What exactly is the 3rd prompt in UC app supposed to be about?

Applying to College
1

<p>I know its supposed to be about "Special Circumstances" but I mean, what makes something a special circumstance other than "your grades dropping down because of divorce, family issues, etc." is it supposed to be negative? Does it have to do something about your grades?</p>

<p>I am asking this because I dont know if I should put my Mom's company closing, her heart disease, my grandparents near death. Would this be a legit thing to write about? Because this didnt really have a negative affect on me, rather it fueled my desire to succeed both academically and physically in order to help them through the income of my future career.</p>

<p>So, any thoughts?</p>

2

<p>I interpreted that “essay” as you put it, to be completely optional, and only if there is something major (about a drop in your grades, family member dying, low income that has affected you) that has changed your high school experience. I personally used the section to elaborate on the income in the “About You” section. I do not think it has to be in “essay” format, if you do choose to write something.</p>

3

<p>So would my circumstances be considered “special”?</p>

4

<p>Sure. If it affects your ability to pay for college, succeed in high school, succeed in college (better in your case, so it sounds) :)</p>

5

<p>awesome thanks! :)</p>