<p>I am a high school senior applying to a few colleges and I need help with my application essays. The most important question I have is, "Is it okay/should I write about the sexual abuse I encountered as a child in any of my applications, or would it only hinder my chances of appealing to any of these colleges?" Some of you may be concerned with the fact that sexual abuse is a legal issue, but it has already gone through court and my offender is serving his time. That being said, if I do decide to write on this topic, how should I go about doing so? </p>
<p>Hmm… That’s very sensitive topic but it might cause the college admissions officer to react in more leniently to your application. I’d so go for it. Just make sure to focus on your personal development as you write the essay. Good luck!</p>
<p>Honestly, would you feel the need to clarify it was sexual abuse? I was physically abused as a child, but I did not focus on it in my college essay. However, the person was not charged so I probably could not write about it.</p>
<p>From my point of view, the college adcoms are strangers that you are just meeting through your essay. If you would feel okay to tell (well-meaning) strangers your story, I don’t see a problem using that topic for an essay.</p>
<p>Are you sure that colleges must keep essays confidential? I know of essays being published “anonymously” but details might identify you…</p>