<p>I’m planning on writing my essay on my mental health struggles and overcoming them (since they have been such a huge part of my life up until now and I feel colleges should know that about me). My question is would this increase or detract from my chances at a top-tier university like HPYMS? Either way I know I’m going to write my essay on this topic; I’m just curious.</p>
<p>a lot of people say its a touchy topic- its possible for it to be amazing, but more often, it rubs people the wrong way. It’s difficult to execute properly so it really depends.</p>
<p>I think, as bad as this sounds, it will be important to show that you are recovered enough to the point where they won’t worry about your prospects in the future. Stanford has a weird history with students struggling with mental health, often sending them home to recover rather than working with their treatment at school. They do this, apparently, so they can take a full break, fully recover and then return to their studies full-force. I think this has mixed approval from the students who have been required to do this. Ultimately, they want to know you will succeed at their school and, in some ways more importantly, will go on to succeed later in life. If they fear your health might interfere with this, it might be easy to pass you over, admissions is so competitive anyway. </p>
<p>Use your discretion but you’re right, it is part of your story and authenticity is important. Just something to consider thoughtfully.</p>
<p>I would urge you not to write on that topic.</p>
<p>Prejudice against people with mental illness is alive and well in higher ed, FWIW.</p>