<p>I am a twelfth grader from Canada. I don't want to go in detail, but basically my dad was into a lot of bad stuff and he was killed. My mum has been incarcerated for a few years now (because of him) and will be getting out this april. I'm really afraid that when I include his name in the common app, they could find out about him; when I finally confessed to a friend some time ago(never again have I done so again....), she immediately found news of both of my parents through google.</p>
<p>I'm sorry I sound so incredibly paranoid, I just want to make sure. How should I deal with this? Do university actually search up your parents or their addresses? </p>
<p>Your family’s background and whatever mistakes your parents have made don’t affect your admissions. Why would you be worried about this? Your father and your mother’s crimes have nothing to do with you.</p>
<p>I do not expect that you will be hurt in the college admissions process because of your parent’s mistakes. If anything you can make a compelling case for rising above your background/parent’s history, as well as your desire to attend college and make a better life. That is impressive. Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>I agree with the others. I sincerely doubt anyone at any college would hold your parents’ crimes against you. You may be surprised to learn that there are many other applicants in the same boat as you - and many of those are actually including the information in their Common App personal statement essay… We are proud of you for rising above such hardship and for not making the mistakes that your parents have made. Good luck in the future – I will be thinking positive thoughts for you!!!</p>
<p>No college should shun away from accepting a student because of one’s parents’ faults. </p>
<p>However…if you are trying to get pity(I hope not, and I don’t think you are) in your essay describing about it, that won’t do any good. How you managed to strive to your goal while dealing with such awful situation may be a good topic for your essay, though.</p>
<p>Have you been in foster care, or living with other relatives? You might ask your guidance counselor to mention this due to “family issues” but not be specific. Colleges DO want to give a break to kids who have, for whatever reason, not been able to live with their parents for some or all of their high school years. </p>
<p>Hi intparent, sorry the the awkwardly late reply, but yes, I’ve been living with my aunt. She takes care of well, necessities and I take care of everything related to school, so its a decent trade off. I’ll take that to mind so thanks for your thoughts!</p>