I've had plenty of hardships, I just haven't overcome any of them?

I’m having a particularly difficult time picking a college essay topic that I’m satisfied with. A lot of things have gone wrong in the past year, but none of them have particularly inspiring or college-admissions-officer persuading endings because I’m kinda still going through them. How can I write about it without sounding like I’m not a good enough person to have overcome them?

I can’t help you much with your essay, but I find the header of your post to be genuine, and hilarious. The one thing I find interesting is the truth. It can often be surprising, but has a taste all it’s own. Overcoming obstacles…kinda been done to death.

^^^^agree the truth is always interesting. No reason to say you have overcome an obstacle if you haven’t yet, just be sure to emphasize what you are doing to overcome them and remain positive about it. no Whoa is me, my life stinks

I agree that your subject line made me want to read your post - it is humorous and honest. Maybe your approach to life involves continuously moving forward despite the impediments in your path. So perhaps you are not overcoming them so much as just keeping ahead of them, and eventually you will find that you got to where you wanted to be.

You’re a 17 year old. No one expects you to have it all figured out yet.

We’re ALL works in progress. Anyone who says otherwise has less figured out than the rest of us.

I agree… the heading of your post sounds like a good start to your essay.

And I agree with the others. First of all, yes, writing about hardship has been done to death, but why not write a cool essay based on your header? Talk about your failures maybe. Much will depend on your skill level and writing style, so if you are not a competent writer, try a different topic.

I work with students on college essays. In my experince, the most effective essays are about something small that is meaningful to the stduent. Examples include the girl who wrote about her nightlight and why she would take it to college, a student who went up to the roof to watch stars, a girl who colored her hair and had unexpected results, and a boy who had pizza for the first time.

Agree with the rest. If you haven’t already go get the book: “On Writing the College Application Essay” by Harry Bauld. With that header and the advise you will find on that short book I have a feeling you have a winner waiting to be written…