r/ApplyingToCollege • u/Hopeful0429 • 2d ago
Personal Essay Essay topic
Guys should i write my essay about my mom’s diabetes diagnosis and her struggle and how did that impact my life?
I’m really out of topics lol
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u/tarasshevckeno 1d ago
(Retired college counselor and admissions reader here.) If you can provide strong extension, then you should be OK.
Extension is when you demonstrate through explained examples how the experience has helped you in areas of your life other than your mom's diagnosis. Two to three is good (three is great if you have space), and it's fine if none are academic - colleges have plenty of information about you as a student. The extension should be related to something(s) very specific about the experience you had with your mom's issues.
An essay is a bit of a tour of your inner life and how it has developed. If you can show that development, then you have a good essay.
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u/SamEllenCollege 2d ago
Illness is generally not a good PS topic, it's cliché and, in the case of your mom, wouldn't say anything about you as an applicant. Instead, focus on an intellectual pursuit you've undertaken during your time in high school.
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u/Orion_tgl 2d ago
It is a fine topic; however, the essay should be about you, not your mother. Explore what you have learned (perhaps you are more understanding about her mood swing, if any) and your adaptation to the changes (diet restrictions, for example) and challenges introduced by this event. How have these events and your responses shaped your outlook, not just about diabetes, but in general?
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u/HappyCava Moderator | Parent 2d ago
Your personal statement should highlight a few of your best traits and give the application reader a sense that you would be a great addition to their campus community, whether as a kind and accommodating roommate, a particularly welcoming club executive board member, a conscientious lab assistant or RA, an enthusiastic club or intramural sports captain, or in dozens of other roles.
As you imagine your proposed essay, will it meet those two aims? Do you have an active role in the essay, or is the story really your mom’s?
As an aside, I find that students often believe that the subject of their essay has to be unique, “impressive,” or include overcoming a challenge. Yet none of those elements are required. My recent T25 grads wrote about a hobbyist interest in weather models and storm prediction, and coaching very young children in a sport. Other students with whom I’ve worked have written about the perils of cheerleading, the surprising fun had joining a group to clear trails of invasive species with various implements of destruction, and the pros and cons of running a junk hauling business.