Substance Abuse and Challenges Faced Secondary Question

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almostnever

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I'm trying to answer the secondary question "What challenges have you faced?" and am wondering if talking about growing up with a parent with substance abuse problems reflects poorly on me at all.

Is it best to leave any relatives' psych issues out of my app? I plan on writing about how I am stronger now and grew as a person after dealing with these issues, not dwelling on how awful it was.

Thoughts?
 
I'm mentioning it in apps in which I've already used all my go-to stories. As long as you focus on the positives - how you coped and what you've learned - I don't think it should be an issue. *crossing fingers*
 
I'm trying to answer the secondary question "What challenges have you faced?" and am wondering if talking about growing up with a parent with substance abuse problems reflects poorly on me at all.

Is it best to leave any relatives' psych issues out of my app? I plan on writing about how I am stronger now and grew as a person after dealing with these issues, not dwelling on how awful it was.

Thoughts?
I would not worry that it will reflect poorly on you. It is a good idea, though, to do as you planned and make sure that you don't dwell on how awful it was.
 
My roommate had substance abuse problems and my professor who writes a lot of letters of recommendation encouraged me to mention it somewhere along the application process.

As long as you are emphasizing the learning process and obstacles you overcame like you planned it won't reflect poorly on you.

Best of luck!
 
NO! Why on earth should it? I've had students who were physically abused and/or homeless. If they can do it, so can you.

I'm trying to answer the secondary question "What challenges have you faced?" and am wondering if talking about growing up with a parent with substance abuse problems reflects poorly on me at all.

Is it best to leave any relatives' psych issues out of my app? I plan on writing about how I am stronger now and grew as a person after dealing with these issues, not dwelling on how awful it was.

Thoughts?
 
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