accomplishment, that tends to stand out more positively, impactfully. Being aware of depression & consciously transforming it: that shows resilience, motivation. But you have to be careful, have to make it interesting, not maudlin, etc.</p>
<p>Can someone who submitted an essay pertaining to this topic post, giving some insight of how they wrote their essay so it didn't sound like an excuse (even though technically it did hurt your GPA/SAT) and got into the school(s) they wanted?</p>
<p>I can't touch that one, because I really would hate to give you the wrong advice. I really have read lots of great commentary right here on CC which should lead you to a good decision on your own. </p>
<p>Search "depression", "mental illness", and things like that.</p>
<p>I remember one person saying that the best explanation could come from your GC, if you have one who is knowledgeable about your situation, and supportive. An excuse for grades (even a legitimate one) can be be more persuasive if it comes from someone else on your behalf.</p>
<p>I'm writing an article about college admissions/essays and mental illness, as in the discrimination involved. Basically trying to revive this thread. Any thoughts? Experiences?</p>
<p>^ But where do you draw the line between 'discrimination involved' in a federally-protected mental illness and a personal quality that colleges can 'discriminate' against? That's the fundamental question.</p>