I’m filling out the common application now and I was wondering when it would be a good time to mention that I was homeless my entire junior year? Do I just say it? Or put it in the essay? Would it look stupid to write an essay about being homeless?
I don’t think it would be stupid to write an essay on it if it had a major impact on your character. What are you thinking to talk about in the essay? Would you be focusing on the academic impact or the influence on your personality/individuality?
Why would it be stupid to write your essay on homelessness? The idea of the essay is to give admissions officers a glimpse into you that they can’t get elsewhere on the application. I would be sure that the essay is not only about your situation, but how it impacted your life your outlook, and your education (including your desire to attend college).
Both, I guess. I kept my grades up and made all A’s even though I was sleeping outside and stuff, but to do that was nearly impossible and I want to let them know that those grades required more effort from me than anything I’ve ever done. But it also made me a nicer person as well and it really impacted my view of the world. :S
Sounds like a great essay topic, but make sure you’re telling a specific story–of a specific instance–that shows something about who you are. Guessing that resilience, resourcefulness, maturity, and determination could emerge from any such story. @MmmmmNANA
If you don’t write your essay about it, put it in additional info and ask your guidance counselor to mention it in their rec.
And don’t tell them how hard it was to maintain high grades. That will be clear from the GC rec and add info.
This is a really impressive story that can go a long way in your essay if you express it well. I agree with the person above that said to focus on a specific point in that year that really constructed your character. It’s good to show a focused perspective than one that looks at it as a general experience.
Agree with usualhopeful. This should be mentioned by your GC. And yes, you can write your essay about it, but it needs to be specific. Just saying yiu were homeless doesn’t give colleges an insight into,who you are as a person. Be specific, relate it to an incident, or a particular lesson learned, or how you coped and how,it made you stronger. The essay is a way for colleges to learn something about you that can’t be learned from the application. They want to admit people they like.
Hey OP, I was in your same boat when I was readying myself to apply to colleges two years ago (though not at your same degree of homelessness). I would definitely write your essay about that period of your life and how it’s affected you in a positive way - be sure to spin it back to the lessons you’ve learned and how it’s helped you grow. Your diligence and resilience will certainly shine through in your application.
Good luck! 