Essay Topic Idea

Applying to College
1

Hi all. Some of my apps are due on the 1st, and I’m starting to work on my essays. As hackneyed as it sounds, I write best under pressure of a deadline.

Anyway, I’m trying to decide whether my experience is good for a main essay.

Basically my four years through high school has been plagued with many family problems. My dad’s rampant unemployment in which he had to use our entire savings to keep paying rent for the house, for food, etc. He even used my CD, which I was saving for a car. My mom had to have an angioplasty shortly thereafter we finally got on our feet again. I still can’t afford a car and it has had a serious impact on my abilities. Just recently, my mother had a tumor and currently recooperating from that. So medical expenses are crazy.

It is a unique streak of bad luck, but I worry that will sound too much like a pity essay. I just want to make it apparent that I had this albatross to deal with throughout my high school years.

I was also thinking of writing on a highly successful website I made and how it taught me about computers and business.

I think its more of a safer choice, but I’m still not sure.

Please give me some input.

Thanks.

2

<p>no use your family problems, it shows overcoming adversity and it makes you stand out from many other applicants</p>

3

<p>Thanks. Anyone else (dis)agree?</p>

4

<p>If you have been able to keep up with school while going through all that I think it is indeed worth writing about. Be careful about "not being able to afford a car." I realize it can be a serious logistical problem, but it is not in the same league as the other stuff. Good luck! :)</p>

<p>You might even consider writing both essays.</p>

5

<p>I would't recommend it as your main essay. For your main essay, I'd rather emphasize the attributes you have. This is the kind of thing I'd add as a side note in the 'other info' section. You can do it of course, but is that the main thing to emphasize about yourself?</p>

<p>ps It is correct to say that "Unemployment is rampant in the nation." It's not correct gramatically to say your Dad's unemployment is rampant. Rather it's extended or long term.</p>