<p>I have several interviews approaching VERY rapidly. I want to know if I should mention this or not:</p>
<p>My parents are both alcoholics. This has affected my grades, although my GPA is pretty high. No one in my school knows (small town=lots of gossip). Can I tell my interviewer? I don’t want to sound like I’m looking for pity. I’m also afraid that the ad com might contact the school about it, to make sure I’m not lying or something. My school has absolutely no idea (students, guidance counselor, principal, and teachers).</p>
<p>Could I somehow put it on my applications? I’ve written an essay about it, but I don’t know if it would be appropriate to send for the reasons stated above. What should I do?</p>
<p>Is it not possible to bring your guidance counselor in on this? Your family life is of consequence to your admissions process and it is important to have someone serve as your advocate in helping communicate any hardships you have endured during your high school years. I believe these are the sort of things that adcoms do want to know about before they make their decisions and I think a letter from a guidance counselor is the most appropriate way to explain hardships, obstacles or any other disadvantage.</p>
<p>Whether or not to discuss this in an interview may depend on the type of interview. I'm not sure I would discuss this in an interview with an alumnus/alumna. But if your interview is with a member of the adcom, then a letter would prepare them for questions or discussion in this area.</p>
<p>I understand your apprehension. I am from a small town as well. But a guidance counselor should be required to protect your privacy as well as serve as your champion.</p>
<p>I agree with ldmom. But if you really don't feel comfortable talking to your counselor about it, you certainly can mention it in the interview, and let your interviewer know that nobody at your school knows, either. At all of my interviews, my interviewer at some point asked me if there was anything that I felt hadn't come through on my application that I wanted to discuss. As long as you don't make it sound like an "excuse" and as long as you don't make it the main focus of the interview, it can't hurt.</p>
<p>My mother is an alcoholic and I was involved in a car accident because of that, and I would mention it because it shows that you can persevere over some strong obstacles in pursuit of your education.</p>
<p>Congrats on all your accomplishments, I know how you feel.</p>
<p>What about something suicidal, but I don't want the person to get attention since it's over with, even though it affected me a lot? I don't want my interviewer/school to know about the problem, but in the same way, I do, for empathy's sake.</p>