I’m using the first prompt for my Common App essay. Basically I’m writing about my dad’s drug addictions and how he’s inspired me to become a writer. My dad was talented but eventually ended up abandoning my family. My essay only briefly mentions him, it’s more about the expectations that people had of me because of him, and how writing has helped me develop my own unique identity. Some people on here don’t seem to think it’s a good idea to write about him, but the process has been very cathartic to me and I don’t think the essay is really about him- it’s about me. Will this come off as wrong to adcoms?
My essay start off with comparing the process of growing up to that of writing. I basically then go on to say that sometimes the process fails to work the way we expect them to, then I go into my story and why I want to be a writer.
I don’t think it will come off badly to adcoms. They look for kids who have overcome challenges and are therefore mature and have unique worldviews, and I think this kind of an essay would demonstrate just that. Telling your story should not in any way deter them from admitting you. Good luck!
Sounds like a good story. That’s exactly what someone wants to read. I say go for it! Best of luck to you!
Writing about overcoming the challenge of your father’s drug addiction is a good topic.
Writing about overcoming the challenge of YOUR OWN drug addiction is a dangerous topic.
But keep in mind that the Essay is for ad coms to read, not necessarily for you to process your Dad’s issue.
I would talk to my GC about the essay and show it to them and get their thoughts.