<p>Previously, I posted in the college admissons forums, but I've yet to recieve in any replies. So I'm now posting here in the hopes that some kind parent will take the time to give me some advice.</p>
<p>In the summer between my sophmore and junior year of high school, my family ran into a series of problems that still have not been resolved even now (I'm a senior). I've chosen not to discuss them in my essays, because I did not want to come across as winny or as feeling sorry for myself. So I discussed these issues with my guidance counselor, hoping that she would write about them in my recommendation. I spoke with her on the last day of school before winter breaking and I'm now feeling that she did not really explain my problems in depth. Right now I'm thinking about writting about them in the additional information section of my applications. I'm not sure if this is the right thing to do. I don't want to look like I'm looking for sympathy or anything like that. But I believe that it is really important for me to get them in my college application one way or anothe because they have had a significant affect on my life for the past year. If I ommit them completely from my college application, I will feel as if the adcoms are missing an important peice of the picture. Hence, here I am now, when the deadline is in only a week, considering changing my college essays. </p>
<p>Could someone give me some advice on whether or not I should discuss my extenuating circumstances in the additional information section or change my essays completely? Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>I would put them in the additional info section just as you did here: There is a family situation that has had a significant impact on me, and here is what it is: blah, blah blah. I share this with you so that you will have a complete picture of me as an applicant.</p>
<p>Better thread would be: Could a Kind Parent please read my essay? This hopefully will draw some true parent responses--and genuine advice about the tone of your essay.</p>
<p>That said, you should perhaps keep in mind that colleges are administered for education--not for solving personal 'problems'. Of course, education does help when dealing with personal problems but that is a byproduct of a university education--not the main intent--not the main intent of adcom.</p>
<p>In other words, any essay about problems might best revolve around the 'overcoming' of difficulties--and not the threat of possible future disruptions or difficulties; ie emphasizing the strength of your character or at least the perspective gained.</p>
<p>In any event--best to ask CC parents if they mind editing an actual essay via PM.</p>
<p>Also, I am the Queen of Typos but the words are 'whiny' and 'omit'--just in case those weren't typos!</p>
<p>And it's 'writing'--not writting. Make sure you get someone whose very detailed-oriented to check your essays and your applications for misspellings, typos, etc.</p>
<p>If you're using the common application, the "additional information" section is fine for this sort of information. In fact, that's what it's designed for. No need to send a separate letter. </p>
<p>One caveat: Make absolutely certain that your explanation does not come across as whining or as trying to excuse poor grades, etc. That is a turn off to many admissions officers -- after all, there are students that struggle with some pretty intense personal problems, who still manage to do very well in terms of grades, etc. So, think long and hard about whether this extra information is going to be viewed as an excuse, or just extra information to help admissions people get a sense of who you are. If you honestly feel it is vital information about you that colleges need to know then present it in a straightforward manner, avoiding the "woe is me" syndrome. And, keep in mind that admissions officers like to see a sense of resolution in essays, so be sure to show how you have learned to overcome the situation, or at least deal with it in some way. If you can't do that, then think twice about the reasons why you need to share this information. Your guidance counselor may have had very good reason for downplaying it in his/her recommendation. Good luck!</p>