<p>I have written an essay about the death of my father during my freshman year. The essay called for information on the background in which I grew up and how this affected my goals. I tried to focus on my father's stories and my own love of writing and sort of just grazed over the part about his death, but a friend I gave it to said that they cried through the whole thing.</p>
<p>I do NOT want to be pitied and I do NOT want to write a sob story. What tips do you have for toeing the fine line between writing about my father (who was obviously an incredibly important part of my life) without sounding like I'm seeking sympathy?</p>
<p>My condolences to you on the loss of your father.
I think it is possible to use this as an essay topic but could it be more like a “the person who most influenced me” that talks a lot about you and who you are and how your dad contributed to who you are? could it be less sad? A really sad essay is probably not an ideal application essay.</p>
<p>A good essay is still a good essay. I don’t think death disqualifies an essay. Death is a part of life, and your father’s death shouldn’t influence the quality of your essay. As long as you don’t linger on it excessively, I don’t see the problem.</p>