<p>I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease when I was 12, and have been working hard at living as normally as I can. This has been the first year that I could really do much athletic or EC involvement at school. Crohn's Disease is considered under the ADA to constitute a disability. so I was wondering if this was a hook for my when I apply?</p>
<p>
yeah, talk about how you had to overcome odds or some bs like that in one of your essays</p>
<p>I was considering that, like when they say “someone who inspired you” I was considering writing about David Garrard, because if he can start at the professional level, I can play at the high school level.</p>
<p>Probably not. </p>
<p>Although, your reflections on joining ECs later than most kids might make an interesting essay.</p>
<p>hmm, Garrard seems questionable since most people wont know who he is</p>
<p>Alright, maybe I should put some background on him. If anyone here doesn’t know, he’s the starting QB for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and was diagnosed in 2004. I could also write about Eisenhower, because he had it.</p>
<p>No, it is not a hook. A hook is something that colleges must have in their student body like football players good enough to play on their team.</p>
<p>Having a disease may make an interesting essay, but it’s not a hook.</p>
<p>And make sure that your essay about the person who inspires you focuses mostly on you, not on that person. The college is interested in your actions in response to the inspiration.</p>
<p>I wasn’t sure, since many times it’s based on race or legacy/1st gen college status.</p>
<p>No, it’s not a hook.</p>
<p>Realize that colleges get applications from many kids who have been seriously ill and have had all sorts of serious problems. Think hard about whether you want to make that a focus in your application. Adcom can be a little jaded about the ‘I have overcome’ theme as they see it often. It can be much better to focus on something different/unique you will bring to the college.</p>