Hey guys. I’m a sophomore in HS so college apps are a while away but I have an idea for application essays (though I’m not entirely sure how the process works). When I was around 10-13, I had to deal with an extremely emotionally and verbally abusive stepfather. Not going to go into details but it was bad. Now there’s been a divorce and everything but I was wondering: would I be able to use this as an essay topic and discuss how I overcame all of the obstacles he threw at my family and me and used those bad experiences to drive myself to work harder? Honestly it’s true… I’m just not sure if I should send that in to schools that I’m interested in. I think I am pretty good at descriptive passages and conveying emotion through words in essays so I think I could tackle that, but should I even use this topic to begin with? Or does it just sound like I want to prove him wrong? Thanks
Would this possibly just sound like I’m trying to guilt-trip them into accepting me? Because that’s definitely not my goal.
Stop thinking of essay topics when you are only a sophomore. And stop thinking of suffering you may experience with your family as a hook to get in!! Give yourself a couple of years to gain perspective, And don’t think about college yet.
I am a fan or more positive approaches in general. The “overcoming obstacles” theme gets pretty trite, though mentioning it briefly in a supplementary essay can work.
But forget about it for now. If you have been going through a lot with your family, I hope you have some counseling.
I would agree with compmom, stop thinking about the essay. The essay is supposed to show the AO who you are, but more of a contemporary version of you. By the time you become a senior, your level of maturity and development will likely be significantly different than now. Your essay will also likely be a lot different as well. Don’t worry about applying to colleges now, just enjoy school and learning, do the best you can, develop a passion for an EC.
And you really want the topic to reflect the qualities that matter in a review for admission to their college community. That’s more than working harder. Not, “descriptive passages and conveying emotion through words.”
It’s too early. You only have freshman grades, little rigor, probably no scores. And most of all, we hope you grow, broaden your experiences and thinking.
If you don’t know how the process works, rather than fret about this piece, learn what various targets do want to see in you. Use the next 2 years wisely.
The fact that you are thinking about an essay this early, and thinking about this topic, is kind of concerning on second read. I hope you have a counselor. Please try not to live high school in a way that “gets you in.” Please don’t convert personal struggles to assets for “getting in.” Try to live a normal high school life (whatever that means!) and focus on living in the present for now. Study to learn and don’t get anxious about results. Make friends. Have fun. Help your community. I am so sorry you had such a hard time but try to let it go and move on.
While I appreciate the point that others have made here I don’t completely agree.
As a Sopomore it is not to early to be thinking about college admissions. The key though is that your thinking and planning come from as healthy a place as possible. In the vast majority of instances there cannot be a misstep as it relates to the across the board presentations that are made to elite colleges.
Again the efforts made should align with your natural interests and not cause you undue emotional or physical stress.
If you have inspiration to write about the experience you made reference to there is nothing wrong with that. The Summer following the end of your Junior year will be the time to begin work on your essays. You will want to write multiple essays and see which ones you feel the best about.
As mentioned, your essay is the vehicle that shows an admissions officer who you are as a person.
For those aspiring to be accepted at elite schools it isn’t easy. There is a need for top grades, top standardized test scores, great extracurriculars, great recommendations and compelling essays.
Those things don’t happen by accident but if that pursuit is not who are naturally please be who you are and focus on being authentically you. Your health and happiness come first.
You seem very articulate and bright, I am glad your family circumstances have improved! If there are elements of that experience that are effecting you detrimentally please seek help. If you are unaware of available resources please ask. There are many here who could likely point you in the right direction.
Essays really are not deal breakers in most cases. A really bad one can hurt and an outstanding one can help, but most don’t contribute that much to admissions chances, because colleges know they are so often coached.
Most aren’t great. That’s no help.
@compmom @noanswers @GreatKid @lookingforward thank you all! (Just so it’s clear–I absolutely agree that academic rigor education/school should be a result of passion about and interest in the subjects). I truly appreciate the advice. I’m not too worried about the essay, but I really enjoy writing and like to brainstorm ideas. In all honesty, I’m just a huge nerd. My family and I are all doing well. Thanks again!!
Sometimes writing something can be a way to process residual emotions, work out anger or grief or frustration in literary form. It’s a great form of therapy if you have the knack. But because the result is so personal, it can feel more powerful than it would be for other people who read it. And the other thing is that rejection or criticism, however well meant or constructive, can be felt as personal rejection or criticism.
If something is huge and dark, it’s tough material and can take a lot of time to process. If you are intent on using this material, wait to write the essay until the end of the summer before your senior year. Hopefully by then you’ll have the emotional distance that this sort of darkness requires.
Try and word your essay with topics such as abuse. Don’t mention you were abused until the last final sentence.
Please do not start thinking about essay topics when you are a HS sophomore. There are way better uses of you time.
…and experiences thorughout high school will make for a better essay!