Talking about my background (divorced parents, alcoholic father, brother with autism and anxiety) and how I’ve grown from that and I used to fear that it would define me but I’ve since then realized that I am my own person and there’s no reason I should be held back when I can move forward and do positive things. I came to recognize that no one is inherently bad, or good, or smart, or stupid. You can always do better, but that’s a choice you have to make.
I feel like it’d be very very cheesy and I’ve heard many people advise against writing the sob story. =/ I’m worried it won’t stand out and seem like I’m asking for pity and it just seems like it might be weird but I’m not quite sure what else would be interesting to write about I haven’t had many other unique experiences.
If that’s what you really want to write about, go for it. As long as you don’t over-dramatize it you’ll be fine. Just be authentic, and be you. Admissions officers want to read an essay and see YOU on the paper
@lilypippilli I get that, but also I’m not sure if talking about that in my life would make it difficult to indicate other traits that make me more of a normal person.
Maybe you could write about it indirectly. For example, you could write about an extracurricular that you’re really passionate about, a place you love to go, or a hobby that has kind of taken you away from the stresses of your environment. Or you could write about the first thing you’ve succeeded at, or the first positive thing that you did that changed how you thought about your abilities and potential.
Don’t throw everything into the pot. Pick one siruation (maybe brother w autism) and share an anecdote. Tell a story and seguay from there. Pivot and make a connection to something unique about you as a result of the situation. It should be a surprising discovery, unexpected. Ideally, your essay could only be written by you. It’s all about the little details. If you can infuse humor into a non-humorous situation without being negative or insulting all the better. It’s a difficult dance. You want your essay to stand out. Boiler plate cliche (my parents got divorced when I was x) won’t do it. Tell a small story they won’t forget then connect it to how it’s changed and inspired you. Good luck.
A sob story can look either really bad or really good. If you feel it says a lot about who you are, go for it!
I would definitely give your essay to someone you trust to read over. You want the reader to think, “Wow, that’s amazing that (s)he got through that!” rather than that you are trying to earn pity.
And I agree with 4Gulls. Definitely pick one situation.
The main character unexpectedly finds himself/herself listening in from the room next door, or quietly walks back a step or two, upon watching/hearing in on a private interaction.
It’s an important poignant scene, a revealing snapshot or cause for a reflective moment.
Narrate that scene, and give the readers a peek into your world. Share and let them listen into your thoughts as well. Sometimes it’s the simple, organic truths that can build a strong connection.
@lilypippili Sorry for being unclear, I suppose I just mean I am not defined by my background, I don’t want everything I write in my college application to be all serious and/or sad like I am also just a regular teenager.
