Ivy Supplement too personal?

College Essays
1

<p>I have to write an essay about an experience that has shaped a value of mine or changed the way I view the world.</p>

<p>When I was growing up, I was often made fun of for having a "girly" voice (I am a male) and it made me more reluctant to speak up. I became more shy because of the teasing, but through my high school years I more or less broke out of my shell. I wanted to write an essay about a specific incident in high school that served as a defining moment that allowed break free from my self-consciousness about my voice and become a more confident person.</p>

<p>Basically, I was wondering if this was too personal a topic for a college essay- I would not want my parents or friends to ever read it as I have never discussed this with anyone. I have constantly struggled with peoples' questioning of my sexuality, but I have coped by completely avoiding any and every conversation about it.</p>

<p>So, is this too out-there or risky? Should I only focus on the positive side about gaining more confidence, but leave out the part about what made me self-conscious in the first place? What does anyone think?</p>

2

<p>Nope, it’s great. You have to take risks to write a great essay. I think it’s going to be original and stand out, and it’s definitely going to show your growth as a person- that’s exactly what they’re looking for. You’re probably never going to meet the adcoms, so why worry?</p>

3

<p>I’m probably going to do something similar with my essay, too, since private moments and revelations have been the biggest influences on how I’ve developed. I think the problem would lie in being unable to get feedback from the people who know you most, since it’s too personal to share. I’m going to try to make up for that by being my own worst critic and finding readers on here, where anonymity’s easier.</p>