taboo topic?

College Essays
1

<p>do yall think that for the "significant experience" common app essay or for a biographical essay whos instructions are this:
"We are interested in learning more about you and the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations and accomplished your academic successes. Please describe the factors and challenges that have most shaped your personal life and aspirations. How have these factors caused you to grow? (800 word limit)"
an appropriate subject is my mother's suicide 3 years ago? I feel like I'm in a tough spot because there really isn't anything I can think of that has been as significant in my life as this but I don't want the college admissions people to think I'm writing a sob story. I'm almost done with my first draft of this essay and would appreciate opinions on the best way to go about writing it or offers to look over it for me so i can get an outside opinion on it</p>

<p>also, how important are word limits? will admissions officers truly stop reading after the limit? I really hate cutting stuff out of my essays</p>

2

<p>someone here once said that there's no taboo or cliche topics, just cliche methods of writing them. i think you should go for it. i mean, its genuine and sincere, and as long as you can tie it up back to YOU and let the reader know how YOU felt and how YOU were affected, its alright. although the one piece of advise i would give is not to harp on it too much, but focus instead on the consequences of it. try to make it as optimistic as possible and youre solid.</p>

<p>word limits are important. stick to them. and i wouldnt mind taking a look at your essay. : )</p>

3

<p>thanks alot! I'll PM it to you soon</p>

4

<p>look forward to reading it!</p>