<p>On the common app we are given the option to provide details of circumstances or qualifications not reflected in our applictions. I was wondering if I should explain how my father was not around for most of my life because he has been ill, and that my mother had to work two jobs. This caused me to be independent, have to grow up quickly, and made me have to motivate myself. I'm not poor though, I'm middle class and white, so I'm not sure if this would make it seem like I'm just milking my situation and overdramatizing my circumstances. So, would this be worth describing and would it possibly help my chances for some colleges? (Additional info: I have a 2000 SAT, i'm in the top 20% of my class, and my reach schools are Vassar, Brandeis, the College of William and Mary, Emory, and Carnegie Mellon).</p>