I withdrew from the first University I attended. Will this hurt my chances of acceptance?

[alex120020]

I withdrew from all 5 of my classes during my first semester at college due to severe depression. A year later I applied to my current university as a new student and I've been doing really well. I know grad schools want transcripts from all institutions attended so I'm a bit worried about it. Even if I do get an interview what do I do if they ask me about it? I certainly don't want to say I withdrew due to mental problems. Would it be ok if I just said I withdrew due to health reasons and hope that they won't try to ask beyond that?

[psychresearch]

It probably won't hurt you much, provided you're strong every where else. They probably won't ask about it in an interview - go with "health issue," if they do. They would probably not probe further - if they do, politely indicate you don't feel comfortable disclosing any more information as it is personal.

[lewin]

"It was due to a health issue that is now resolved," is a good standard phrase to use that they recommend in job interviews. The last part reassures them it won't be an ongoing problem that might impact your grad school performance.

[SocialConstruction]

I withdrew from all 5 of my classes during my first semester at college due to severe depression. A year later I applied to my current university as a new student and I've been doing really well. I know grad schools want transcripts from all institutions attended so I'm a bit worried about it. Even if I do get an interview what do I do if they ask me about it? I certainly don't want to say I withdrew due to mental problems. Would it be ok if I just said I withdrew due to health reasons and hope that they won't try to ask beyond that?

 

I honestly don't think it'll matter. I also had a situation where the first semester on my transcripts was marred by a set of withdrawals, followed by a complete 180 of "doing really well." And I remember feeling completely paranoid that I would look like a "risky" candidate to admissions committees. Yet throughout my interviews, I was never once asked about it. 

 

As long as you're currently succeeding and passionate about what you're studying, you'll be golden.

[ChasingMavericks]

I actually ended up having to medically withdraw from a graduate university due to a severe depression disorder last Fall 2013 as well leaving me with 5 classes as a W. I decided to apply to a different type of graduate program for the Fall 2014 season and so far I haven't had any problems. I was even accepted to my top school for a dual degree program. So don't be too hard on yourself or worry too much! Plus, the way I see it if a school can't understand the importance of personal health, maintenance, and balance then that isn't going to be a very conducive program. Being that you're going for psychology programs I would think they would actually have respect for you taking time to help yourself.

 

I also have other health issues that have been part of my application explanations through my bachelors and previous graduate application season and it has never hindered my acceptance into a program that I really wanted to be a part of. 

 

I hope this helps you. Try not to really worry about that aspect of your application so much. A short explanation of leave of absence for health issues is sufficient and they shouldn't ask for anything else further than that. I wish you best of luck! 

[ucdguy88]

shouldn't matter at all. life happens