Should I include this into my application?

Transfer Students
1

So, I am going to be filling out numerous applications here coming this fall. I plan on applying to various schools as a transfer for psychology.

Now, I have a couple of experiences as to why I want to go into the major of psychology at these particular institutions. One of which, is having to help my older sister after a near death case of domestic violence, and having to help her with ptsd episodes to this day.

The other experience was witnessing my father attempt suicide when I was 16, and how it affected my family as a whole from there on. I was also able to get a glimpse as to the mental state my father had been keeping secret from us for who knows how long.

These things have shaped me into who I am and have driven my passion for wanting to help others with mental health isssues. These schools I am applying to offer great psychology courses, and go beyond what the commmunity college I am attending can offer, in education and career potential.

But my question is, is this alright for an essay? Or is it something that may possibly better my chances of transferring into another school for psychology? Speaking as to how it is such a competitive field.

2

Any insight would be helpful

3

I personally think that if you handle it in an empowering way, anything that sheds light on why you are passionate about something is an excellent topic for an essay. I was accepted to USC and then to the American University of Paris with essays about what how being a rape survivor affects my political activism and my creative writing as an aspiring scholar of philosophy and politics, and an author, and I have been told that my essays have been some of the best the admissions teams have received. If you can make it clear that your experiences with your father and sister made you a more empathetic person, and define actionable steps you took to demonstrate this empathy in the lives of others, that would be a great start. Then talk about your vision for the future. Any activism or student groups/activities or research would be excellent to share.