<p>So i come from a low income-background, and im going to put that into my main common app essay into how my mom is an influential person and the struggles she's faced in creating a good life for me...</p>
<p>Should i write about such an emotional topic, because i don't want the colleges to feel that I want them to be sorry for me or something.</p>
<p>Has anyone written about hard challenges and sad essays? Should i just go ahead and write it?</p>
<p>hey anything that shows something unique about you is always a plus, and colleges like to see how people have changed their poor situations into positives. I think you should write that.</p>
<p>ok but have you or anyone written essay on such touchy topics and gotten accepted?</p>
<p>bump......</p>
<p>I wouldn't hesitate writing about this topic, it's one I think many people would find interesting. It's up to you to set and control the tone that will keep it from coming across as too emotional or sentimental. If you do choose to write about how your mom's struggles have influenced your life, just make sure you keep the essay's focus on the effects on YOU and YOUR life, not just her struggles, but what you've learned from them. </p>
<p>I just attended an info session and the adcom gave some do/don't tips on essays in general. One of the examples he gave was on the "person who has influenced my life" type of essay. He said that many times an applicant will spend so much time writing about the accomplishments of the "other person" that they don't end up saying anything about how it relates to themselves. He said his reaction is always "THAT person sounds amazing, too bad I can't admit him!"</p>
<p>My friend's brother's essay last year was about dealing with his father's unexpected death and he was accepted at 6 of the 8 schools where he applied. He's a soph @ Vanderbilt.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Yes, I am aware of people who wrote on touchy topics and were accepted at their first choice and/or second choice schools. </p>
<p>sta800 offers good advice imo.</p>
<p>For more good advice, see</p>
<p>I don't think it's too emotional to write about. What I am worried about is that it will tell more about your mother than it will about you. But if you can pull it off, definitely go ahead!</p>