Essay topic -thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Just listening to an episode of Your College Bound Kid podcast that specifically mentioned why your child’s essay is a bad idea.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the others. Too many ways for this to go wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think it’s a good idea. Even though it is a major accomplishment to deal w a very difficult person, it doesn’t come across well to use valuable real estate to describe a difficult person. A situation is ok, but a difficult person makes your DC sound petty of difficult himself.

Yes, yes, yes. I can't imagine this will go down well. If the essay is remembered by admissions staff, then it will be b/c it is mocked.

[Anonymous]

That’s a no. And I’m sorry I know your DC is dealing with crap but I think everyone has a story about a bad coach or teacher, not the way to go in an essay.

[Anonymous]

Agree with others; not a good idea. In general, college essays have to be positive and should focus on what the student learned/how they grew from the experience. There are cases where one may be able to talk about a traumatic incident but focus on how they overcame it, but this one risks being seen as whiny and petty.

[Anonymous]

Why would the counselor see it? Def did not see my DS's essays.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.collegeessayguy.com

I'd see if this guy has anything to say about the subject.
I think it could be okay for the "overcome" essay but probably hope my kid could write something else for the main essay. But I'm no expert.

Yes, a good point about other things. And that is likely. But this is something we were discussing on a list of others and I was just wondering what people thought about it, generally. I wanted to see any pros/cons. It definitely is a significant overcoming story but that doesn't mean it should be used, I agree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NEVER, EVER complain about a school, professional or personal relationship unless it's objectively bad. Objectively means legally: someone was at least arrested by police, if not sentenced.

Otherwise you come across as a whiner if you don't have evidence.

This 100% and 100% again.

OP you're backing the wrong horse. Drop this and focus on something genuinely positive ( rather, have your kid do this)

I'm not "backing" anything. I"m just asking. As I said, this was just something we were talking about in the abstract and it got me thinking whether that was a good idea or not.

[Anonymous]

People are out here overcoming poverty and homeless and getting into college and your kid wants to write about this “hardship” … ok then.

[Anonymous]

Don't write about overcoming anything unless your kid has been homeless or similar. Even then, it may not be the best topic. There are too many ways it can go wrong. Write about something that puts your dc in the best possible light.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NEVER, EVER complain about a school, professional or personal relationship unless it's objectively bad. Objectively means legally: someone was at least arrested by police, if not sentenced.

Otherwise you come across as a whiner if you don't have evidence.

This 100% and 100% again.

OP you're backing the wrong horse. Drop this and focus on something genuinely positive ( rather, have your kid do this)

I'm not "backing" anything. I"m just asking. As I said, this was just something we were talking about in the abstract and it got me thinking whether that was a good idea or not.

It's just an expression you don't need to get your panties in a twist. Everyone is telling you it is a bad idea and that was just my way of wording it. IT IS A BAD IDEA. YOU ARE PROBABLY A BIT OF A FOOL.

[Anonymous]

I don't like the topic as you positioned it, as others have said, it can easily come off as whiny or privileged, could paint your DC in a negative light.
I wonder if they take a different approach, it might work as a descriptive essay, what it feels like to work through adversity, and what it feels like to come through the other side. The context could be removed entirely. Your DC could take it to an in the moment kind of place which might be an interesting perspective on them as a person

[Anonymous]

I agree with everyone…mostly because there is often one AWFUL teacher at every school that kids have to suffer through. My own daughter has one now. It’s truly miserable. But it’s not a unique story so I’d move on. Keep brainstorming!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NEVER, EVER complain about a school, professional or personal relationship unless it's objectively bad. Objectively means legally: someone was at least arrested by police, if not sentenced.

Otherwise you come across as a whiner if you don't have evidence.

This 100% and 100% again.

OP you're backing the wrong horse. Drop this and focus on something genuinely positive ( rather, have your kid do this)

I'm not "backing" anything. I"m just asking. As I said, this was just something we were talking about in the abstract and it got me thinking whether that was a good idea or not.

Hey it’s good you asked! Feedback is helpful.

[Anonymous]

omg the kid might as well title the essay "Mommy is on my side, not the teacher's." Will likely be seen as a brat with permissive parents.