<p>As mentioned above I have a rather sensitive subject matter for my essay. It revolves around my relationship with my father who has an alcohol addiction. My experience with my father has shaped me in many ways for better or worse and I think is essential in understanding who I really am. Most of my friends who understand my home life see my in a varied and often different light then those who do not. If colleges see my struggles I hope they can come to appreciate my academic, extra curricular successes despite my toxic environment. I just hope that they can keep my essay private and away from my parents. I'm working on a separate essay that would be for my father. The colleges are really my only concern seeing as I have counselors, teachers, and friends who I can trust to review my work and to keep my info secure.</p>
<p>I don’t think you should worry about your parents seeing it. It probably depends on the colleges that you’re sending it to, and, truthfully, I only have anecdotal evidence that your essay will probably remain private.
One of my friends is an incoming freshman at a top 20 school, and I know her essay was very, very personal. She’s only told one person, besides the people who read it (duh), what it was about, and as far as I know, not even her interviewer knew what it was about. I think it’s fairly safe to say that your essay will remain confidential.</p>
<p>Even if your essay isn’t kept private, I don’t think it’s worth omitting what could be a fantastic, revealing essay in fear of other people reading it. Remember that you’re sending it out to college officials, people who don’t know you at all anyway.</p>
<p>My essay is really personal and revealing, too (although I’m afraid it can’t compare in sensitivity with an alcoholic father story), and I’d take my own advice. So. Good luck with everything. :)</p>
<p>thanks for the advice. i do feel after a few days deliberation that i should write my story and your comment only helped to solidify my standing. im hoping that my unique situation can distinguish me from the crowd of applicants and help the universities achieve the diversity they desire. anyways thanks for the help and good luck with your college endeavors!</p>
<p>Don’t worry, they will keep it private. Your parents won’t be able to see it through the school (unless after you’re accepted, your parents go to meet the admission officer in person to ask what the essay is about or something, in which case the person may mention the topic). Just make sure to keep the draft of your essay and your common app password private.</p>
<p>No problem. 
Glad I could help.</p>