ANON ASKS:
“Hi, what’s the right way to talk about my bipolar in a scholarship application? I don’t want to give too many details and get judged. But I think it could help my chances of getting a scholarship.”
Where I live most college and university studies are paid for by government loans. Scholarships are not that common.
However, I do know what it is like being judged for having a mental illness. And I have written a fair few applications for professional positions.
So let’s break it down.
You are in charge of who knows what.
For me, I prefer to
inform the people who need to know (bosses, partners, family members,
teachers, medical professions etc) as they are part of my safety net.
And if it comes up in conversation, then I’ll talk freely about my
experiences and answer whatever questions come up.
It is best to know what you have to disclose up
front.
If you have to list pre-existing conditions, having bipolar or a
related illness qualifies. Be sure you include it. In my mind, it would
suck more to have to pay back a scholarship than to not receive it in
the first place.
Now, your application.
You can apply for a scholarship and not mention you have
bipolar.
it doesn’t need to impact on your essay in any way.
Instead, just write to
your strengths.
You are trying to give the scholarship board both personal and professional reasons
to give you fat stacks of cash. Focus on making the scholarship board members look like
far-sighted pillars of the community. The kind that get lauded for
giving an outstanding student (you) the best possible chance of success.
Make them look good and they’ll get on
board.
You can also attempt to use the fact that you have bipolar to build your
case for a scholarship.
I would try to frame my management efforts as a
personal journey. I would talk up my accomplishments. Showcase my
ability to maintain productivity. And highlight my attempts to minimise
any interruptions to my educational progression.
It’s about proving that you are in a good place mentally.
That you have
the support you need. And that you are consistent in learning more about
and managing your condition. Do this and you might gain the attention
of a progressive scholarship committee.
That being said, I wouldn’t rely on it as the secret weapon that wins a
scholarship. Because it won’t. Instead it’s more of a secret sauce that spices up my accomplishments,
and frames my actions with relatable context.