<p>Is it okay to write heartwrenchingly sad essays that might make the adcoms cry and feel sorry for you?</p>
<p>sure, it’s ok; a time-honored approach is the “difficulties I’ve faced, obstacles I’ve overcome” essay. However most people who attempt this actually end up writing the “I’m a misfit and complainer” essay which keeps you out instead of getting you in.</p>
<p>Those used to get people in, but adcoms are sick of things like that now. If you write something about a sad challenge that you faced, you need to emphasize how you grew from the experience or how the experience inspired you to take actions to help others. The “I’ve had a sad life. Pity me and admit me” approach doesn’t work. One big reason: The people who write those kind of essays tend to be victims who expect to have the world handed to them because they’ve had some tough breaks.</p>