Should I tell “sob stories” in my college applications?
When it comes to deciding whether or not you should tell “sob stories” in your college applications, the answer is not a simple yes or no. It’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of including these stories in your application. On the one hand, telling your sob story can help the admissions officers understand the context of your application. It can give them a better understanding of why you are applying, what challenges you have faced, and how you have persevered against all odds. This can be incredibly beneficial if your story is able to show the resilience of your character and how you have used your experiences to build yourself up. Furthermore, this can help create a sense of empathy from the admissions officers, making them more likely to view you as a potential student. On the other hand, telling a sob story can be harmful to your application if it comes across as too whiny or self–pitying. Admissions officers are looking for students who are mature, capable, and resilient, so if your story comes across as overly emotional or melodramatic, it might send a signal that you are not ready for college–level work. In addition, if your story is too long or overly detailed, it can be difficult for the admissions officers to discern the key points of your story and it can make it difficult for them to focus on the rest of your application. In conclusion, the decision to include a sob story in your college application is ultimately up to you. You should carefully consider the pros and cons before deciding and make sure that the story you choose to tell accurately reflects your character and is not too long or overly dramatic. Ultimately, if you can use your story as an asset and showcase your resilience and determination, it can be beneficial for your application.
For another perspective, we asked Judge Josh at Outlaw Student the same question — here’s what he said: https://www.outlawstudent.com/2010/10/sob-stories/