Approaching 'Heavy' Topics in Essays?

College Essays
1

<p>I'm a junior in high school right now, but I've been reading essay prompts from the colleges I want to apply to and I don't know if I could answer them without bringing up some not-so-fun topics. In a nutshell, my mother made a LOT of bad decisions in her life - she still does now - and the effects of those choices are very clear in how she's been as a mother. </p>

<p>That's basically the major force in why I'm so driven to leave my hometown, at the top of my class. No matter how much I don't like bringing it up, should I, if it explains the source of my goals? I don't want to sound like a pathetic teenager sobbing about all the misfortunes I've been through, or anything I've witnessed, because I really believe my life with my dad is great. I've become really strong and independent, and those are the only things I want to convey.</p>

<p>So sorry if it's been asked before - but how can you reveal yourself without really revealing yourself in an essay?</p>

2

<p>This is an MIT’s prompt:
“Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?”</p>

<p>I’m sure there are many prompts like that one. I think when I described the world I came from, I didn’t really describe it objectively. I actually described that world through my eyes, and thus, it is my own world. What the adcom read is in fact your perspectives. </p>

<p>So do not ask how to reveal; just write everything from your heart, your mind, your memory, your true feeling, even if it is happiness, or hatred, or ambivalence and turmoil. Do not tell them who you are; just answer the question with your own viewpoints. And thoughts, yes, thoughts are your friends: only when you tell them your thoughts after convincing the adcom with the story you tell them, you show them who you are. Attract them. Inspire them. Let them ask themselves, “Who is this guy?”</p>