Okay, when I was a sophomore in high school I was struggling depression and ended up trying to end my life. My essay is about me finding my passion for computer science and how I’ve changed my life around.
I’m not sure if thats way too personal and I don’t want to come off as emotionally unstable.
So, is mentioning suicide in the first paragraph of my essay way too personal or does it provoke emotion and contrast my new positive attitude? Thanks!
How do they know you won’t feel that way again?
Do not talk about this in your essay. Admission officers know that mental health issues can recur even when people think they have them licked, and they do not want those issues on campus if they can avoid them. Pick something you want to tell them that is unique or interesting about you, something that would make them want you on campus. Then figure out which prompt you can fit it into.
If I were an admissions officer, I would feel sympathetic but still be put off by the nature of the topic. The other posters are right; probably it would be best to write about something else. There are still a ton of ways to show your positive outlook on life! If you want to provide contrast, that’s great, but just don’t use suicide/depression.