i wrote a supplement essay (to use at 3 schools) about low self esteem as a girl in STEM, and my experiences with teachers who invalidate that feeling. i think it’s very well written compared to the other essays i’ve written, and very true to my experiences. my main common app essay is about my love for a certain subject; it’s funny and lighthearted (so i think it sort of balances out this heavier topic, at least a little). and im only using this riskier supplement at schools that are big reaches anyway.
is this a bad idea? i’m not sure if it’s too negative. my parents both liked the essay a lot, but they are english majors, not college admissions experts. i’m hoping for some perspective – thanks!
With teachers who invalidate the feeling of low self-esteem? As in they helped you overcome the issues you faced? I I think that is fine for a topic. It definitely isn’t too negative, especially if you focus it on the overcoming rather than the actual issues. Just be mindful you don’t slip into cliches. Best of luck!
Unless you’ve demonstrated how u have overwhelmingly prevailed in STEM in spite of the low self-esteem (e.g., won a kick-butt science talent award), then why draw attention to any negatives? Do u just want to leave adcomms w the impression that u are lacking in confidence?
The college essay is not therapy. It’s not an occasion for rant or catharsis.
@GMTplus7 you are articulating my worry exactly. on one hand, i’m in a stem magnet, did a research internship, have some stem ec’s and very high grades, and i plan on studying stem. the focus of my essay is trying to understand the “imposter syndrome” when it comes to stem classes. but i still think that you are probably right, and that the essay is too negative – is there any way i could pm you my essay?
If you’re interested in science, then just be interested in science. Why even dredge up feelings of inadequacy? What’s the point???
Your attitude determines your altitude. Don’t let the AAdComms think for a second that you might crash & burn. Give them a reason to say YES. Don’t give them a reason to say “gee, I don’t know about this person…”
It’s not Confession. It’s not an audition for Reality TV. It’s not therapy.
It’s to “Give them a reason to say yes.”
Pointing out that you’ve had self esteem issues probably won’t do that. Instead, it will cause concern that perhaps being away from home on your own will turn those issues into something more serious.
Whether or not the school is a “big reach” doesn’t matter. If you’re going to bother to apply, then send them the best application you can. I’m not convinced that this essay is part of that “best application.”
My apologies. I wrote in a hurry, trying to get my point across in the 3 or 4 minutes I had before getting the kids up for school. I realize now that what sounded fine in my head came across as unkind.
Let me rephrase my answer.
Each of us has a story to tell. That story has some ups and downs, some triumphs and some struggles. And each part of that story is appropriate for particular times and places.
In my opinion, writing about self esteem issues is a part of the story better reserved for another time and place.
The point behind this essay is to give the Adcom, in the 2 minutes or so he/she spends on your essay, the desire to meet you, to have you attend his/her school. You want to give them a reason to say yes. You don’t want to leave them with any lingering worries about problems you might have attending their school, or any school.
Bringing up those self esteem issues, in my opinion, does not “give them a reason to say yes.” So I see no reasons to include them in a college application.
But thank you, @Waiting@exhale , for making me reread my response. Again, the words sounded fine in my head at 5:37 A.M. In print, at 9:58 PM, they sounded very harsh. That was absolutely not my intention and, again, I apologize.
@bjkmom: I think you have misunderstood my exclamation. I thought it the most brilliantly concise piece of redirection that I have come across. (Since I’ve been on this website, I think there has been one other that took my breath away.) I did not think it brash or insensitive, nor snappy and ‘pull yourself up by your bootstrap,’ hard.
Too often we do get mired in what has been our struggle, and forget to show our shine.
Perhaps I should have said, “Wow! I’m going to remember to use this as young people approach me for words of advice. Even the modest, humble child who does not necessarily feel there are esteem issues to deal with, but who simply does not know how to blow one’s own horn, could use this statement as fuel in their tank.”
Further, how wonderful of you to care about the OP’s feelings enough, even with the veil of anonymity here on the internet, to come back and make redress.
Thanks to everyone for your help, and I really appreciate the outside perspectives. @bjkmom I didn’t think you were too harsh the first time, but I appreciate your kind follow-up comment.
I can definitely see the problem with the essay at this point. I am going to try to write a draft about finding my place in science and math with a positive tone. If anyone would be up for reading it when I am done, let me know
OP, I did not really understand the reference to “teachers who invalidate that feeling.” If you mean that you had teachers who got you over the feeling of low self-esteem in STEM, then SAY SO in a very positive way, Do not use a double negative to try to convey a positive. I almost think you meant that the teachers reinforced that feeling, but it’s really hard to tell from your post. If you would like a non-STEM reader (psych major/law school), PM me or send to this user name as a gmail address. I think I’ve helped others.
