Writing about mental illness in a college essay?

College Essays
1

I realize that this is a touchy topic for a college essay. But I’m 19 and applying to colleges as a transfer after a rough year post graduation. I feel like I need to explain my college transcripts. To make a long story short, I applied to several colleges my senior year, got accepted into my first choice and enrolled there for fall of 2016. After less than 2 weeks, my anxiety got so bad I had to withdraw. I came home and enrolled into my local community college, but due to depression my grades suffered. After a few months of therapy, I enrolled back at my first choice school for the spring semester. This time I was there for 2 months before I chose to withdraw because of anxiety and depression. When I came home again, I enrolled in a couple classes at the community college, but depression took over once again.

I am now applying to my new top choice school, one that I have already been accepted to my senior year. But since one of my college transcript’s is all W’s, and the other is a couple W’s, F’s, and a few A’s, I feel like I need to explain why my grades fell so much compared to high school. I am also taking a gap year this year to continue working on my mental health, so I need to explain that.

I want to write my essay on overcoming anxiety and depression, the lessons I’ve learned and the strength I’ve gained. How it has made me an overall better and more mature person. So given that my grades in college have been a lot worse than high school and my gap year, do you think it would be okay for me to write about my mental illness?

2

No. I’d say in Additional Info that a health issue caused your withdrawals/difficulties your first year, and leave it at that. I’d write your essay on something completely different. Colleges will not be eager to admit you if they have that info, no matter how much you think you’ve licked the problems.

That said. I’d strongly suggest that you take another shot at community college for a year. Prove out that you are ready for a full time course load in that environment before trying a 4 year school again.

3

No, not a good idea at this time.

4

I also agree that it is not a good idea. As someone who has similar issues as you I thought it would not be a good topic to get into on college essays. Even if you have overcome them, the fact that they exist at all may be a bad sign to colleges. (Yes this is unfair but mental health stigma is unfortunately still very present in our society.)

The suggestion of intparent to continue with community college is a great idea. I am currently taking cc classes while working on my mental health and find it to be beneficial. Also, all those W’s and F’s might hurt your chances even though you do have an explanation.