I am an incoming high school Senior and i have been in the process of writing my college essay for a few moths. I’ve written a couple drafts but i don’t think any of them really show who i am as a person and as a student. I want to apply to Cornell but my SAT scores are too low, my college adviser said i could try opportunity programs, and i think a great essay would increase my chances.
I know there is some stigma about depression in college admissions(Especially because of all of those bridges). But i want to write my essay about how i overcame my depression through joining clubs and being part of various internships. Maybe i could talk about how i never thought i could become senior class president, and how it plays a part in why i’m interested in neuroscience?
Honestly, I would give that an immediate no. The thing you need to understand about depression is that, if it’s clinical, it could still come back even if you talk about how you overcame it. AdComms may look at that essay and worry whether or not you’ll adjust to college okay.
An essay about how a shy introvert or someone who lacked self esteem became class president might be interesting, if that is relevant. But not one specifically about mental health problems.
I’ll be the third to say no. “Negative” college essays (“How XYZ Affected Me and How I Overcame It All”), while perhaps more meaningful on a personal level, are rarely as effective as positive ones. The thing is: Everyone has that XYZ, and unless the odds you surmounted are truly incredible — say, growing up in a war-torn country that bars you from schooling — chances are the admissions people have heard it before. When it comes to the Ivies, a lighter tone is almost always better than a darker one. Be funny, be curious, be insightful, be passionate, be deep. But don’t be maudlin or overdramatic. You want to showcase the best parts of yourself.
That said, if you really think you can tonally balance all that in your essay and avoid the trappings of self-pity, there’s nothing to loose by writing a draft. You can critically assess it afterwards.
If that is the extent of your topic, I would say no. However, if you can pull out some aspect or story from your experience that you think college officers haven’t heard before, go for it. Your topic is a tough challenge to have gone through, and and you don’t have to leave it behind if you can show some sort of self-growth in a unique way. Good luck!!
I was considering writing about the same thing, but I don’t think it’s a good idea. I just think the they would be worried about how you will cope with the stress of college. Congratulations on overcoming your depression though!