Writing a college essay about overcoming Autism

Hello,

I’m interested in writing an essay for my college application about how I overcame autism. When I was younger I struggled a lot with my Aspergers and had difficulty making friends or understanding social interactions, in part because I struggled with dealing with emotions - however as I grew up, though I still struggle with facial cues and body language, I became much better at communicating with others and providing support for them, to the point that now in high school I’m fairly popular and well regarded, and have helped many people deal with their own emotional problems.

Would this be something worthwhile to turn into a college essay? I know that it is of course risky, but I feel at the same time that it is a fairly important part of my life, and that as a narrative it shows how I’ve grown a lot as a person, and am able to overcome my interpersonal difficulties and still play a positive role in a community. I’m only a sophomore right now, but I’d like opinions on if this is a viable idea or not, just because I don’t want to draft up an entire essay that doesn’t work based on its premise alone.

1 Like

I think it’s a great topic if you can write it in an engaging way and also emphasize how you help others. However, it’s a bit early for you to choose the topic, a lot of things can happen in the next year and a half.

Based on how well you express yourself in your brief post, I have a feeling you could write a beautiful essay about this very personal topic. My only thought is to make sure you keep it positive and use every word to express your success.

Congratulations to you for working and succeeding on your personal challenge!

Consider using the phrase living with, coping with, dealing with etc rather than “overcoming”.

Do your 2-years-from-now self a favor. Go ahead and write that essay now- then put it away until summer between grade 11 & 12.

You will be doing a lot of growing and changing between now and then. Leave yourself room to do that without expectations.

I hate having to choose among agree, like, and helpful when a response like this one from @collegemom3717 hits all three.

Don’t think about your college essay until the summer after junior year. Allow yourself to keep learning and growing while you are in HS.