<p>Is this a bad idea to do? If it has had an impact on access to ECs (parent couldn't drive or couldn't afford to pay because of lost income), it seems relevant. Yet could it be interpreted as if applicant is making excuses, or trying to generate sympathy? These days, would colleges be afraid to accept student because family might not be able to pay the tuition?</p>
<p>If you had extra responsibilities due to your parent’s illness, those would be important to mention. Colleges count things like that as strong ECs. Presumably, you weren’t just sitting at home twiddling your thumbs while your ill parent still tried to handle everything your parent normally would have been responsible for.</p>
<p>If the parent’s illness decreased your opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, I would say that yes, you should mention it.</p>
<p>But I suggest deemphasizing the “lack of transportation” part. It makes you look as though you’re too immature to arrange carpools or figure out how to use public transportation. (In reality, of course, there are often situations where these things won’t work, and having a parent who can’t drive can indeed be a major barrier to participation. But saying “I couldn’t get rides” sounds a bit foolish.)</p>
<p>Instead, it might make sense to emphasize that you had less time for ECs because you had to take on increased family responsibilities during your parent’s illness (which was almost certainly true). Also, if your EC involved anything expensive (such as private music lessons) and you had to drop that for financial reasons during your parent’s illness, you could certainly mention that as well.</p>
<p>I don’t think you need to hide this situation just because it may increase your need for financial aid.</p>