Why Avoiding Mental Health Struggles in Your College Application Essay Might Be Your Best Move

April 2, 2024 | By Daniel Strom

At this time of year, high school juniors are preparing for an intense season of college applications. One of the biggest (and most time-consuming) components of the application is the Personal Statement essay. This essay is a crucial piece of the puzzle, offering admissions officers a glimpse into your personality, experiences, and aspirations. However, there is one topic that students should avoid, as it can do more harm than good: mental health struggles.

Here's why.

First and foremost, colleges are increasingly concerned about their retention rates. They want to admit students who are not only academically capable but also likely to thrive and persist through their college years. Unfortunately, discussing mental health struggles in your application essay could inadvertently raise red flags for admissions officers. While it's unfair and unfortunate, the reality is that colleges may view mental health disclosures as potential liabilities, impacting their retention rates.

But don't just take my word for it. There have been instances where colleges have explicitly flagged applications that mention mental health struggles, leading to rejection. This includes Cornell University and New College of Florida, which came under scrutiny for discriminating against applicants with mental health disclosures. These are not an isolated incident but rather a cautionary tale for all college applicants.

With this said, mental health is a vital aspect of our lives, and it's essential to seek support and resources when needed. However, because of the aforementioned reality, your college application essay might not be the best platform to disclose such personal struggles.

If you are struggling with mental health, call the SAMHSA National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), a free, confidential, 24/7, year-round treatment referral and information service.

About Daniel Strom

Daniel Strom co-founded Elite Scholar Advising, which provides tailored advice to college applicants worldwide. He is a proud graduate of Northwestern University and the Kellogg School of Management, where he also developed admissions experience through his role as an admissions representative. In addition, he also served on the Northwestern Alumni Admissions Interviewing Council. Daniel has helped hundreds of college applicants across the world realize their full potential by gaining admission to their dream schools.