How to explain a withdrawl from a university on my academic history?

[freyaphrodite]

Hi everyone ? This is my first time posting here, so I hope it goes well because I am seeking advice on a unique (maybe?) situation. For undergrad, I went straight from high school to DePaul University in Chicago because I got a great scholarship--I am from California and honestly didn't do much research on the school, programs, city, etc. or have any real guidance on how to ask those types of questions. Long story short, I withdrew after a quarter because I was homesick, depressed, and snow. I went back to CC and eventually graduated with honors from UC San Diego, so I'm not very concerned about this "detour", DePaul just wasn't the right fit for me. ?‍♀️

So I'm applying to PhD programs now and I ran across this question: "Have you ever withdrawn or been dismissed from any college or university?" Obviously, the answer from me is yes because I did withdraw in the middle academic year, but how should I explain this? 

Better to be honest about not informed college decision and then deciding to leave after my mental health declined? Or do I just stay vague with "personal reasons"? Any pros or cons for either approach? Is this a questions I should be worried about?

[Hope.for.the.best]

1 hour ago, freyaphrodite said:

Hi everyone ? This is my first time posting here, so I hope it goes well because I am seeking advice on a unique (maybe?) situation. For undergrad, I went straight from high school to DePaul University in Chicago because I got a great scholarship--I am from California and honestly didn't do much research on the school, programs, city, etc. or have any real guidance on how to ask those types of questions. Long story short, I withdrew after a quarter because I was homesick, depressed, and snow. I went back to CC and eventually graduated with honors from UC San Diego, so I'm not very concerned about this "detour", DePaul just wasn't the right fit for me. ?‍♀️

So I'm applying to PhD programs now and I ran across this question: "Have you ever withdrawn or been dismissed from any college or university?" Obviously, the answer from me is yes because I did withdraw in the middle academic year, but how should I explain this? 

Better to be honest about not informed college decision and then deciding to leave after my mental health declined? Or do I just stay vague with "personal reasons"? Any pros or cons for either approach? Is this a questions I should be worried about?

I think "personal reasons" would suffice on an application form. You would only get them concerned whether you can finish the program if you mention anything about mental health. 

If they bring the withdrawal up in an interview, you could say you didn't do enough research on the school, programs etc. and found that it was not a right fit. Then, you could add that you learnt the lesson and did thorough research before applying to PhD programs. You could then elaborate on why you choose the programs you are applying. So long as you demonstrate to them that you have thought carefully before applying, you would be fine. 

[AP]

Actually, this works in your favor. 

In your SOP, as you discuss your research interests, you also describe your trajectory. Simply stating that along your path you learned to be flexible with your reality and prioritize your personal health. This will assure AdComms that you are now more confident about your program choices and are unlikely to withdraw. 

 

[freyaphrodite]

20 hours ago, Hope.for.the.best said:

I think "personal reasons" would suffice on an application form. You would only get them concerned whether you can finish the program if you mention anything about mental health. 

If they bring the withdrawal up in an interview, you could say you didn't do enough research on the school, programs etc. and found that it was not a right fit. Then, you could add that you learnt the lesson and did thorough research before applying to PhD programs. You could then elaborate on why you choose the programs you are applying. So long as you demonstrate to them that you have thought carefully before applying, you would be fine. 

Thank you Hopeforthebest:) you do bring up a good point about how I frame mental health and the importance of that. I will take this advise into heavy consideration  I appreciate your response!

[freyaphrodite]

19 hours ago, AP said:

Actually, this works in your favor. 

In your SOP, as you discuss your research interests, you also describe your trajectory. Simply stating that along your path you learned to be flexible with your reality and prioritize your personal health. This will assure AdComms that you are now more confident about your program choices and are unlikely to withdraw. 

 

Hi AP thank you for your reply! I will definitely include that I'm so much more carefully informed now and cognizant of so many other factors that have nothing to do with academia but nonetheless contribute to my success as a human being! I appreciate your response about how I am unlikely to withdraw too---that's hella true but I didn't even think to state that! Thanks for helping me think this through I appreciate your help