selimsivad wrote:
Eh, unless the letters of reference are specifically mentioning that you have AS, I'd try to avoid mentioning that. These days, there's all these weird connotations with it... like "Asperger's = bad people skills + not a team player = unhirable" or "Asperger's = autism = Rain Man." So if it hasn't already been mentioned, you might not want to bring it up.
Yeah, AS would probably only work for one of those "overcoming a disability" type fluff questions. Don't worry about being boring by not mentioning AS... most of those statement of purpose letters are astonishingly awful (and I'm talking about the ones NTs write, too). Instead of mentioning AS, take a slightly quirky (NOT something annoying or off-topic) approach to it and write in a manner that just "flows" out... like a journal entry. The professors on the commity that have to read those generally appreciate originality and will give you some slack if you have nice style. Oh, don't forget, chances are pretty good that you might actually MEET at least some of the people who will be reading this. I know I did (man, that surprised the hell out of me when they mentioned my personal statement and how "unique" it was). I don't know, if that makes you nervous, maybe you should forget it. Heh.
Hmm, also... be honest. I know I probably shouldn't have to say that to anybody here but... just don't make little "white lies" or "stretch" the truth any further than you think you can fake it in person. That can get you in a lot of trouble for very little potential gain.
05 Jun 2006, 6:09 pm
