<p>One application asks to mention any circumstances that you have had to overcome. It is not an essay, but an optional supplment they say that most people do not use. Would an immediate family member being diagnosed with cancer count? Thanks</p>
<p>Well, was it a circumstance that you had to overcome? Did it affect you strongly, and did you need to make external or internal changes to succeed? Or was it just kind of like, "That stinks, but I'm not deeply affected"?</p>
<p>how should i phrase it if i do include it? </p>
<p>xyz was diagnosed with xyz. or should i discuss it</p>
<p>I would definitely discuss it; it's only a special circumstance if you can show that you were truly affected and influenced by it.</p>
<p>Anyone else have an opinion on this?</p>
<p>anybody have opinion --- just state it, or talk about it....of course i don't want to turn it into a pity essay</p>
<p>I have the same exact question myself. I think as long as you don't write a whole entire essay on it, it's fine.</p>