Writing about mental illness on application?

happy1
Mon, 25 Nov 2019 15:33:18 +0000

First and foremost, I’m glad you are doing so much better. Being a auto-admit to UT is a great accomplishment so congrats.

But to answer your question, any college essay is not an opportunity for a “tell all” or a “soul-baring” exercise. The purpose of a college essay is: 1) to say something positive about yourself that can’t be found elsewhere on the application and 2) to give admissions officers a reason to want you on campus. I don’t think that writing about about mental illness and past suicidal tendencies will make you a more attractive candidate.

You can note that due to illness (I would not specify the illness) you missed X number of days of school.