<p>I was wondering how do colleges, particularly the IVY League and selective colleges view stories about hardship and obstacles that you have overcome. I know that Harvard let you just say pretty much anything you wanted for one of their supplemental essays and I decided to write about the absence of my father in my life, but as the decisions are coming up, I was just wondering how they might view this essay. </p>
<p>I don’t understand the question. Essays that are well written, that are interesting, revealing and have epiphanies are valuable regardless of subject matter. I do believe admissions are interested in getting to know you and personal insights into the context in which you performed. However that is not necessary for your essay subject. Sometimes a student’s situation is just touched on elsewhere.</p>
<p>My dd also didn’t grow up with a father, but I truly don’t think she ever viewed it as a hardship or obstacle. I do not know if admissions would. She didn’t write anything about that, I don’t know if the GC would have mentioned it as he did make a letter for the noncustodial parent waiver. So I suppose it is a matter of personal perception, and the rest of your life situation.</p>
<p>I don’t know what the point of asking now is as I now see that you have already submitted applications and just awaiting results, there was not point in answering.</p>