I am applying to GS as a transfer student. I have about a five-year gap in my education, and I (like almost every other applicant, I’m sure) overcame some really big challenges which ultimately led to me going back to school. I know that transparency about these challenges will only help strengthen my case, but I am just wondering where I should draw the line. I am planning on writing about substance abuse, and (possibly) my experience as a sex-worker. I know these topics are taboo and I’m having trouble discerning how much I can really share about my experiences with these things (for example, what substances I abused and what kind of sex-work I did) without it seeming improper. Any advice at all would be helpful.
Your essays should be about things that will make the adcoms want you to be a student at their college. Your essays should not be about subjects that might make them second guess that you are a good match for their school.
I understand why you want to write about these things…but what positive happened that now enables you to consider applying to college. In my opinion, write about that.
We also have a service on this forum where folks will help you with your essays.
Maybe do a draft and have a reader give their honest feedback. Actually…you might try a couple of different essays and see which one the reader feels rises to the top.
https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/t/follow-these-steps-to-get-free-essay-feedback/3645578
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If you intent is to make an impact, you will because they may not like being made to feel very uncomfortable. Improper???Probably. TMI. You’ve gotten through a tough life. I don’t know if you realize that most people haven’t experienced what you want to relate. It may be offensive.
There is a reason it is taboo.
If you want to risk writing about it, then that’s on you. It could be written in a documentary style. But, don’t be surprised if it’s not accepted the way you intend for it to be accepted. I personally would not risk it.
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Agree. A college essay is not meant to be a soul-baring exercise. The purpose of a college essay is to make admissions officers want to have you as a student on campus.
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I used to tell students to write the essay with the thought “will the reader want me as their roommate”? Don’t scare them off. Good luck
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I can’t speak to what is proper or improper, but I wanted to take a moment to congratulate you on where you are today. You’ve clearly had a tough journey, and you seem to be on the precipice of one that should be rewarding. I wish you all the best.
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If accepted, will you be eligible for university housing ?
If so, do you plan to live in university housing ?
How recent were you using and how long ago did you work as a sex worker ?
Thinking about these points may help you to determine how much you want to share in your admission application essays.
That is so kind. Thank you!! A few years ago, I seriously could not have imagined myself where I am today.
I live in the area, so I might not be granted housing. Given the opportunity, I would absolutely love to live on campus. I started doing drugs/drinking/smoking cigarettes in 2015 as a 16 year old. I struggled with stimulant abuse for over 6 years. In 2021 I started stripping, went pretty crazy with coke and ecstasy, and very clearly saw where I was headed. I was nearing bottom and for the first time in my life, I decided to try and swim against the current. In September 2021 I began therapy. By November 2021 I quit my job at the club, ceased all drug use (even quit cigarettes on 12/31/21), and applied to community college. I am almost 2.5 years substance-free. They play a pretty pivotal role in my development as a person and, more importantly, as a student. I am 100% capable of writing a good essay that has nothing to do with either of those things, but I am also tempted to write about them because I know it is a very impactful, awe-inspiring story that would leave the reader cheering me on by the end.
Please re-read the advice above. But ultimately the essay topic is your choice.
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After reading the advice, I agree that it might be too inappropriate, uncomfortable, and sensitive of a topic. I’m confident I can still convey the insight I gained from my experiences without having to discuss drug use and sex work.
Obviously it’s your essay and you should write about what you want, but I was just reading a blog post about essay topics written by Sara Harberson (a former Dean of Admissions, now a private college counselor) where she said this:
“I do not recommend writing about learning differences, a student’s own mental health, and eating disorders. Until admissions offices are more transparent, I cannot trust them to treat a student fairly in the process when it comes to a learning or psychological diagnosis.”
She says that in her opinion there is still a lot of discrimination in admissions.
Good luck to you! And congrats on all you have overcome!
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