Should I disclose this on my additional information?Answered
I'm an upcoming senior planning to apply to primarily selective universities. I live with OCD, generalized anxiety, depression, and disordered eating. Although I don't feel my mental health struggles have had a huge bearing on my academics, following the first quarter of this year I entered a depressive episode that resulted in my grades slipping (not super low, but below where I'd like them to be); subsequently, there are some schools I'm applying to where my GPA is mid-range/bordering on low in regards to the average accepted student.
I was wondering if disclosing my mental health on the additional info. section of the Common App, with the assurance that I have/will work to better my grades would come off as a grab for pity or excuse... Thanks!
1 answer
Definitely share any information that would provide a better picture of you and explain any potential downsides in your application. It is always important to explain bad grades and the additional information section is a great place to do that. If you feel that OCD has really had a great impact on your life then you may also want to consider writing about it in your essay. OCD is a very real mental disorder and it is serious. It certainly will not come off as an excuse or grab for pity if it had really affected you.
Based on personal experience, I definitely feel that the additional information section would be a great way to explain any discrepancies in your grades. This will help the colleges understand you, any challenges that you faced and also how you have been able to overcome, if applicable.
Thank you so much for responding and for the advice :)!