Writing About Arthritis

College Essays
1

I’m a high school senior who has good stats and am going to apply to some schools such as Cornell, Northwestern, and University of Rochester. I’ve been thinking about writing my common app essay on my juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (I have three different forms of arthritis and have had them since I was younger) and how it has helped to mold me into who I am today through making me a highly motivated and studious person with really good work ethic even through all of the emotional and physical obstacles that come with arthritis at an early age.

Do you guys think this would make a for a really good and unique essay that might help me get into somewhat selective colleges? Also, if you have any tips for me, then please leave them! Thanks a lot!

2

Help? Please? Lol

3

Whether it’s a good or bad essay depends on how you write about it. It’s probably not a common topic, but it won’t necessarily help you with admissions. Write about it but don’t be afraid to scrap it if it doesn’t turn out the way you want - that’s one of the benefits of starting apps early.

4

Yeah, I’m glad I’m starting early so that I can see how things pan out.

5

bump

6

I think you probably need something that will make your essay different from the “I suffered from ___ and it made me a " highly motivated and studious person with really good work ethic…” essays.

Which prompt is this— #1?

I don’t think it’s a bad topic, just one you’ll really want to invest some time into if you want it to read as unique.