Would it be a bad idea to discuss my social anxiety disorder in my college essay?

Applying to College
1

<p>I would like to discuss the fact that my distinct mental characteristics make me a unique individual. However, I do not want to make the reader uncomfortable in any way. I also do not want the reader to feel as though my mental disorder may cause harm to the school. I want to discuss the fact that in my sophomore year, I allowed my academic success to dwindle because I refused to make presentations and participate in class discussions due to my social phobia. Then I want to transition to the steps I took towards reform in junior year. I became more active in school and extra-curricular activities. Social anxiety disorder is still a part of who I am but it does not control me.</p>

<p>Good idea or bad idea?</p>

2

<p>Personally, I like it. It is an obstacle which you overcame. Just be careful not to adopt a tone of “pity me” and it could be a success… good luck! When you’re done, give it to teachers for feedback</p>

3

<p>Bad idea…</p>

4

<p>thanks soo much for the feedback guys :slight_smile:
i’ve decided to adjust my essay and discuss my battle with timidity instead. i did some research and found that discussing mental disorders in college essays is a pretty bad idea. I just wanted something which would make me stand out a little more. Oh well.</p>

5

<p>huh. Okay. Erin’s Dad knows all. Disregard my previous post then.</p>

6

<p>Haha, thanks anyway…so do you think discussing timidity is a better idea or would it make my essay too boring?</p>

7

<p>Discus the biggest obstacles you’ve overcome and what problem/obstacle/passion/whatever is closest to you personally.</p>

<p>As long as you show yourself in a positive light I’d go with the more emotional over the more boring option.</p>

8

<p>I’m with Erin’s Dad here. Find something else to write about in your main essay. Ad coms are looking for kids who will make classes and dorm life interesting and a kid who struggles with extreme shyness may not be the kind of ‘interesting’ that they want to take a chance on. That doesn’t mean you can’t mention shyness as a challenge that you’ve overcome-preferably with some self-deprecating humor thrown in - but I wouldn’t make it an important part of your application. You don’t want to be ‘the timid girl’ when they are discussing which of several qualified candidates to admit.</p>