Is it appropriate?

College Essays
1

<p>For my common app essay, I'm choosing to write on the topic of my choice.</p>

<p>I wanted to write about a childhood experience I had that touches on the subject of sexual abuse and later, death. The experience traumatized me but never affected me academically (2330 SAT, 4.0 GPA, etc). However, it did inspire me to start a non-profit organization about year ago. This organization focuses on giving back to young children through teaching them different forms of art such as visual art, dance, music, theater, composition, and martial arts. We hope to inspire/motivate them to find new interests and hobbies. It was my personal passion for the arts that helped me move past my experience and finally, my love for children that ultimately pushed me into starting the program. I wanted to be able to help children find something they love that could benefit them in the future as well.</p>

<p>I'm wondering if I should solely focus on my childhood experience or the program that I created (which receives much prestige and credibility locally--the program teaches over 60 students a year and is run entirely by high school students). Or should I integrate both? Also, is it appropriate to discuss sexual abuse, etc in my common app essay? I'm definitely afraid of going over the 500 word limit. Suggestions/advice?</p>

2

<p>I would say not to be afraid of talking about your childhood experience, but that you have to be careful to make sure that you emphasize how you used that experience to do amazing good and what that good is. Make sure the overall message is positive and not self-pitying</p>

3

<p>Try to do both. I wouldn’t overly describe the abuse. You don’t want to make the adcoms uncomfortable.</p>

4

<p>I have read that it is taboo to talk about sexual abuse in your college essay. Maybe write about what the children in your program have done for you.</p>