I didn’t really want to post this, but I honestly don’t know what to do for colleges about this issue. I used to shoot up heroin quite frequently, which is obviously a huge red flag. I got into rehab the 2nd semester of my Sophomore year, and I’ve been clean for almost two years now. I didn’t get caught with it by authorities, only my family and a few of my friends know about it.
However, it was such a huge part of my life that I feel like I can’t just not write about it. Plus, it does explain my performance in 9th and partially 10th grade. I went from a weighted 2.4 GPA in 9th grade to a 3.2 10th, and a 5.0 in 11th as well as a predicted 5.0 this year. My 9th-grade year, I didn’t take any APs and got mostly Cs, my 10th-grade I took 4 APs with mostly Bs, but I did decently on the tests (4 on Human Geo, 4 on World History, 3 on Chem, and 4 on Computer Science A). My 11th-grade year, I really pushed myself and took 7 APs with all As and got 6 5s (Calc AB and BC, Lang, Psychology, Physics 1, and Bio) and 1 4 (U.S History). I am taking 5 classes total this year (all AP: Physics C E/M, Literature, Macroeconomics, Government, and Statistics) with all high As on my mid-year report. My testing is very good, too. I got a 36 composite ACT (36 M, 36 S, 35 R, and 36 E) as well as a 1580 SAT (800 math, 780 E/R), and my SAT 2s are 800 Math 2, 800 Physics, and 780 Literature. I want to apply to Top schools and Ivies, but I don’t know if my drug problem would prohibit me from getting in. I wrote my common app about it, but, again, I don’t know if it would be a good idea or not. Is it even a good idea to apply to those top schools?
I’m not an AO, just a parent with an interest in college admissions. If I was an AO at a top school, you’d be someone I would want to see apply. You are clearly capable of the work and someone who has traversed and survived difficult circumstances. My concern would be would you stay clean? If you are going to write about this, make sure you say how long you’ve been clean and how you intend to stay there.
@4gsmom Thank you for your input. In my essay, I did explain my recovery and how long I’ve been clean. I’m just afraid that they’ll read that essay and think I’m just a junky, which, to be fair, I was.
Also, I was reading around, and I am a first generation. I don’t know how much that would help, though.
Tough case! You’ve got the stats, the grit, and the brains. And no one can argue that overcoming addiction is quite an accomplishment.
There is more to getting into an ivy than that, however. Ultimately, you are up against kids who have done well all four years of high school, made good choices all along, who also have excellent test scores, demonstrated character and leadership, perhaps honed their skills and talents to a high level, and whose accomplishments have earned national or international recognition and/or have benefited a good number of people. And a lot of those kids get rejected.
I’d still encourage you to apply to a couple, however. Even though these schools are reaches for everyone, your stats put you in the ballpark, so you might as well take your best shot.
I am torn on this, but my gut says that you should tell your story and clearly this is a huge part of your life experience. If a college won’t admit you, it probably isn’t the supportive environment that will help you continue to stay sober. Completely impressed by your turn around and I hope you continue to be successful throughout your life.
Rutgers in NJ has a great honors program and also has a very supportive living/learning atmosphere for students that have faced addiction. Check it out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asNMwkR-4WQ
Here’s another article that you might find helpful. I think it is important to be true to yourself- hope this info helps. I would be yourself in your essay. You are obviously a very bright student. https://www.quitalcohol.com/sobriety/sober-living-in-universities.html
Honestly, if I were you, I wouldn’t go there. Please know that I am not making any judgments about you personally, but the fact is, there is a huge relapse rate with heroin and schools are going to be very reluctant about knowingly taking on that kind of risk. If your goal is to get admitted to top schools, I would leave the drug history out of the applications. Also, first generation should definitely help.
Boston College, I believe has a sober living/ recovery supportive dorm. Jesuit ideals focused on service are also important if you are involved in any 12 step fellowship.
Good luck and ODAT.
@Groundwork2022 @rofikicafe Thank you for your input and suggestions. I will definitely check out some of those programs.
@TheBigChef I’m not offended or anything. I know what I did was, to say the least, less than satisfactory. I think now that I’m going to leave it in. It’s a part of who I am, and colleges need to know that if they are to accept or reject me. Thank you for your advice.
@privatebanker I have been looking at Boston College, but I haven’t researched much on their recovery dorm. I’ll look into it, thanks.
“Boston College Recovery Housing (BCRH) is a residential community within the BC campus for students who have made a commitment to their recovery from substance dependence and long term sobriety. Through a structured, supportive, substance free, and enriching environment, students can maintain sobriety while continuing to develop as individuals, thrive academically, build supportive relationships, and inspire others by continuing the mission of hope to those entering recovery.
BCRH intentionally integrates a holistic understanding of addiction with Boston College’s formational mission into a community based residential collegiate recovery program. The BCRH program is strongly routed in a 12-Step tradition, and is integrated with elements of Jesuit Spirituality.”
If you apply you may want to reference this as part of your game plan perhaps
Addiction is a terrible thing and I am glad to hear that you are sober two years. That being said, I do not think all AO’s will be open to having someone who has had a problem with heroin. A program like that mentioned for Rutgers and BC is a great idea. While you may not want to go to those schools, I think having people around who understand this aspect of your life could be a lifeline. College can be stressful and not everyone is going to understand you. Also, some schools and kids have a lot of drugs and alcohol on campus. I’d hate to see you having to avoid social situations without a support structure. If you do attend a school and don’t have a dorm with support, please find help locally in case you are tempted or need someone to talk to.
APPLY! Whats the worst that can happen
If you are truly recovered from the condition like any other, you don’t have to avoid parties or anywhere. You can do where any free person can go. If you are fighting it everyday that’s a different deal. Support systems are great and offer excellent backstops. But once you walk out the door into the real world you are on your own.
I understand the reservations everyone has expressed. And while there are “kids who have done well for 4 years”, those kids have not (yet) faced a challenge like yours. If you can tell this story positively, focusing on who you are now and what you want to be, I say do it. And yes, pick your environment carefully.
When I hear stories of people who have struggled with addiction counseling others or someone who was homeless working with those who live on the street, it is clear that they are successful in their work precisely because of what they have overcome. I, for example, would not be able to bring to that work what they do.
You clearly understand that some people will judge you for this, but you can also bring a perspective to a campus that may be lacking.
Consistent with its inclusive reputation Brown students are very respectful and supportive of those in recovery I am told. Please see below.
Most important, congratulations on having the strength to save yourself. Your story is an amazing testament to your determination and maturity. I suspect most adults will interpret it appropriately and recognize the huge contribution you will make to a community. Good luck and stay strong!
With 70k or more people a year dying from this crisis it’s very important to understand the condition.
It effects all parts of society. Rich. Poor. Stars. Jobless. White African American Hispanic. asian. Native populations. All humans. Great young people and the elderly.
It is high time we see it as a physical, spiritual and mental condition. It’s not lack of morals or simply poor choices. Plenty of people get hangovers. Not everyone sees it as a solution to underlying issues. And the obsession becomes embedded into brain chemistry of some that it’s like needing to eat or drink water. But once undone and root issues addressed it is totally manageable. Ask the current Mayor of Boston for one.
@treephoenix Apply to many. Be yourself. Let the chips fall where they may. Compete honesty is the best path and part of your solution. But don’t play the victim card. It’s not that either.
Wow, really, thank you guys so much for all the advice and input. I really do appreciate it, and I can’t thank you guys enough. I am going to be transparent in my application, and if colleges reject me for it, then I understand and so be it. I’ll take my shots at colleges I love, but I’ll maintain realistic expectations given my background. I don’t want to be too redundant, but, again, thank you guys for your input on my situation.
@treephoenix Congratulations on your sobriety. Two years is fabulous. My son is 5 years sober, and he and all his sober buddies wrote about their stories for their college essays: two are in law school and one just got into medical school. Your application would be remiss if you didn’t talk about it- its an amazing story and shows so much courage! Plus you have to explain why you did so badly 9th and 10th grade. I think someone here (?) is correct. Mention your plan to stay sober- meetings, getting a sponsor at school. If there is not a meeting- you will start one. Make sure your essay comes from your story of recovery - I wouldn’t go into details (war-storying) on using. Feel free to pm! Btw my daughter, who is a freshman at Dartmouth, discussed my son in her essay. Not so much about him- but how it affected her and how she overcame the embarrassment and stigma.
First generation, recovered from a serious drug addiction…at the many top institutions of the Northeast you are in. You’re exactly who they want to admit and give a leg-up to.