Hey there. I sought out this forum because I needed advice on writing my essay. As the discussion title implies I have struggled with mental illness in the past and I am wondering if this would be okay to make the topic of my essay. My mental illness has never significantly impacted my academic performance. I’m still a straight A student, with excellent attendance and test scores, taking rigorous courses. The only noticeable impact on my academics mental illness left was the fact that I had to make up an AP exam freshman year when I was involuntarily hospitalized after admitting that I attempted suicide.
I’ve read articles online saying that information on mental illness should only be disclosed if there was some drop in grades and attendance that mental health conditions could explain. However, I feel as if overcoming mental illness was a pivotal moment in my development as an individual. It allowed me to realize I am capable of deciding my own life and attitude. It made me more sympathetic to peers at school and allowed me to reach out to those who were in similar situations. I also decided to come out as gay while I was hospitalized, and that action has led me to be a leader in my school’s LGBT+ community.
I’m afraid that admissions might be overly cautious of students with mental illness and might deny my application because of it. But I don’t feel like I can really tell my story without talking about mental illness. I’ve been told that I’m a good writer so I feel confident that I can put a positive spin on it. I’m not all doom and gloom, I just want to recognize a significant obstacle in my life that I overcame and continue to overcome every day. I feel that it shows my strength of character rather than my mental fragility.
Any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated. I’m applying to extremely competitive schools, with MIT as my first choice, so every little bit of my application counts!
I would caution against it. I am sympathetic- I have suffered from anxiety and depression- but you don’t want them to think it’s something that could possibly impede you in your academic endeavors. Just my opinion.
I would not do it…if for no other reason than many other students have done it over the past 10 years. Instead, I wold focus on your academic and leadership skills…bring across your personality at the same time…
Don’t do this. While you have nothing to be ashamed of, there is no need to share information that could stay on your adult ‘record’ for life , especially since this occurred when you were a minor. My 2 cents.
“I’m still a straight A student, with excellent attendance and test scores, taking rigorous courses.” But it takes more than academics to qualify and they’re building a community, not just filing classrooms. Get a read on what MIT looks for. Think about the sort of presentation that works for them. And remember, “Show, not just tell.”
Btw, most colleges are not hanging on to apps, some period after the admit cycle is over. Your most private info about health is protected by various regulations.
To join in: the point of this essay is to assure the reader that you will be a great addition to his campus… to “give them a reason to say yes.” It’s not true confessions. You don’t have to “tell your whole story” to get into college-- this isn’t a subpoena, it’s an application.
There’s no reason to write an essay that gives them a reason to wonder whether you’ll be OK. And, in doing so, to miss an opportunity to show a part of yourself that they’ll actually love.
Plus, it’s hard to write about this with just the right balance. If you use “show, not just tell” in the right way, it will highlight who you are now, the student they’re reviewing now.
Do you think you are academically and medically and mental health ready to succeed in college?
If so, then your essay should show both why you would be a good person to admit and also something personal about you…but also keep in mind that this doesn’t have to be a tell all.
No, no, no. You don’t want the admissions team sitting down, and your rep saying, “Okay, this is the person from Houston with past mental health issues”. Read these tips and think about what you are trying to accomplish with the essay:
Wow people on here are so mean I have OCD, and I honestly think it has strengthened my character, my ability to relate to others, and it gives me a different way of looking at the world. No one would ever discourage you from writing an essay about say Diabetes, so I would do it. It’s bold, and it will stand out, showing that you are not afraid to talk about the heavy stuff. Just make sure it’s not a sob story, make it uplifting.
The only reason I would discourage it is because there will be so many of these stories. I would try to write about what you’re curious about and how you explore the things you are interested in now. Afterall, college is a place for learning, and they are looking for people who will make the most of the opportunity, much like the student who wrote about her trip to Costco.
I feel your sincerity and passion, and understand why you want to write about this. I also believe in your ability to write something brilliant, honest and meaningful.
My biggest concern is that it’s too big of a story for the word count you’re allowed. This story has to be done exactly right, and I think you know that.
Think about the purpose of your college essays. It’s your sales pitch. It’s your chance to sell the school on why they need you, on why you’re a better choice than a dozen other similar kids.
Yes, there is still a public stigma about mental illness. Yes, previous suicide attempts make colleges nervous. No one wants that headline connected to their school, and people are largely uneducated about mental illness. And while I agree it needs advocacy and mainstream acceptance and understanding…I’m not sure your college application is the best place for this.
Get accepted first…then write the hell out of this story and publish it in a university publication. Reach more people with it. It’s an important story that deserves a wider readership.
But for you admissions essay? Remember that it’s a sales job, first. Sell yourself. Be bold, be memorable, be honest, be funny, but don’t give them a reason to overlook you. Be more than previous adversity…they’ve seen a lot of adversity stories. Give them something fresh, something dynamic, and sell what you uniquely bring to their school.
@erin456 The OP asked for advice. A lot of us have been doing this for a very long time-- I’ve taught any number of kids whose parents I’ve also taught. So I would like to think that my advice in this area has stood the test of time.
The OP, and anyone else reading this, is of course free to write on any topic he or she wants. But the point of this essay remains to sell your application to the college you’re hoping to go to. And writing on mental illness-- or diabetes for that matter-- is not what they’re looking to see.
Giving bad advice would be “mean.” Telling you what you want to hear, only to have it make a difference in your acceptance to college, would be “mean.” Giving good advice is what you asked for, and that’s what the adults on this thread have attempted to do.
Whether or not you choose to take that good advice is entirely up to you.
I wrote my essay on my experience with PTSD and I got into all my top choices.
However, I think it really depends on the situation and the college. To some schools, it could be a red flag. They don’t want to be liable for the risks that are associated with students who suffer from mental illnesses. But for some, they can see the determination and the strength such a student could possess.
It seems like it has really shaped you and has helped you become who you are today. If you can focus on that, if you can focus on the good and the accomplishments, then I would say go for it.
But, I would also listen very carefully to the other posters on this thread. The world isn’t very accepting of mental health issues and academics is no different. Writing about it could very well diminish your chances.
Even with medical disabilities you have to be careful. My daughter wrote an essay that touched on her physical disability without ever saying the diagnosis. It was a story about something she loved to do and how it made her feel. It was serious and funny. Her disability was alluded to but never stated. It was reading in between the lines. Grades, missing school and the like were never mentioned. It was not an excuse essay but one that hit it on the nail as to who she was. No one else could have written it.
I have OCD, and I honestly think it has strengthened my character, my ability to relate to others, and it gives me a different way of looking at the world. No one would ever discourage you from writing an essay about say Diabetes, so I would do it. It’s bold, and it will stand out, showing that you are not afraid to talk about the heavy stuff. Just make sure it’s not a sob story, make it uplifting.