So for my UC Essay prompt 2, I wrote about the night that my grandfather attempted to commit suicide and how it made revalue life in general and the opportunities I have. I know this seems like a taboo topic, but on the UCLA website, it says this…
The most compelling personal statements often include discussion of…
Your academic record, accomplishments, and activities.
Any unusual circumstances, challenges, or hardships you have faced and the ways in which you have overcome or responded to them.
Your initiative, motivation, leadership, persistence, service to others, special potential, and/or substantial experience with other cultures.
Your achievements in light of the opportunities available to you.
“Any unusual circumstances…”
Is writing about my grandfather’s attempt at suicide in my backyard appropriate?
And is someone willing to read it?
It’s certainly original and can definitely be a good topic if you manage to connect it back to yourself and make it personal instead of just narrating a super sad story. I’m willing to read it! 
I believe the ‘unusual circumstances’ is trying to get at hardship circumstances some people live in. Certainly relating a traumatic incident is fine if you find it reveals something important about yourself is fine. It has been sent and can’t be changed now. Don’t worry about it any longer.
@radbg74 My daughter wrote about a friend who jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge. It was actually uplifting (as much as something like that can be). It showed how she processed it and grew. This was last year and she got in to all the UCs she applied to. It’s all about how it’s handled.
I think it’s totally an OK topic.
Why is everyone doing UC applications now? I thought they were due in November. Has something changed?