SON personal essay, topic advice

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hi everyone, i've been lurking on the site for ages stocking up on everyone's advice and information, so thanks! haha.

I am finally applying to a program this winter and have recently started working on my personal essay. Part of the essay says to explain any class withdrawals or poor grades in your transcript and I wanted to touch on this because I have a few of both in mine from undergrad.

I was raped halfway through my college career and it completely wrecked me in many ways, academics not excluded. I included this story in my personal statement essay, not for sympathy, but for understanding. Do you think this is a no-no? So many people say to personalize your essay- I just don't want them to think i'm making excuses or vying for the sympathy vote. The truth is I was a Dean's list student on an academic scholarship before this happened to me and afterwards I was just barely skating by- and I want to make sure they know that now, 5 years later I am back to being the student I was before.

What do y'all think? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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Personally, I would include it. You do not need to explain every little detail about the rape, but I would touch on the event. It explains why your grades were poor and what caused this sudden disruption for you (a good student). I also think it shows that you have overcome this and although it will always be a part of your life, you have been able to move on and return to some sort of normalcy. You are obviously a very strong person. Good luck to you!

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I'm not sure why this topic was closed on me, as I am still looking for opinions, did I violate something?

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I would explain why nursing is your passion, and would include it.

Good luck

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Specializes in psych/dementia.

I was abused growing up and the PTSD got really bad in college. My first two years I had a 3.2 GPA each semester and my last two years was getting 3.5 each semester. I mentioned it in my essay, but like was said, no details.

I think I did something like, "I know i can handle the demands of nursing school because while in undergrad. . . . . ."

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