To disclose or not to disclose some personal details (explained in post)

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
1

<p>I am applying for UCLA's Community College Transfer Scholarship, and one of the essay prompt's is, "Why now? Why us? Please explain why you are “now” ready to transfer to a four year institution, outside of just completing the academic requirements. Also, please highlight why UCLA is one of your choices for attendance."</p>

<p>I do not know how honest to be. See, one reason UCLA is a top choice, AND a reason that I am "now" read to transfer, is because of the role UCLA has played in my recovery from severe anorexia nervosa. I was treated on their inpatient eating disorder unit 5 times, and some of our activities gave us wonderful opportunities to explore the campus. Additionally, their eating disorder program, among the other programs I have attended, has been paramount in helping me become more stable in my recovery. This material will probably help me write the best essay I can write. However, I am unsure as to whether or not it is wise to disclose this to the scholarship committee. </p>

<p>Alternatively, I can address the medical struggles I have faced (many of them, admittedly, were CAUSED by the eating disorder, but are not exclusive to the eating disorder, while some of them are wholly unrelated). I have struggled with congestive heart failure (which is partially resolved), bacterial meningitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, an autoimmune bleeding disorder which required chemotherapy and other intense treatments, and have needed surgeries on my leg, both hips, and my heart. I DO address these medical conditions in the application because they prohibited me from participating in volunteer work. I could probably easily write an essay discussing how my treatment at UCLA has opened my eyes to the research opportunities available and to the wonderful work they do. I am also a UCLA legacy, with my mom and sister both receiving degrees from UCLA.</p>

<p>Do I play it safe and omit the eating disorder, or should I be frank and honest? </p>

<p>The rest of my application is decent. I have a 4.0, work as the only supplemental instructor in my school's anthropology department (a supplemental instructor is kind of like a TA blended with a student teacher/group tutor), I was a competitive figure skater for years, worked as a figure skating coach for years, and also am a private academic tutor. I wish I had more awards/volunteer work, but the life I have lived up until recently has not really allowed for those.</p>

2

<p>Let’s say you didn’t mention that stuff, and got turned down. If you were going to write an appeal, would you then include that stuff? If so, then why not just write it in the original essay?</p>

3

<p>compelling, unique story, that doesn’t read like total BS. Definitely include it.</p>

4

<p>Which scholarship is this? Where did you find it?</p>

5

<p>Ok thank you all so much for your responses. </p>

<p>Laweenie–this is the Community College Transfer Scholarship. I received an email inviting me to apply if I recall correctly, but I <em>think</em> it’s open to all transfer students from a California community college with a minimum 3.75 GPA. </p>

<p><a href=“https://alumni.ucla.edu/scholarships/apply/default.aspx[/url]”>https://alumni.ucla.edu/scholarships/apply/default.aspx&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Requirements as per the website:</p>

<p>Applicants must attend UCLA beginning the fall quarter immediately after transferring.
Eligible students must have a minimum 3.75 GPA.
At the time they apply, applicants must have completed the equivalent of 90 UC-transferable quarter units, at least half of them from California community colleges.</p>

6

<p>I would absolutely include an explanation of your eating disorder in the application. It’s inspiring, and truly gives you an edge as to why you’re committed to attending UCLA specifically. I can’t imagine it could hurt you in any way to mention it. Good luck with your application and your recovery!</p>

7

<p>Thanks so much. I completed the application and included an explanation of my eating disorder. And thank you also, everyone, for your kind words. It is difficult to see myself as inspirational or anything remotely close to that, so I deeply appreciate what you have all said.</p>

8

<p>It would be a great story to hear about how you overcame it. Focus on how you made best of that situation and how you want to attend UCLA to give back, and not on the negative aspects of your life. Highlight what you did when life gave you lemons! :)</p>

9

<p>include it, thats sth unique of u and u would definitely want them know it</p>

10

<p>Just wanted to post to say that it definitely did not hurt to discuss the anorexia. I did not end up winning the scholarship, but I made it to the interview round, and according to members on the selection committee, an incredibly small percentage of applicants made it to the interview round (the final round). I did not have an impressive application in terms of volunteer work or community service, so I think it was the essays that got me to the final round. Thank you all for your support and feedback.</p>