<p>So the prompt for the common app that I am choosing is ...
Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.</p>
<p>I was thinking it would be a good idea to talk about how I am gay and came out in 8th grade which was around the same time my dad left the country to take care of my dying grandma (RIP) and how my grandmas death, along with the daily bullying and struggles of coming out inspired me to become a better person, student, and leader.</p>
<p>Is this a good idea to write about ?
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help I cant beg you enough im kinda clueless as to where to start with these essays.</p>
<p>It could either be very good or very bad (i.e. filled with cliches and platitudes).</p>
<p>What would be considered a cliche ? Lol I’m sorry I’m completely clueless with the college essay stuff</p>
<p>Example: “The struggles inspired me to become a better person.”</p>
<p>(You can say that, of course, but not in those words. Show, don’t tell.)</p>
<p>I think the two of those events (coming out; your father leaving the country) do seem as if they could have defined your life to date, and have shaped the 18 year old college applicant…so I feel your choice of this prompt is warranted.</p>
<p>I agree not to be overly dramatic, if possible, but maybe tell how taunts, bullying, etc, have increased your resolve (if this is the case), or how you have coped in the past, and are coping still. and as halcyonheather points out, give good examples of how by illustration, and avoiding use of platitudes, sayings, etc.</p>