<p>Alright, i've went through two pretty bad traumatic events last year (11th grade) and both will be mentioned throughout my applications (some willingly while other times not). Whether it be teacher/guidance councler reccomendation, or briefly mentioned in my essay. Will this be over kill? I do not want the schools i'm applying to to think i am trying to pull off some sort of sympathy speech or w.e... and look down upon the whole idea. What do you guys think i should do? should i even mention the events at all or even tell my teachers NOT to mention it in their recommendations</p>
<p>From what I've seen, pity parties don't work. The schools will think you're depressed and avoid you.</p>
<p>I think it's better if your teachers/counselors mention it but you do not. Then it will be seen as your teachers/counselors acknowledging that you've accomplished X inspite of Y and Z, but you won't be seen as trying to milk the adcom for sympathy votes.</p>
<p>I agree with whartonalum. Do your essays on something else, preferably something that demonstrates your strengths and interests.</p>
<p>they're more impressed with applicants who don't showcase their adversities. my teachers all mention about mine, but i'm not writing it nor mentioning it anywhere.</p>