Yes, you can choose to inform colleges about how depression impacted your grades during high school. Many college applications provide an opportunity for applicants to include additional information, such as an explanation of extenuating circumstances that may have affected their academic performance.
If you believe that your struggles with depression significantly impacted your grades and academic performance during high school, it may be worthwhile to provide this context to college admissions officers. Explaining your situation can help colleges understand the challenges you faced and the resilience you demonstrated in overcoming those challenges. It may also provide them with a more holistic view of your academic potential and achievements.
Here are some tips for addressing this in your college application:
Be honest and concise: When explaining your situation, be honest and straightforward. Briefly describe the impact of depression on your academic performance without going into excessive detail about personal struggles.
Focus on resilience and growth: Emphasize how you worked to overcome the challenges posed by depression and how it has shaped you as a person. Highlight any improvements in your academic performance as a result of seeking help or implementing coping strategies.
Avoid making excuses: While it's essential to provide context, try to strike a balance between explaining the challenges you faced and taking responsibility for your academic performance. Acknowledge the impact of depression while also showcasing your determination to do better.
Seek recommendations: If possible, ask a teacher, counselor, or other school personnel who can speak to your personal growth and resilience during this time to provide a letter of recommendation.
Focus on other strengths: Use the rest of your application to highlight your achievements, extracurricular activities, and other strengths that demonstrate your potential as a college student.
Remember that colleges value a diverse range of experiences and challenges that students face. Sharing your story can help colleges understand the full picture of who you are as an applicant. However, it's essential to strike the right balance in your application and to ensure that your personal statement and other parts of the application are strong and showcase your potential as a successful college student.
If you're uncertain about how to approach this topic or have concerns about your application, consider seeking guidance from your school's college counselor or other college admissions experts. They can provide valuable insights and help you present your story in the best possible way.