Learning Disability and Essays

[reed.parker]

Hi,

I am a re-applicant currently working on essays for R1 this year. I am wondering if it is ok to talk about a learning disability as the vehicle for talking about the value of introspection and knowing oneself. I am looking at using in the "failure" essay for Wharton as I chose not to tell anyone about it (including disabilities office) when I went to college. I was eager to shed the learning disabled tag, however this was obvisouly not a good decision. I progressed thru college without any assistance, however I can't help but feeling I left something on the table. I have made great strides in compensating for and mitigating this disability. When I started working, I got retested in order to study for and take the CPA exam and passed it successfully.

I feel like I can make this a pretty personal and meaningful essay, however I am very weary of talking about having a learning disability. Am I nuts to broadcast this to the adcom in such a way, or is this a usable subject? It doesn't appear anywhere else in my app (not test scores or anything).

Thanks

[mbamission]

Hi, thanks for your interesting question.

I think the issue is in how you handle the topic. Be very clear on what the failure is - it's not the disability itself, I assume, it's that you chose not to seek help for it, thus making your journey harder. If you can relate that to lessons you've learned while still showing determination and perseverence, that could be quite a powerful essay....with a big BUT...

Your results need to offset any concern they have about a learning disability. If you have solid grades, GMATs and work experience, then the learning disability becomes a story of triumph. If you don't, then it's an excuse and that won't go over well.

Good luck,

Jessica Shklar
mbaMission

www.mbamission.com