Hey guys,
I’m currently brainstorming for college essay ideas and I feel a bit stuck. I’ve had (diagnosed) generalized anxiety for the past ten years of my life. I get that writing about it would be a risk, but I also think that leaving it out of my application all together would be dishonest. I feel like trying to piece together an essay about something like how I failed my driving test or how I learned to study for a test would be too trivial in my situation. Anxiety, however, has been one of the most defining parts of my life. I know that might sound depressing and all “woe is me,” but finding ways to overcome my illness through my art and writing would definitely be the central focus of my essay.
I also know that writing about mental health might be cliche, but it’s high school. People are going to write about the same thing over and over again (examples include: divorce, taking a hard test, winning a baseball game.) Also, I feel like if I put a unique spin on it I have a chance.
What’s your take?
I would avoid it. Others will encourage you. If you can write a good essay about anxiety, then you can write a good essay about anything.
It isn’t dishonest not to write about it. Is this really the most interesting thing about you? I think not. Your love of art could be the topic without your desired focus on mental health problems.
They try to predict who you will be on campus, that being said a mental health issue is a very risky topic.
I’m in a similar situation, though not exactly anxiety. I don’t really want to write about how I’m introverted and how I came out of my shell, because I don’t want colleges to be worried about what contributions someone like this would make to a campus. My mom also really wants me to write about my cleft lip and palate (birth defect) and overcoming struggles, but I feel like that’s getting a little personal and don’t think I could write an entire essay about that.
Instead of explicating saying that you have anxiety, say things like you are shy or need time with something or someone to be truly comfortable. Then have the central idea be of how art helped you come out of this “shell.” You can totally make a sweet metaphor of this and really give the adcom a run for their money. That would not only make you great, it separates you from the other applicants because you have a passion that is genuine.