<p>I wrote my CommonApp essay on Prompt 1:</p>
<p>“Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.”</p>
<p>It was about testifying against my parents for child abuse. Is this too risky of an essay to send to a school that has a Catholic affiliation? The school is Seattle University. It is not that hardcore religious, as the school itself is very liberal, but I am worried that my essay will offend the admissions officers, or that they won’t be able to sympathize with it. :/</p>
<p>STheart
I think the admissions officer at Seattle University will be sympathetic.
Your story fits the prompt. You found the strength to survive abuse, to testify in court, to believe in yourself and to plan your future. Not everyone could have done as well.</p>
<p>Mom of rising freshman</p>
<p>Sorry to bump an old thread, but I just noticed this post and wanted to give some insight from an admissions office perspective.</p>
<p>I agree with Evelyn, that admissions offers would be sympathetic. Jesuit universities (and other high schools and colleges) have retreats and prayer group programs where we encourage students to open up about their beliefs and their personal experiences (I went on Kairos XIII at WJU!). I don’t see any Jesuit university starting a relationship with you by frowning on your openness about your past. More broadly, I would be surprised if any university anywhere would be offended by your essay.</p>
<p>Also, keep in mind that admissions officers are people too! You don’t know who is reading your application and what life experiences they’ve been through.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you in your college application process.</p>
<p>Depending on the content, your topic is risky in general, not simply for Jesuit school. </p>
<p>The two comments above are overly-trusting in my opinion. Neither person has read what you’ve written, and neither have I, so this must be stated - </p>
<p>Are you on healthy terms with your family now? Not to put to question the legitimacy of your claims, but your story can easily cast you as a domestic version of Judas. Many people have family problems and can sympathize, but very rarely is it taken to the law. Why exactly have you chosen to write about this? Does your story have a happy ending - involving consolation and peace-making with your family? </p>
<p>You need to tread carefully, as I see you are using this for the common application as well.</p>