I recently learned that talking about death is a major no-no when it comes to college applications which I am highly regretting. I talked about my grandpa’s recent passing and how it involved a trip to a foreign country and how it brought me closer to my culture.
Would the culture part help outweigh the mistake or am I totally screwed?
The essay focuses on you and your journey - the fact that it was the death of your grandfather was the catalyst does not take way from it. I personally think your essay sounds interesting.
Now is not the time to worry about it. Your apps are in the hands of the admissions committee. This sounds like a bit of an overused topic, but not a disasterous misstep. I’d go have some ice cream and not worry about it.
Yeah, that is true, just worried initially though because when I did some research I thought I really messed up. But seeing these responses definitely helps.
As someone who helps others with personal scholarship/admissions essays for a living, there are no hard and fast rules about what you should focus on. (Though it is good to have a sense of cliche’d approaches.) Your becoming closer to your culture sounds like an important and relevant narrative.
Sad stories are common, but if it’s truly meaningful and impactful, it will work well. I would briefly describe the incident and focus on YOU and how you changed and how it shaped you
I’d guess that most essays go unread. They are the most time wasting aspect of the application process. Would be good if they only provided a way that students can add additional information to the already submitted material if they think it relevant.
Wow, I think that is completely untrue. Colleges read every part of your app.
Always remember that you are talking about your journey, and including it in your application form will only trigger sympathy.
i had multiple deaths in the past few years, 2 teachers,2 grandparents and an almost death which now scarred me because of the situation. I say if it was a major thing that influenced you/ changed your life and you can make it work well then go for it. But maybe ask around about what people think.
I’m sorry for your loss.
Now, take a deep breath and look forward, not back. The essay is written and submitted. What will be, will be.
Don’t spend another minute at the end of your senior year worrying about this. Instead, enjoy these last few months with your friends and classmates. You will bloom where you’re planted-- you’ll end up at a school where you can live and learn and grow.
So stop sweating that essay.