Mentioning depression in personal statement?

Parents Forum
1

<p>I wanted to get some advice from some parents who may or may not have gone to graduate school. My friend is applying for the VMCAS (vet school), and she’s required to write a personal statement.</p>

<p>In one paragraph, she mentions her father’s death freshmen year of college, how it caused her to have depression, and therefore a low GPA. </p>

<p>I’m wondering if this is too personal for a personal statement. How far is too far? Will vet schools look at her negatively because they are afraid her depression will return?</p>

<p>Advice, please. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>My dad died 20 years ago this fall. I still miss him. I would be more surprised if she hadn’t found herself depressed. BUT! If this is mentioned at all, it has to be more about how she got through it and not how she was stuck in it. Just my opinion based on absolutely nothing but life experience.</p>

3

<p>She can write about it without using the word “depression.” She can say that her father died that semester in question, it was a difficult time, and her grades suffered.</p>