<p>I grew up in a peculiar situation. To sum things up, my father lost his job 12 years ago and was never able to find work again. My family has struggled financially my entire life and this has definitely drastically affected my upbringing. But I don't come from an underprivileged background. Both of my parents are college educated, my dad has his MBA, and we were able to keep the same house for all these years in the same neighborhood. When applying to college this fall/winter I'm not sure if it's safe to reference the challenges I faced because of this. My situation is not appealing to colleges that seek out underrepresented students (nor do I think I deserve those benefits, I am still very fortunate in a lot of ways that many children are not). I can think of essay topics that would reveal my family's financial situation, since it does define me and explain setbacks in my application, but I worry colleges would just reject me knowing I'll need a lot of aid and am not a minority. I would really appreciate any insight anyone has on my dilemma, thanks! </p>
<p>Well to answer your title: neither, likely</p>
<p>Don’t worry about colleges rejecting your because you need aid. First, most don’t–they are
‘need blind’ and just accept and give you a bill you can’t afford. Colleges that are ‘need aware’ will take into consideration whether they can give you enough to make it affordable, so if they do reject you, just realize you couldn’t have afforded it. So that is perfectly fine. Colleges that ‘meet need’ will cover you (but you have to pay your portion–determined by them–and this isn’t always do-able for everyone.)</p>
<p>So while you don’t need to shy away from talking about challenges that have affected you, I don’t know that you want it to be the main theme of your application. I would concentrate, like anyone, on presenting your desirable qualities. It is a weak position to come from to have to explain weaknesses in your record, but if you feel that is the way to go then it’s okay. Maybe you can just address that briefly on the side in ‘other’ info but only you know the circumstances. Did you discuss any of this with your GC?</p>
<p>There is an entire College Essay forum. Read the threads pinned to the top.</p>
<p>It definitely would not be a main theme but, for example, I was thinking about writing my essay about having to give up dance, which was devastating for me, and the sacrifices I’m going to make to resume it this year. This essay would not discuss my financial problems as I’d talk more about my love for ballet, but it does reveal that my family is in an unideal situation.
Thank you for your input, though, it did put me at ease! </p>
<p>Some colleges may favor admitting applicants from more difficult circumstances over those with similar achievement from non-difficult circumstances.</p>
<p>So did you grow in some measurable way as a result of the financial hardship that struck your family. Did you become a more focused student? Did you take courses at school that you did not consider before? Did you take a leadership role in advocating for those who were affected by the financial crisis of 2008-9. Did you write a play, etc. to rally support for the inflicted? If not any of these, or only in some indirect fashion then I would discourage you from making this financial situation an essay topic. </p>
<p>I completely agree with fogcity. Consider the purpose of the essays. You write them so that the admissions officers can get to know you, and (more importantly), so they can see if you are a good fit for the college. </p>
<p>What does this mean? Well, first really research the college and see what kind of student they are looking for. Go beyond academics and statistics and look at personality. Memorize their school motto and their school mission. In your essays, present yourself as someone who fits that generalized model of a student. If your situation happens to be conducive to that, use it. Otherwise, just look for other examples.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>What is your family finances now? Look at questbridge.org</p>
<p>If it changed you and shows perseverence, go for it. Essays are about telling a compelling story about yourself and why you will be a success at a particular college.</p>