<p>As terrible as it sounds, can I use my physical and mental problems to help me get in? Just curious, but could being a type 1 diabetic and its ensuing mental trauma (diagnosed depression/anxiety and on medication) help me get in? (Note: I have struggled with mental impairments my whole life, not just post-diagnosis.)</p>
<p>I guess you could base your essay on it and it could help, but it depends on how you frame it.</p>
<p>I would avoid only “milking” your disabilities. If you’ve done something to overcome your disabilites, then go for it. But they’re not looking for just a sob story.</p>
<p>Good luck with dealing with your diabetes and other illnesses.</p>
<p>I don’t really get why disabilities would help you get in. Think about it: why would Yale prefer to have someone with diabetes or depression on campus than someone without those conditions?</p>
<p>That is completely messed up…but I would do that.</p>
<p>Lol</p>
<p>milk</p>
<p>While it would never be a good idea to use a disability as a way to gain admissions, you may have a powerful story about adversity to tell. My S is a college senior who wrote about having T1D. The focus of his story was not woe is me, but rather how a single decision to go on the insulin pump changed his life. I will spare you the long story, but it was a powerful essay about overcoming the daily challenges and not letting it stop him from participating in any activity. He went on to become a mentor for JDRF to help other kids who were reluctant to go on the insulin pump. In the end, he received a community service award for his participation. Great things can happen when you turn a negative into a positive. Good luck with your college effort and your health. I hope you will find a college acceptance at a great school if not Yale.</p>
<p>^^ Agree with talaria. Colleges are NOT looking for students with disabilities, they are looking for students who have overcome adversity. Saying “pick me, pick me because I have type 1 diabetes and have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety” is not going to get you accepted anywhere, but saying “I have fought many a battle and have won the respect of my peers and teachers” can provide the topic for a powerful essay, which may help you in the admissions process.</p>
<p>I have type 1 diabetes and I applied to Yale this year. My common app essay was about being diagnosed/living with diabetes…but not how much it sucks. I wrote about how I have overcome my problem to become a varsity athlete, how it has sparked my interest in biology and medicine, and how, in general, it has taught me to make the most of bad situations. I didn’t want to write about it at all, because I wanted to get in solely on merit, but my parents convinced me that would be a lost opportunity. So is it a bad idea to write about your disability? Not necessarily. Just avoid the sob story approach; inject a little humor, some modesty, and a few life lessons and you’re set!</p>
<p>^^ Were you accepted SCEA?</p>
<p>Unfortunately, no. I applied RD, so I have a couple more weeks of agony before my fate is revealed. Looking back, my post did kind of make it sound like I was already accepted…I suppose it’s just wishful thinking haha.</p>
<p>You’ll find many a type 1 diabetic admissions officer who lives a normal life and doesn’t consider it a life altering handicap. So I’d say no.</p>