<p>Try not to throw so many negative things into the essay, trust me that’s what I was doing when I was working on them last year, but thankfully my counselor was able to advise me before it was too late. Instead, mention it and talk about what you learn from it and how it has impacted you as a person/student etc. They want to see that even though you’ve been through a lot you can still overtake any other obstacle (in this case Cal’s tough academic environment). For one of my essays I mentioned some personal things, but I also explained why those events helped me realize my passions/dreams etc. For the essay about your major, again I mentioned some pretty personal things, but I also talked about relevant work/classes to my major and why I truly wanted to pursue that career etc. They want to see that you’re passionate about your major (without sounding like you’re desperate for their sympathy or even mentioning the word passionate), and they also want to know that despite all of those obstacles you have what it takes for Cal and that you have a unique story to contribute to Cal (make yourself stand out from the rest). Talk to your counselor or adviser, that’s what I did and thanks to their help I was able to get in at Cal. I wish you the best 
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