Writing Common App Essay on Dad’s Cancer

College Essays
1

Hi guys, I will be a high school senior and I have started applying to colleges. For my common app essay, I decided to write about my dad’s brain cancer, the discovery of it, my responsibilities since, and how my family and I have reacted to it. In writing about his cancer as an essay, does that come off as overly sharing or anything? It’s been a big part of my life recently so I feel like it’s an important part of my application.

Thanks for your advice!

2

I think your essay idea is a very good one. I think it is one where you can show your authenticity and who you are as a person. Best wishes to your dad and your family. Good luck with your applications!

3

When writing, remember that the essay is not about your father’s cancer. It’s about how you responded to a challenging situation and took on responsibility and how it shaped you as a person.

4

Thank you @Empireapple, he’s doing very well right now. I appreciate the help!

@wisteria100 yes, I made sure to emphasize how things and my life were now different, how I have a new outlook, and how some of my character traits have grew stronger since then. Thank you!

5

We don’t know what colleges. But it’s not just about being genuine. The more competitive colleges are looking for certain attributes they want in their community. If you can show those, so much the better.

Otoh, when kids write about how important their family responsibilities are, it can make it seem they can’t easily leave home. The focus on how integral you are can leave questions. So be aware of that, try to recognize what comes across. Best wishes.

6

I think if you focus on how it made you stronger as a person now that you had to deal with this you are ready and prepared to take on college and the new challenges that lie ahead.

My daughter wrote on losing her grandmother 3 days after losing her great grandmother and how it affected her mother. She tied the 3 generations of women and how it made her who she is today. It was an amazing essay and 11/12 colleges agreed.

Good luck and continued good health to your father.