Common App essay - does this work?

Applying to College
1

For the prompt: Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

I was thinking about writing about a traumatic experience that happened to me my sophomore year that completely changed my life. It isn’t an accomplishment, but was certainly an event forced me to transition into adulthood. Would this work or are they looking at more of a positive topic? Thanks!

2

Sure, that’s an event.

3

Keep it positive. How did you ultimately benefit,learn or grown from the experience? They don’t need to see another essay about a traumatic event unless it has some kind of turnaround.

4

Remember, it’s not just writing on a topic but showing them your attitude and other strengths.

5

Sure it would work. Remember to focus on how the even helped get you to where you are today.