So I’ve basically written my Common App essay about my struggle with OCD and how I overcame the struggles on my own which helped me become independent. I researched it and realized that mental health was a touchy issue. Should I scrap this idea and start over?
For college essays, it is best to avoid anything that could make an admissions officer think you aren’t fit to be at college. I know that sounds harsh, but you just don’t want to give them any doubts.
It’s admirable you overcame OCD, but it should not be your personal statement. I’m sure there is something else about you that would make for a great essay.
No to volunteering that you had mental issues.
Start over.
Okay thanks for the input! I just feel like ocd has been such a big part of my life my application would be incomplete without it
The point of your application is to try to convince a school to admit you, not understand you. You shouldn’t lie, but you need to think of this as marketing yourself.
First of all, I have tremendous respect and admiration for you, as we know someone who struggled with OCD and it is a tough challenge. Dealing with it is something to be very proud of, and I understand why you would want to share that with admissions. At the same time, admissions offices seek to populate their campus with the right blend of students who will succeed academically, and they would presumably prefer to avoid creating unnecessary challenges.
My advice to my kids was to think about what assets they bring to the student body, what will they contribute to campus. Once they had some ideas, then they thought about ways to illustrate that in a warm, engaging way. So my kids worked backwards from the message they wanted to convey. Perhaps consider if there are other ways to demonstrate your strength of purpose, perseverance etc, or if there are other qualities you would like to highlight.
I wrote about my recovery from Anorexia, and I think that even though a lot of people will tell you not to write about it, go with your gut. If your gut is telling you to write about something else, do it! But if you really feel like you can and want to write a great essay that highlights your strengths and answers the prompt, you should go with your instincts. Best of Luck!