<p>This isn't an "omg will I get in ahhhhh" post. It's more out of curiosity than anything else. I'm a homeschooled student, and all of my close friends are only applying to Christian colleges that don't even use Common App, so I kind of walked into this process with no idea what I was doing. I chose "Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story" as my common app essay prompt. I wasn't totally sure what it meant, but I love stories, so I chose it. I used it to write about my struggle with and recovery from an eating disorder and depression, which have been huge parts of my life and are really important to my story. From you wise people with more CA experience, is that kind of what the prompt/colleges are looking for? I mean I can't change it now since I've applied almost every where I'm planning on applying to. And I'm not worrying about it. Just wondering.</p>
<p>sounds like a perfectly fine topic, I’m sure others have done similar essays</p>
<p>First off, I just thought I’d let you know that we’re in the same boat. I’m also homeschooled and all my friends are also only applying to Christian schools while I’m applying to all secular schools through the CA. Just letting you know I feel your pain haha.</p>
<p>As for your essay, I think the topic is fine. If that story is as essential to who you are as you say it is, then I think you used the prompt correctly. Not that you can change it now, but I would just make sure that there’s still stuff in the essay that lets the school infer certain things about you. While I’m sure it’s a really good story, you want to make sure that it still highlights character traits that you want the school to know about. The point of the essay is to show colleges your personal strengths that can’t be gleaned from just your scores and grades.</p>
<p>I think you’ll do just fine. Good luck!</p>