If you’re a high school student who has struggled with mental health or disabilities, you may feel uncertain about how or even if you should disclose this information on your college application. You should know that you are not required to do so in any way, and that the final decision is always yours to make.
Table of Contents
Should you write about mental illness in college essay?
Vinik says that mental health problems should only be shared in the essay if the college would not be able to understand the applicant without knowing about this part of her. Generally, he discourages selecting this as a primary topic.
Should you talk about mental health in college application?
College Transitions bottom line If you are going to discuss your depression, anxiety, or other mental condition in your application, do so in a strategic manner for the purpose of illuminating otherwise unexplained inconsistencies in your academic record.
What should you not talk about in a college essay?
- Controversial Topics. Controversial topics, such as current political hot buttons, should be avoided at all costs.
- Highly Personal Topics.
- Personal Achievements and Accomplishments.
- Most Important Place or a Role Model.
- Creative Writing.
- Athletic Topics.
- Humorous Topics or Jokes.
- Tragic Events.
Should you write about depression in college essays?
It is okay to write about mental illness and Depression in your college essay as long as it proves that you’re a suitable student. Thus, you should be asking yourself, “how does my experience with mental illness or Depression make me a strong candidate?”
Should I write about trauma in my college essay?
April 8, 2019. Traumatic or otherwise difficult experiences do NOT have to be off the table for your college application essays. They are legitimate subjects (depending on the essay prompt, of course; it has to make sense as a response to the particular question).
Should I write about my anxiety for my college essay?
Recently, I’ve noticed a concerning uptick in the number of students asking whether it’s appropriate for them to write about mental health issues, most frequently ADD and/or anxiety, in their college applications. So the short answer: don’t do it.
Is writing about anxiety a good college essay?
sorry, but do not recommend that topic. depression and anxiety are common health conditions (not to make light of your health condition, but super common), and it could make you seem fragile and/or self absorbed and not mature if you pick that topic.
Should you talk about ADHD in college essay?
Declare Your Teen’s ADHD “Students should describe, in their application essay or letter to the admissions office, how they overcame their academic woes and achieved better grades, once their ADHD was properly treated,” Quinn says.
How do I make my college essay stand out?
- A unique, personally meaningful topic.
- A memorable introduction with vivid imagery or an intriguing hook.
- Specific stories and language that show instead of telling.
- Vulnerability that’s authentic but not aimed at soliciting sympathy.
Do colleges really read essays?
Yes, every college essay is read if the college has asked for it (and often even if they did not ask for it). The number of readers depends on the college’s review process. It will be anywhere from one reader to four readers.
What are the most common college essay topics?
- Prompt #1: Share your story.
- Prompt #2: Learning from obstacles.
- Prompt #3: Challenging a belief.
- Prompt #4: Solving a problem.
- Prompt #5: Personal growth.
- Prompt #6: What captivates you?
- Prompt #7: Topic of your choice.
- Describe a person you admire.
Can colleges discriminate based on mental health?
While universities are not responsible for mandating a student’s medical care, federal law does require that they do not discriminate against those who suffer from mental health disorders. Universities are also required to make reasonable accommodations to allow these students to succeed.
Can you make up a story for college essay?
But be careful: your essay is the first thing colleges know about you. No stories are off limits, but tell them in a way that draws people into your experience, not a way that shocks or scares them away.
Can I include a poem in my college essay?
Yes, you can be creative in your approach to the application. A poem is a logical way to go. Doing something very different entails some amount of risk. Some colleges do offer a “my space” section, with which you are encouraged to do anything you want, including photos, artwork, film, writing.
Can I write about addiction in college essay?
Likewise, if a story of addiction and recovery is an essential part of your past, it may be a worthy topic. However, students should never mention casual use of drugs or alcohol. The same goes for any illegal acts. It sounds obvious enough, but you’d be surprised!
Can you put babysitting on a college app?
Babysitting can definitely be considered work experience for any type of resume, job application, or even a college application. Babysitting is a way to demonstrate responsibility and a willingness to work, as well as many self-management skills.
What should I write my college essay about?
- Memorable meals. Everyone eats!
- Outdoor activities. The first time I ever advised a student on their college application essay, I worked with a quiet student, a guy who disappeared into the back of his classes.
- Challenges.
- Failure.
- Commitment.
Do colleges like sob stories?
Many colleges do not like the tone that is evoked through sob stories. If you employ more uplifting, inspiring diction, it is not a sob story anymore. It is a story of perseverance and resilience.
Should you talk about trauma in personal statement?
Should you write about trauma?
Research suggests writing about trauma can be beneficial because it helps people re-evaluate their experiences by looking at them from different perspectives. Studies suggest writing about traumatic events can help ease the emotional pressure of negative experiences.
How do I overcome social anxiety and shyness essay?
- Incorporate probiotics.
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol.
- Consider therapy.
- Practice smiling.
- Leave your comfort zone.
- Bring in fun.
- Talk with a friend.
- Interrogate worries.
What are the common app essay prompts 2020?
- Who Am I?
- Why Am I Here?
- What is Unique About Me?
- What Matters to Me?
What is the mental health?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Do colleges care if u have ADHD?
Many colleges provide as-needed services for students with ADHD and/or learning disabilities while others offer structured programs. Keep in mind that colleges are not obliged to alter their program requirements for students with learning disabilities once they have been admitted.