Writing an essay about NEGATIVE experience?

College Essays
1

<p>One of the topics on the Common App involves writing about an experience that has changed you. Would it be detrimental to write about an experience with a group/organization that has been inherently negative? For example, writing that although your time spent in a robotics/math club was full of rude, obnoxious, manipulating adults, you still were able to be the most successful member, and accrued many local, state, and national awards. Is this a bad idea? If it was taken from the perspective of "making the best of a situation" and extracting methods with which to tolerate difficult people, would it still be a taboo topic?</p>

<p>Any insight would be greatly welcomed and appreciated.</p>

2

<p>I think it depends on how you approach the topic. You have the potential to sound bitter and even arrogant and obnoxious, which is something you want to avoid, so be very careful when writing it. Focus on yourself and what you learned, and not on the "rude, obnoxious, manipulating adults."</p>

<p>At this point in the year, since you have lots of time, I'd say write the essay, and get someone you trust to give an honest opinion to read it.</p>

3

<p>That's very true. Bitterness would be not be an unlikely tone in that essay. Maybe I will find a different topic. Thanks! haha.</p>