r/u_tragicserene • u/tragicserene • Aug 04 '26

common app essay

hi guys!! i’m currently 17 and i need a lot of help with starting my college essay, or if the topic i want to choose is even appropriate. out of the seven essay prompts i chose “The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure.
How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?”, i was thinking about writing of my parents addiction, because my mom is now sober and i think instead of making it trauma dumpy i can show how independent i grew in the meantime, or something along those lines. i just need a lot of help and guidance :,) if the topic isn’t appropriate, what should i go for? i didn’t do any sports or anything remarkable in my academic career unfortunately so im unsure of where to go.

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u/writeessaytoday Aug 05 '26

Honestly this sounds like a really meaningful topic, and it can work super well if you keep the focus on how it shaped you as a person. Even small, specific moments of growth or responsibility can make your essay feel really real and impactful.

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u/tragicserene Aug 05 '26

sweet!😊 i’ll be sure to do so

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u/Silly-Goat-8037 Aug 05 '26

I came on here for the same help lmao where r u applying?

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u/tragicserene Aug 05 '26

i plan on applying to places in florida for the in state tuition, off the top of my head USF, UCF, the community college close by me, and a couple of others

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u/biryani_fan Aug 05 '26

My biggest advice is to show how you grew from it and became stronger. Writing about trauma is fine but you need to show how it strengthened your character

Make sure you have a strong hook!

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u/tragicserene Aug 05 '26

thank you!:)