So for my college essay I was planning on selecting the topic which requires you to write about an experience with failure and how you’ve learned from it. Would it be too risky to write about my past reckless behavior? I wasn’t exactly planning on straight forwardly mentioning any drug use, instead I was planning on writing about associating myself with bad influencers and how it led to my disinterest in school. Should I avoid hinting at any drug use? I really want to base my essay around an instance where my family filed a missing report for me, all a while I was under the influence with my so called friends. I want to mention that particular instance because it made me realize that lifestyle wasn’t for me. My transcripts show incredible improvement; from B’s and C’s to straight A’s. Is it too risky?
I’m no admissions counselor, but IMO I wouldn’t talk about drug use; it’s a little too risky. I think your experience could make a good essay, but I don’t know how well it fits the prompt. Maybe it’s just me being narrow-minded, but when I read the prompt, I think of a specific time where you tried something and failed at it. I guess your experience would be trying to avoid peer pressure, but it doesn’t fit very neatly into the prompt. I would discuss it with a Guidance Counselor or English teacher if you feel comfortable with them, and they can provide more insight about it.
Think of something interesting or unique or revealing about yourself that you would like an admissions officer to know. Then figure out how to fit it to one of the prompts. I’d skip drug use for sure.
Definitely skip the drug use. It’s too much of a risk- you don’t want to give an admissions officer doubt as to your character and judgement. Use the application to highlight all the positives about you.
THANKS FOR SHARING THIS.