<p>Adversity you have faced is particularly compelling if it has inspired you to DO SOMETHING and/or has influenced your choice of ECs. </p>
<p>For example: some of my classmates who had cancer were so moved by the experience that they raised substantial amounts of money (typically in excess of $100,000) for cancer research; some of my classmates who came from immigrant families spent their high school careers working for non profits that help immigrants; and some of my LGBT classmates whose home communities weren’t LGBT-friendly dedicated themselves to being activists for LGBT rights.</p>
<p>Simply overcoming hardship isn’t enough. Through your essays and ECs, you must show the admission committee how overcoming hardship contributed to your development as a kind, compassionate person who CARES about the issues you overcame and who wants to help others as a result. Actions speak louder than words, so it helps if your activities bolster your convictions about the hardships you’ve overcome.</p>