Tufts application short essay quesiton -- too risky?

College Essays
1

<p>The prompt is: </p>

<p>"II. REQUIRED SHORT ESSAYS (200 words)</p>

<li>There is a Quaker saying: “Let your life speak.” Describe the environment in which you were raised—your family, home, neighborhood or community—and how it influenced the person you are today."</li>
</ol>

<p>I wanted to write a short, funny story about growing up with my mom and how it shaped my personality, but I don’t know if that’s too risky. I’m not a cliche person, so I don’t want to do the whole, “I grew up in a single family home. I taught me to respect my mom as if she was my mom and dad,” blah, blah, blah, but will one story not give enough insight?? Opinions please!! Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Not if it's honest. And well-written. And says something really important about you.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the quick reply! And the other thing I wanted to ask is: it says that it is a 200 word limit, (it doesn't specifically say that it is a strict limit, it just says "200 words"), do you think it would be okay to go like 209 words?</p>

4

<p>Yes, 209. But don't overdo it. I'd say 210 is max.</p>

5

<p>how about like, 400 words?</p>