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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Question- I’ve heard not to write about medical illnesses or being sick. Thoughts?

My DC was diagnosed a year ago with a rare medical disease with a life expectancy of mid-50s. I want to encourage then to write about this experience and living with this knowledge but still living “life to the fullest” and what that means with a possible “end” date. But I don’t want colleges to think they are being sappy or trying to gain empathy. Or think it’s untrue.

Would love feedback on this subject. [/quote]

I'm sorry to hear about this, PP.

Depending on the disorder, and it's impact on your DC, I would be cautious. Writing about illnesses is tricky because often AOs don't want to admit anyone who might have to leave. My DC has an eating disorder that is unlikely to affect them in college (ARFID, they eat a restricted number of foods that are all easily accessible in a college dining hall). It's been a growing experience for sure but in the end it was not mentioned in the essay because "eating disorder" sets off alarms for people. Same problem with other mental health and medical issues. If there is any chance that your child might experience a life limiting health event while in college I would be concerned that that might be held against them in the admissions process.

Or, your DC might decide that any school who doesn't admit them because of this is not a school they want to attend. I think that is also a fair take. [/quote]

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