Should You Write Your Common App Essay About the Passing of a Loved One?
The college application process is a stressful time for many students. There are so many things to think about, from choosing the right colleges to writing strong essays. And then there’s the dreaded Common App essay, which can feel like an insurmountable hurdle.
One question that many students have is whether or not they should write their Common App essay about the passing of a loved one. It’s a tough topic, and it’s easy to see why some people might advise against it. After all, death is a sensitive subject, and it can be hard to write about without becoming overly emotional or sentimental.
But the truth is that there’s no right or wrong answer to this question. It really depends on the individual student and the specific circumstances. If you’re thinking about writing about the death of a loved one in your Common App essay, here are a few things to consider:
1. Why do you want to write about this?
The first step is to figure out why you want to write about this topic. Is it because you feel like it’s the most important thing that’s happened in your life? Or are you trying to impress the admissions committee with your maturity and resilience?
If you’re writing about death simply to make a strong impression, it’s probably not the best idea. The admissions committee wants to get to know you, not just read about a tragic event. They want to see your personality, your values, and your goals.
But if you’re writing about death because it’s something that has truly shaped who you are, then it could be a powerful and meaningful topic. Just make sure you’re able to write about it in a way that is both honest and insightful.
2. Can you do it justice?
Writing about death can be incredibly difficult. It’s not something that everyone can do well. If you’re going to write about it, you need to be able to do it justice.
That means being able to write in a way that is both emotionally honest and intellectually engaging. You need to be able to connect your personal experience to broader themes and ideas. And you need to be able to do all of this in a way that is both compelling and concise.
If you’re not sure if you can do this, it might be a good idea to choose a different topic. There are plenty of other things you can write about that will show off your personality and your writing skills.
3. Is it the right fit for the prompt?
The Common App essay prompts are designed to give you a chance to share your story and your unique perspective. Not all prompts are created equal. Some prompts are more flexible than others, and some prompts are more likely to lend themselves to a story about death than others. Be sure to choose a prompt that allows you to explore the topic in a way that is both meaningful and relevant to you.
4. Are you ready for the emotional roller coaster?
Writing about death can be emotionally draining, so it’s important to be prepared for that. If you’re not sure if you’re ready to revisit this painful time in your life, it might be best to choose a different topic.
And even if you are ready to write about it, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to work through your emotions. You might find that you need to take breaks from writing, or that you need to talk to a therapist or counselor. Don’t be afraid to seek help if you need it.
5. Is this the right time?
If you’re still grieving the loss of a loved one, it might not be the right time to write about it. You need to allow yourself time to heal and process your emotions. Writing about death too soon after it happens can be harmful and retraumatizing. Give yourself the time and space you need to heal before revisiting this topic.
Why Some People Think You Should Avoid Writing About Death
So, why do some people think you should avoid writing about death in your Common App essay? There are a few reasons:
First, writing about death can be very difficult, as we discussed above. It can be emotionally draining, and it can be hard to do justice to the topic without becoming overly sentimental or cliche.
Second, some people believe that writing about death is too “heavy” for a college application essay. They argue that the essay should be about your hopes and dreams, not your losses.
Third, some people believe that writing about death will make you seem like a “sad case” to the admissions committee. They worry that it will make you seem like you’re not resilient or that you’re not able to move on from the past.
But these are all misconceptions. Writing about death does not necessarily mean you’re going to write a sad and overly emotional essay. It’s possible to write about death in a way that is both honest and insightful without making it the focus of your essay.
What to Do If You Decide to Write About Death
If you decide to write about the death of a loved one in your Common App essay, here are a few tips:
1. Be honest and authentic. Don’t try to sugarcoat your experience or make it seem like something it wasn’t.
2. Focus on the impact the event had on you. What did you learn from it? How did it change you? What are you grateful for?
3. Don’t dwell on the negative aspects. It’s okay to acknowledge grief and sadness, but don’t let those emotions take over your essay.
4. Show, don’t tell. Use vivid language and specific details to bring your story to life.
5. Connect your experience to your future goals. How has this experience shaped your aspirations and your desire to pursue higher education?
6. Get feedback from trusted friends and family. Ask them if your essay is honest, engaging, and insightful.
Remember, It’s Your Story
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to write about the death of a loved one in your Common App essay is up to you. It’s your story, and you should write about what feels most authentic and meaningful to you.
If you do choose to write about death, remember that it’s okay to be vulnerable and honest. The admissions committee is looking for students who are thoughtful, reflective, and able to connect with others on a deeper level. Don’t be afraid to let your true self shine through in your writing.
If you need further help, answer or research resources about writing your Common App essay, you can connect with us at the JobLoving community. We’re here to help you navigate the college application process and find your perfect fit.