<p>Last year I was in a terrible car accident that resulted in me breaking both of my legs and leaving be wheelchair bound. The doctors told me I'd never be able to walk again. I was devastated. However my legs miraculously healed perfectly with no problems whatsoever. I can walk run and do everything I used to be able to do. Can I write my essay about this?</p>
<p>Definitely-- show how you have matured from this and how this sets you apart from other students.</p>
<p>^___ EnglishProfToBe is absolutely correct. It is a great topic if handled well, and he/she? knows exactly the approach. Remember, this essay is not about miracles or about accidents, but about YOU!</p>
<p>To make it interesting, I would start with a dramatic opening: *“You may never walk again” was a phrase I could not believe I was hearing… etc, etc… * </p>
<p>But then the last paragraph should show the new YOU (not the new legs). The middle paragraphs demonstrate the TRANSITION from the devastated you to the more mature you.</p>
<p>Finally, add a line at the end - something like: We don’t all get second chances, but when one comes along, grab it! Not that line exactly (sounds hokey), but SOMETHING to just “finish off” the piece.</p>
<p>Another idea to really power it up: Do what I said above (except for the last line) but add this: Start the essay with a quote:
“We’re given second chances every day of our life. We don’t usually take them.”
— Andrew M. Greeley</p>
<p>Then the last line of the essay should bring the quote home: I don’t know how many second chances I’ve missed in my life, but this is one I won’t ignore.</p>
<p>Anyway, you get the idea and you could definitely improve these lines. If this quote doesn’t grab you, google second chance quotes and you’ll get a bunch.</p>
<p>—Robert Cronk, author of Concise Advice: Jump-Starting Your College Admissions Essays</p>
<p>Yes, you will do great with that idea. Expand on how it makes you bounce back, stronger than ever, blah, blah, and blah. Don’t just tell the story. Tell the difference between before and now - for better.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that colleges want to see the strengths you’ll bring, as their student- the topic and delivery have to be relevant to that. Skip the “miraculous,” unless applying to a religious school. Hard work and determination, yes. A new perspective about disabilities, yes. Some effort you now make to respect and/or help others would be good.</p>
<p>Be careful that “second chances” are not simply your new attitude, but that you back it up with some positive changes/actions, some way you are better other than just your outlook. Don’t be afraid to let go of the topic, if you can’t hit the right tone.</p>