<p>For the Common App Essay, reproduced below:</p>
<p>5) Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.</p>
<p>would it be a bad idea for me to write about my father going to jail as a young child? And how it helped me evolve and grow up and be independent and taught me morals and consequences? Etc?</p>
<p>I think it could be really great!</p>
<p>Yes, it can be done - but do not write anything about the negative sides. Direct all of your focus towards how it built you as a purpose. You want to give admissions no reason to think that you are trying to ask for pity.</p>
<p>@Ctesiphon Can I acknowledge the fact that it was bad on like a contrasting note?</p>
<p>bump</p>
<p>Nobody is expecting you to jump for joy over your father going to jail. Just don’t be relentlessly depressing – focus on how it helped you grow as a person. From your original post it sounds like you already have the right idea.</p>