Advice on a sensitive PS topic Forum

[turnedintoanewt]

I am just beginning to look into going to law school and plan on applying next year. I started thinking recently about what I could use for a PS/DS subject. I thought about things that have really altered my life, and one thing really stands out. In high school, I attempted suicide and was diagnosed with depression. I was hospitalized for a week and then did about six months of therapy, but this had a huge impact on my life (obviously). I'm not sure how I would weave it into a personal statement yet, it was just a thought, and I'm not sure how wise it would be. Any advice on this subject would really be appreciated.

[je_ne_regrette_rien]

I think it's a terrible idea. A PS is your opportunity to highlight your strengths, your achievements, and why you would be a great fit for that law school. I understand that the experience you mentioned (obviously) had a strong effect on your life, but it might not be the most pleasant story to share. --Unless you started a hotline for teen suicide attempts or something along those lines.

[rw2264]

while i believe personal statements on overcoming obstacles/traumatic events are generally the way to go, you don't want to call into question your mental/emotional stability. pick something else.

and congratulations on not succeeding in that attempt, really.

[nire120]

Not to be insensitive, and it's awesome that you got through that, but just - logistically - law school is really stressful, and you don't want to be a. a charity case or b. a possible worry. Clearly if you got through this you have some big strengths. Write about those.

[jonas586]

Keep in mind that adcoms read thousands of these personal statements throughout the admissions cycle and probably paraphrase an entire PS down to one sentence or even a few words when referring back to an applicant they previously reviewed. If you do decide to focus on your attempted suicide, adcoms will probably paraphrase you down to the 'suicide girl'. IMHO, if you're a borderline candidate and adcoms are deciding whether to accept scuba gear guy or suicide girl, all things being equal, I'm betting scuba guy gets accepted.