I’m not trying to sound cliche and I know the big no no is stay away from sob stories, but this question on the UC’s app 5. "Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? "
Bothers me because my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer my sophomore year and I had to stop a lot of EC’S and probably effected my academics a little but in GPA it seems unnoticeable, should I mention it in this question or is it a red flag? Unsure, because it is honestly the biggest challenge I have faced.
Wow, first I feel for you deeply. Yes, mention it. That is a gigantic challenge. I’d have a family friend read it for voice and to make sure that it’s on target.
In the past, UC has said they are genuinely interested in what you overcame. Bear in mind, this isn’t just about the challenge, but how you dealt with it, your strengths, despite. Think about that perspective.
Best wishes to you and the family.
I think @lookingforward offers great advice. I wish the best for you and your family <3 .
You could mention that briefly in additional information if you wanted to instead of your essay. Just so you know that you have options besides the essay.
Intparent has a very good point. Is this particular prompt the one that will serve your application well? It may be. But try to understand the traits they want to come through.
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/personal-questions/freshman/index.html
When people say to steer clear of sob stories, I think they mean to avoid having a “woe is me, my life is so hard, things are so unfair” vibe to he essay. If you decide to write about your mom’s illness keep the focus 1) on you not your mother and 2) on things like how her illness caused you to grow, mature, take responsibility (or whatever rings true to you). Maybe write a draft/outline and then decide if this is the way you want to go with the essay. It is important to use your essay to give admissions officers reasons for them to want to have you on campus, not to make them feel badly for you.
Best wishes to your family.