<p>I am considering writing about how my dad's situation has affected my own. He had a stroke a couple years back and can't work. His memory's suffered and sometimes he has periods where he is VERY forgetful. (For example, at my middle school graduation, he took pictures of another girl instead of me.) My parents are divorced and my mom lives about 2 hrs away. My only sibling lives at home but she works full-time as a lawyer. I spend most of the time I'm not in class at home so I can help him with housework and other things. I also can't drive myself and I can't ask him to take me everywhere. The bus stop is 40 minutes away. Consequentially, I don't have many other extra-curricular activities. </p>
<p>I want to explain this because I think it's an important part of how my life works, but I don't know how this will come across. I'm operating without a clue currently. Can you offer some advice? (Thank you in advance!)</p>
<p>I wrote one of my essays about a personal situation, and I believe it’s something that admissions officers will sympathize with. Make sure to explain it well, possibly show them what a day in the life of you is like. </p>
<p>I’m sure you’ll do fine! Good luck, as well.</p>
<p>This is an important part of your life that I think you should definitely include, but the essay is an important part of showing yourself. I’d suggest writing a supplemental essay on the topic. Most colleges accept supplemental essays - especially on extenuating circumstances. Check with the colleges you are applying to.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t do that, and I’d encourage you not to think of it that way, either.</p>
<p>You have a different kind of application from a lot of high school seniors because you have much different circumstances from most. Your application isn’t weaker. It is very different. Your task is to present that difference in a way that makes it look positive and not negative.</p>
<p>Admissions get hundreds of sob story essays and maybe the first few they read are viewed with a sympathic ear but after a couple hundred it gets old. If you’re applying to schools with the common app, what you can do instead is in the “Additional Information” section, where you attach things like resumes, you can attach a very brief essay or letter addressing why your EC’s lack luster.</p>
<p>This is where a good relationship with yor GC is critical!!! They can (and routinely do) include this sort of thing in their ref letter about you, in the nicest, most complimentary way. Or, it could be a teacher you are close to who will be wiritng a ref. Be careful that your essay is not just an explanation (and never apologize.) The essay is about some inspiration or triumph or revelation you achieved- some turning point you mastered and what it taught you about yourself.</p>
<p>I think I’ll most likely use the additional info section or explain my situation to a school official. Thanks for the great advice, everyone. I really know nothing about this so I appreciate it a lot! :)</p>