<p>I am not sure about my common application essay. I have written one on the influence my coach had on me and feel it's quite good and far from cliche. It provides information on my character and states a lot of qualities without focusing on it.</p>
<p>But I wonder if just being a sports essay won't diminish its quality in the eye of the reader.</p>
<p>And secondly, I could write about my family that can come across as dysfunctional, having an alcoholic father and how this has made me a stronger person, but I don't want to appear as making excuses and I'm not sure how personal is too personal.</p>
<p>so basically I need to choose and need help</p>