I’m in the process of applying to Dartmouth. I’ve been advised not to include anything to do with my recovery from alcoholism on my essay, but I feel that in order to accurately portray who I am, I have to give my full story. Nitty gritty and all. I’m part of the Recovery organization on campus, I have a gleaming recommendation from the licensed alcohol and drug counselor on campus and have been elected to represent our organization at a National Collegiate Recovery Conference. I’ve spent time giving talk’s to classrooms and at rehab centers. I’m a Dean’s List (4.0) physics student, President of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Event Planner for the Recovery Organization, and the Treasurer for the Inter-Tribal Student Council, but I do have a messy past. If I leave my recovery out, I have no idea how to explain why I dropped out of high school, why I have a DUI, why I have a gap year, etc. Its also important to me to break down the stereotype of the “alcoholic indian” and hiding who I am makes me feel like I should be ashamed. I’m actively involved with the recovery community for several reasons, one of them being that I want to end the stigmatization associated with alcohol and drug addiction. I’m a young, successful, woman, and I want to lead as an example, be that shine of hope for others. Do you guys think that if I include my story of recovery I won’t have a chance? I honestly feel like I’d rather be rejected who I am, than accepted for something I’m not.
I think you answered your own question 
But…why Dartmouth?! If you are looking to stay in Physics or Engineering it wouldn’t be my first pick (or more precisely, my physics D wouldn’t put it at the top of her list)