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college essay about overcoming adversity

How to Write the “Overcoming Challenges” Essay + Examples

What’s covered:.

  • What is the Overcoming Challenges Essay?
  • Real Overcoming Challenges Essay Prompts
  • How to Choose a Topic
  • Writing Tips

Overcoming Challenges Essay Examples

  • Where to Get Your Essay Edited

While any college essay can be intimidating, the Overcoming Challenges prompt often worries students the most. Those students who’ve been lucky enough not to experience trauma tend to assume they have nothing worth saying. On the other hand, students who’ve overcome larger obstacles may be hesitant to talk about them.

Regardless of your particular circumstances, there are steps you can take to make the essay writing process simpler. Here are our top tips for writing the overcoming challenges essay successfully.

What is the “Overcoming Challenges” Essay?

The overcoming challenges prompt shows up frequently in both main application essays (like the Common App) and supplemental essays. Because supplemental essays allow students to provide schools with additional information, applicants should be sure that the subject matter they choose to write about differs from what’s in their main essay.

Students often assume the overcoming challenges essay requires them to detail past traumas. While you can certainly write about an experience that’s had a profound effect on your life, it’s important to remember that colleges aren’t evaluating students based on the seriousness of the obstacle they overcame.

On the contrary, the goal of this essay is to show admissions officers that you have the intelligence and fortitude to handle any challenges that come your way. After all, college serves as an introduction to adult life, and schools want to know that the students they admit are up to the task. 

Real “Overcoming Challenges” Essay Prompts

To help you understand what the “Overcoming Challenges” essay looks like, here are a couple sample prompts.

Currently, the Common Application asks students to answer the following prompt in 650 words or less:

“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?”

For the past several years, MIT has prompted students to write 200 to 250 words on the following:

“Tell us about the most significant challenge you’ve faced or something important that didn’t go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?”

In both cases, the prompts explicitly ask for your response to the challenge. The event itself isn’t as important as how it pushed you to grow.

How to Choose a Topic for an Essay on Overcoming Challenges

When it comes to finding the best topic for your overcoming challenges essays, there’s no right answer. The word “challenge” is ambiguous and could be used to reference a wide range of situations from prevailing over a bully to getting over your lifelong stage fright to appear in a school musical. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind when selecting an essay subject.

1. Avoid trivial or common topics

While there aren’t many hard-and-fast rules for choosing an essay topic, students should avoid overdone topics.

These include:

  • Working hard in a challenging class
  • Overcoming a sports injury
  • Moving schools or immigrating to the US
  • Tragedy (divorce, death, abuse)

Admissions officers have read numerous essays on the subject, so it’s harder for you to stand out (see our full list of cliché college essay topics to avoid ). If events like these were truly formative to you, you can still choose to write about them, but you’ll need to be as personal as possible. 

It’s also ideal if you have a less traditional storyline for a cliché topic; for example, if your sports injury led you to discover a new passion, that would be a more unique story than detailing how you overcame your injury and got back in the game.

Similarly, students may not want to write about an obstacle that admissions committees could perceive as low stakes, such as getting a B on a test, or getting into a small fight with a friend. The goal of this essay is to illustrate how you respond to adversity, so the topic you pick should’ve been at least impactful on your personal growth.

2. Pick challenges that demonstrate qualities you want to highlight

Students often mistakenly assume they need to have experienced exceptional circumstances like poverty, an abusive parent, or cancer to write a good essay. The truth is that the best topics will allow you to highlight specific personal qualities and share more about who you are. The essay should be less about the challenge itself, and more about how you responded to it.

Ask yourself what personality traits you want to emphasize, and see what’s missing in your application. Maybe you want to highlight your adaptability, for example, but that isn’t clearly expressed in your application. In this case, you might write about a challenge that put your adaptability to the test, or shaped you to become more adaptable.

Here are some examples of good topics we’ve seen over the years:

  • Not having a coach for a sports team and becoming one yourself
  • Helping a parent through a serious health issue
  • Trying to get the school track dedicated to a coach
  • Having to switch your Model UN position last-minute

Tips for Writing an Essay About Overcoming Challenges

Once you’ve selected a topic for your essays, it’s time to sit down and write. For best results, make sure your essay focuses on your efforts to tackle an obstacle rather than the problem itself. Additionally, you could avoid essay writing pitfalls by doing the following:

1. Choose an original essay structure

If you want your overcoming challenges essay to attract attention, aim to break away from more traditional structures. Most of these essays start by describing an unsuccessful attempt at a goal and then explain the steps the writer took to master the challenge. 

You can stand out by choosing a challenge you’re still working on overcoming, or focus on a mental or emotional challenge that spans multiple activities or events. For example, you might discuss your fear of public speaking and how that impacted your ability to coach your brother’s Little League team and run for Student Council. 

You can also choose a challenge that can be narrated in the moment, such as being put on the spot to teach a yoga class. These challenges can make particularly engaging essays, as you get to experience the writer’s thoughts and emotions as they unfold.

Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need to have succeeded in your goal for this essay. Maybe you ran for an election and lost, or maybe you proposed a measure to the school board that wasn’t passed. It’s still possible to write a strong essay about topics like these as long as you focus on your personal growth. In fact, these may make for even stronger essays since they are more unconventional topics.

2. Focus on the internal

When writing about past experiences, you may be tempted to spend too much time describing specific people and events. With an Overcoming Challenges essay though, the goal is to focus on your thoughts and feelings.

For example, rather than detail all the steps you took to become a better public speaker, use the majority of your essay to describe your mental state as you embarked on the journey to achieving your goals. Were you excited, scared, anxious, or hopeful? Don’t be afraid to let the reader in on your innermost emotions and thoughts during this process.

3. Share what you learned 

An Overcoming Challenges essay should leave the reader with a clear understanding of what you learned on your journey, be it physical, mental, or emotional. There’s no need to explicitly say “this experience taught me X,” but your essay should at least implicitly share any lessons you learned. This can be done through your actions and in-the-moment reflections. Remember that the goal is to show admissions committees why your experiences make you a great candidate for admission. 

Was I no longer the beloved daughter of nature, whisperer of trees? Knee-high rubber boots, camouflage, bug spray—I wore the g arb and perfume of a proud wild woman, yet there I was, hunched over the pathetic pile of stubborn sticks, utterly stumped, on the verge of tears. As a child, I had considered myself a kind of rustic princess, a cradler of spiders and centipedes, who was serenaded by mourning doves and chickadees, who could glide through tick-infested meadows and emerge Lyme-free. I knew the cracks of the earth like the scars on my own rough palms. Yet here I was, ten years later, incapable of performing the most fundamental outdoor task: I could not, for the life of me, start a fire. 

Furiously I rubbed the twigs together—rubbed and rubbed until shreds of skin flaked from my fingers. No smoke. The twigs were too young, too sticky-green; I tossed them away with a shower of curses, and began tearing through the underbrush in search of a more flammable collection. My efforts were fruitless. Livid, I bit a rejected twig, determined to prove that the forest had spurned me, offering only young, wet bones that would never burn. But the wood cracked like carrots between my teeth—old, brittle, and bitter. Roaring and nursing my aching palms, I retreated to the tent, where I sulked and awaited the jeers of my family. 

Rattling their empty worm cans and reeking of fat fish, my brother and cousins swaggered into the campsite. Immediately, they noticed the minor stick massacre by the fire pit and called to me, their deep voices already sharp with contempt. 

“Where’s the fire, Princess Clara?” they taunted. “Having some trouble?” They prodded me with the ends of the chewed branches and, with a few effortless scrapes of wood on rock, sparked a red and roaring flame. My face burned long after I left the fire pit. The camp stank of salmon and shame. 

In the tent, I pondered my failure. Was I so dainty? Was I that incapable? I thought of my hands, how calloused and capable they had been, how tender and smooth they had become. It had been years since I’d kneaded mud between my fingers; instead of scaling a white pine, I’d practiced scales on my piano, my hands softening into those of a musician—fleshy and sensitive. And I’d gotten glasses, having grown horrifically nearsighted; long nights of dim lighting and thick books had done this. I couldn’t remember the last time I had lain down on a hill, barefaced, and seen the stars without having to squint. Crawling along the edge of the tent, a spider confirmed my transformation—he disgusted me, and I felt an overwhelming urge to squash him. 

Yet, I realized I hadn’t really changed—I had only shifted perspective. I still eagerly explored new worlds, but through poems and prose rather than pastures and puddles. I’d grown to prefer the boom of a bass over that of a bullfrog, learned to coax a different kind of fire from wood, having developed a burn for writing rhymes and scrawling hypotheses. 

That night, I stayed up late with my journal and wrote about the spider I had decided not to kill. I had tolerated him just barely, only shrieking when he jumped—it helped to watch him decorate the corners of the tent with his delicate webs, knowing that he couldn’t start fires, either. When the night grew cold and the embers died, my words still smoked—my hands burned from all that scrawling—and even when I fell asleep, the ideas kept sparking—I was on fire, always on fire.

This essay is an excellent example because the writer turns an everyday challenge—starting a fire—into an exploration of her identity. The writer was once “a kind of rustic princess, a cradler of spiders and centipedes,” but has since traded her love of the outdoors for a love of music, writing, and reading. 

The story begins in media res , or in the middle of the action, allowing readers to feel as if we’re there with the writer. One of the essay’s biggest strengths is its use of imagery. We can easily visualize the writer’s childhood and the present day. For instance, she states that she “rubbed and rubbed [the twigs] until shreds of skin flaked from my fingers.”

The writing has an extremely literary quality, particularly with its wordplay. The writer reappropriates words and meanings, and even appeals to the senses: “My face burned long after I left the fire pit. The camp stank of salmon and shame.” She later uses a parallelism to cleverly juxtapose her changed interests: “instead of scaling a white pine, I’d practiced scales on my piano.”

One of the essay’s main areas of improvement is its overemphasis on the “story” and lack of emphasis on the reflection. The second to last paragraph about changing perspective is crucial to the essay, as it ties the anecdote to larger lessons in the writer’s life. She states that she hasn’t changed, but has only shifted perspective. Yet, we don’t get a good sense of where this realization comes from and how it impacts her life going forward. 

The end of the essay offers a satisfying return to the fire imagery, and highlights the writer’s passion—the one thing that has remained constant in her life.

“Getting beat is one thing – it’s part of competing – but I want no part in losing.” Coach Rob Stark’s motto never fails to remind me of his encouragement on early-morning bus rides to track meets around the state. I’ve always appreciated the phrase, but an experience last June helped me understand its more profound, universal meaning.

Stark, as we affectionately call him, has coached track at my high school for 25 years. His care, dedication, and emphasis on developing good character has left an enduring impact on me and hundreds of other students. Not only did he help me discover my talent and love for running, but he also taught me the importance of commitment and discipline and to approach every endeavor with the passion and intensity that I bring to running. When I learned a neighboring high school had dedicated their track to a longtime coach, I felt that Stark deserved similar honors.

Our school district’s board of education indicated they would only dedicate our track to Stark if I could demonstrate that he was extraordinary. I took charge and mobilized my teammates to distribute petitions, reach out to alumni, and compile statistics on the many team and individual champions Stark had coached over the years. We received astounding support, collecting almost 3,000 signatures and pages of endorsements from across the community. With help from my teammates, I presented this evidence to the board.

They didn’t bite. 

Most members argued that dedicating the track was a low priority. Knowing that we had to act quickly to convince them of its importance, I called a team meeting where we drafted a rebuttal for the next board meeting. To my surprise, they chose me to deliver it. I was far from the best public speaker in the group, and I felt nervous about going before the unsympathetic board again. However, at that second meeting, I discovered that I enjoy articulating and arguing for something that I’m passionate about.

Public speaking resembles a cross country race. Walking to the starting line, you have to trust your training and quell your last minute doubts. When the gun fires, you can’t think too hard about anything; your performance has to be instinctual, natural, even relaxed. At the next board meeting, the podium was my starting line. As I walked up to it, familiar butterflies fluttered in my stomach. Instead of the track stretching out in front of me, I faced the vast audience of teachers, board members, and my teammates. I felt my adrenaline build, and reassured myself: I’ve put in the work, my argument is powerful and sound. As the board president told me to introduce myself, I heard, “runners set” in the back of my mind. She finished speaking, and Bang! The brief silence was the gunshot for me to begin. 

The next few minutes blurred together, but when the dust settled, I knew from the board members’ expressions and the audience’s thunderous approval that I had run quite a race. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough; the board voted down our proposal. I was disappointed, but proud of myself, my team, and our collaboration off the track. We stood up for a cause we believed in, and I overcame my worries about being a leader. Although I discovered that changing the status quo through an elected body can be a painstakingly difficult process and requires perseverance, I learned that I enjoy the challenges this effort offers. Last month, one of the school board members joked that I had become a “regular” – I now often show up to meetings to advocate for a variety of causes, including better environmental practices in cafeterias and safer equipment for athletes.

Just as Stark taught me, I worked passionately to achieve my goal. I may have been beaten when I appealed to the board, but I certainly didn’t lose, and that would have made Stark proud.

While the writer didn’t succeed in getting the track dedicated to Coach Stark, their essay is certainly successful in showing their willingness to push themselves and take initiative.

The essay opens with a quote from Coach Stark that later comes full circle at the end of the essay. We learn about Stark’s impact and the motivation for trying to get the track dedicated to him.

One of the biggest areas of improvement in the intro, however, is how the essay tells us Stark’s impact rather than showing us: His care, dedication, and emphasis on developing good character has left an enduring impact on me and hundreds of other students. Not only did he help me discover my talent and love for running, but he also taught me the importance of commitment and discipline and to approach every endeavor with the passion and intensity that I bring to running.

The writer could’ve helped us feel a stronger emotional connection to Stark if they had included examples of Stark’s qualities, rather than explicitly stating them. For example, they could’ve written something like: Stark was the kind of person who would give you gas money if you told him your parents couldn’t afford to pick you up from practice. And he actually did that—several times. At track meets, alumni regularly would come talk to him and tell him how he’d changed their lives. Before Stark, I was ambivalent about running and was on the JV team, but his encouragement motivated me to run longer and harder and eventually make varsity. Because of him, I approach every endeavor with the passion and intensity that I bring to running.

The essay goes on to explain how the writer overcame their apprehension of public speaking, and likens the process of submitting an appeal to the school board to running a race. This metaphor makes the writing more engaging and allows us to feel the student’s emotions.

While the student didn’t ultimately succeed in getting the track dedicated, we learn about their resilience and initiative: I now often show up to meetings to advocate for a variety of causes, including better environmental practices in cafeterias and safer equipment for athletes.

Overall, this essay is well-done. It demonstrates growth despite failing to meet a goal, which is a unique essay structure. The running metaphor and full-circle intro/ending also elevate the writing in this essay.

Where to Get Your Overcoming Challenges Essay Edited

The Overcoming Challenges essay is one of the trickier supplemental prompts, so it’s important to get feedback on your drafts. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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college essay about overcoming adversity

One Expert's Advice to Help You Write a Strong Overcoming Adversity Essay

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Leslie Tucker PhD, Jun 07, 2021

Learn how to pick the right adversity story and write an impressive overcoming adversity essay

Whether you’re working on college or scholarship applications, you’re bound to come across the overcoming adversity essay sooner or later. While every type of college application essay is unique, the overcoming adversity essay presents particular challenges for students.

What’s the best way to talk about the adversity in your life? What if you come off as too whiny? What if you don’t have any significant obstacles to write about? Will you be at a disadvantage?

Every year, my students ask me how to tackle this tricky part of their college applications. Luckily for you, I’ve developed a fool-proof approach for writing the overcoming adversity essay , and I’m eager to share it.

Keep reading to learn why the adversity essay is important, how to choose the best topic, and how to write an impactful overcoming adversity essay.

Why the overcoming adversity essay is important

When colleges ask you to write a personal hardship essay, what are they trying to learn? Many students think they’re trying to find and admit the applicants who have faced the most adversity. Not true! Trust me, the adversity essay is NOT a competition to see who has it worse.

The purpose of the overcoming adversity essay is to reveal how you respond to difficult situations. Think about it. College is hard—not everyone has what it takes to succeed. Colleges want to accept students who have the skills and resilience to persevere through the adversity they’re bound to face.

So when an admissions officer reads your adversity essay, they’re trying to answer these questions:

●      How do you manage stress?

●      How do you attempt to resolve adversity?

●      How do you reflect on the challenges you face?

●      How do you apply lessons to your life?

If you can successfully answer these questions, you’ll write a stand-out overcoming adversity essay.

Not sure how to recognize an overcoming adversity essay prompt? Here are a few examples.

The Common App

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?

The University of Miami

Considering your ability to control your own motivation and behavior, how have past experiences helped build your courage and resilience to persist in the face of academic and life challenges so that, once these storms pass, you can emerge in continued pursuit of your goals?

The University of California

Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

How to select the best story for your overcoming adversity essay

Choosing what to write your overcoming adversity essay about can be a challenge. The hardest things you’ve faced in life might not actually be the best topics. So I always encourage students to brainstorm lots of ideas before committing to one.

Here’s what I suggest. Sit down with a family member or close friend. Write a list of all the adversity you’ve faced—big and small. From challenging school projects to your parents divorce to the death of a family member, add everything you can think of to your list.

Next, you’ll want to remember and record how you reacted to each of the obstacles on your list. What were you thinking? What actions did you take?

To choose your adversity essay story, you’ll actually focus on your reactions list. Search for the instances when you showed impressive grit, strength, resilience, and problem-solving skills. These are the best stories to use for your overcoming adversity essay.

Weak topics for your adversity essay

As you’re selecting which topic to write about, beware of choosing a story that falls into one of these categories.

●      Adversity you faced due to COVID or virtual learning—everyone dealt with these circumstances, so it’s not a unique topic and won’t help you stand out.

●      Obstacles you dealt with in elementary or middle school—it’s a bit too outdated. Find a more recent instance of your grit and resilience.

●      Interpersonal struggles you had with a teacher or coach—these essays can come off like you don’t get along well with adults, which isn’t the impression you want to give.

Strong topics for your adversity essay

Any story that shows your maturity and problem-solving skills is a good choice for your overcoming adversity essay. Even so, there are few topics that might be better options for you than others, depending on your circumstances.

●      Ongoing obstacles you’re still facing but you’re handling well—important if this obstacle will carry on into college.

●      Adversity that interfered with your academic achievement—important if you had a GPA dip you’d like to explain.

●      Something that will resonate with the school you’re applying to or the career you’re pursuing—important if adversity drove you to choose a specific type of school or major.

How to write an impressive overcoming adversity essay

Now we’ve arrived at my fool-proof overcoming adversity essay formula. Once you’ve chosen the right story that demonstrates your resilience, just apply this formula to create a memorable adversity essay.

This formula is simple. It’s all about crafting a narrative. Remember, you’re telling the story of when you faced an obstacle. So you want it to sound like a real story, not a school report.

Here is the five-step formula to writing the perfect overcoming adversity essay.

  • Introduce the obstacle or adversity
  • Describe your emotional response
  • Discuss the actions you took to face the problem
  • Share the outcome of the situation
  • Reveal what you learned from the experience

See? It’s a piece of cake. Now let’s see how it looks applied to an adversity story.

  • The adversity: My family moved across the country between my sophomore and junior year.
  • Emotional response: I was devastated to lose my friends and scared to start over in a new place.
  • Actions taken: I scheduled regular talks and virtual hang outs with my old friends to ensure we’d stay in touch. Then I pushed myself to join two clubs at the beginning of the school year.
  • Outcome: I stayed connected with friends from home. And even though it was intimidating to make new friends, putting myself out there helped me quickly meet people who shared my interests. I felt less alone and adjusted to my new environment sooner than I expected.
  • Lessons learned: I am stronger and more adaptable than I thought I was. I am capable of thriving in new places and creating a new community for myself wherever I go.

With extremely little effort, I made a strong outline for an adversity essay using this formula. You can do the same!

Dos and don’ts for your overcoming adversity essay

The formula will take you a long way in structuring your adversity essay, but here are a few additional tips and tricks to make sure your writing is outstanding.

●       Don’t try to garner sympathy or pity —be honest about what happened, but remember your purpose isn’t to make the reader feel bad for you.

●       Do maintain a positive and upbeat tone throughout your adversity essay.

●       Don’t spend too much time describing the problem —keep it brief and to the point.

●       Do focus the majority of the essay on how you responded to and resolved the obstacle.

●       Don’t forget to include the outcome and the lessons you learned —self reflection is impressive to application readers.

●       Do connect what you learned with your future in college or in your chosen career.

Remember, one of the great things about the overcoming adversity essay is that you’re telling a story. You’re not making an argument or delivering an informational report. Once you have your story and the structure in place, have fun with the rest!

Final thoughts about the overcoming adversity essay

I’ll never say writing a college application essay is easy. But hopefully I’ve convinced you that the overcoming adversity essay isn’t as intimidating as it seems. In fact, I hope you have an enjoyable time writing your adversity essay and celebrating your resilience. Be proud of yourself. You are amazing!

I want to hear from you! What are your thoughts and concerns about the overcoming adversity essay? Drop a comment below, and I’ll be happy to address them.

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How to Write the Overcoming Challenges Essay + Example

April 17, 2023

overcoming challenges essay college

At some point, most college-bound students are tasked with writing an overcoming challenges essay. The prompt crops up in various forms, as a supplemental short essay about overcoming a challenge, and in as the main essay itself.

Some students may feel inclined to write about a dramatic experience (say, spotting a grizzly bear outside the kitchen window), mistaking the drama of the moment for a significant challenge. Others may get to work, only to realize they don’t have much to say about the time they got a C in P.E. (that dreaded frisbee unit). Students who’ve overcome unspeakable difficulties, like a death in the family, may find that reducing the tragedy to 650 words feels insufficient, or worse—as if they’re attempting to profit from suffering. One or two students may stare down the blank computer screen as their entire existence shrinks to the size of a 12-point font. Should they write about the challenge of writing about the challenge of writing an overcoming challenges essay??

Don’t worry. Focusing first on how to tackle the essay will help any student decide what they should write about. In fact, how the essay is written will also prove more influential than the challenge itself in determining the strength of the essay.

Decoding the Prompt

Let’s take a look at the overcoming challenges essay question included among the seven 2023-24 Common App Essay Prompts :

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?

Notice how the prompt places an immediate emphasis on the “lessons we take,” rather than on the obstacles themselves, or any potential success. This is because the challenge itself often says less about the student than the way the student chose to tackle it, or the way they now reflect on it. In other words, obstacles often come at us randomly; it’s our personal response to the circumstances which reveals something of who we are.

While studying a prompt for clues, it’s helpful to think from the perspective of the admissions officer (the essay reader). What can they glean from an overcoming challenges essay?  A lot, actually. A thoughtfully written essay may tell them about the student’s personality, as well as things like problem-solving techniques, rigor, persistence, creativity, and courage. These insights can work to prove to the admissions officers that the student has what it takes to overcome challenges in college, too. These future challenges may range from the inevitable academic obstacles that occur with heavy courseloads, to social and moral challenges that arise as college students form their adult identities.

Picking Your Topic: A Brainstorming Activity

With the question of identity in mind, let’s now approach the overcoming challenges essay backwards, by brainstorming the final message the student wants it to contain.

For this three-part exercise, the student will first set a five-minute timer. With the clock ticking, they’ll jot down character traits, values, and any descriptive words or terms that say something about who they are. If stumped, change perspective. The student may imagine what their best friends, parents, coaches and siblings would say. (For example, tenacious , logical , scientific , peacemaker .) Even mild criticism can be helpful, as long as it’s not cruel. While a student’s brother may call him a “perfectionist,” perhaps this word will trigger other relevant words, like persistent and detail-oriented.

Next, the student will set the timer for another five minutes, pull out a second sheet of paper, and jot down any challenges, obstacles, setbacks, failures, and achievements that come to mind. Don’t hold back here or overanalyze. (For example: underdog at state swim meet , getting lost on the family hike , petitioning for a school compost system …)

Lastly, the student will place the two pages side by side, and draw lines between the items on the list wherever connections occur. One student may draw lines between persistent , curious , gamer , passionate about electronics , and saved the day during the power outage. Another set of lines might connect caring, observant, creative thinker , and helped sister leave abusive cult . Whatever ideas are sparked here, the goal is to identify which challenges will demonstrate something essential about the student to an admissions officer.

Topics to Avoid

The internet is rife with advice on what not to write when writing an overcoming challenges essay. Yet this advice can be confusing, or downright hypocritical. For instance, some may advise against writing about death. Yet a student who lost their father at an early age may be capable of writing a poignant essay about their search for an alternative father figure, and how they found one in their soccer coach.

I suggest avoiding guides on what not to write until after the student has done a thorough round of brainstorming. Otherwise, they risk censoring themselves too early, and may reject a promising idea. Once they’ve narrowed down their list to three ideas or less, they may want to check our guide on College Application Essay Topics to Avoid .

The reason why certain types of overcoming challenges essays miss the mark is that they emphasize the wrong aspect of the experience, which turns the topic into a cliché. While it’s generally a good idea to avoid trivial topics (again, that C in P.E.), any topic has the potential to be compelling, if it’s animated through personal opinions, insight, and description. Details bring an experience to life. Structure and reflection make an essay convincing. In other words, how the story is told will determine whether or not the topic is worth writing about.

So, rather than avoid specific topics, consider avoiding these scenarios: if you can’t show the essay to your best friend or grandmother, it’s probably not ready to show a college admissions officer. If you must write a clichéd topic, don’t choose a typical structure.

Techniques to Hone

Techniques that animate an overcoming challenges essay are the same ones used in storytelling. Think setting, visuals, sounds, dialogue, physical sensations, and feelings. “Showing” instead of “telling.” Crafting the essay with these inner and external details will bring the challenge to life, and catch the reader’s attention.

Another technique which works well when trying to avoid the trappings of cliché involve subverting the reader’s expectations. In storytelling terms, this is a plot twist. The student who got a C in P.E. may actually have a stellar essay on their hands, if they can break away from the “bad grade” trope (working harder to improve their grade). Perhaps this student’s story is actually about how, while sitting on the bleachers and not participating in the game, they found themselves watching the frisbee spin through the air, and realized they had a deep interest in the movement of astronomical bodies.

Some of the strongest overcoming challenges essays demonstrate what students have learned about themselves, rather than what they’ve learned about the obstacle they confronted. These essays may show how the student has come to see themselves differently, or how they’ve decided to change, thanks to the challenge they faced. These essays work because the reflection is natural and even profound, based on the student’s self-awareness.

Writing the Overcoming Challenges Essay, or Drafts, Drafts, Drafts

Everyone writes differently, some by outlining (never a bad idea), some by free-styling (good for capturing sensations and memories), some by lighting a candle—but don’t procrastinate too much. The only “must” is to revise. After a first draft, the student should begin to look for several things:

1) Clarity and Detail. Is the challenge recounted with precision? Is it personal?

2) Structure. Consider mapping the structure, to visualize it better. Does the structure suit the story? Can it be changed for clarity, or to keep the reader more engaged?

3) Cliché. Identify words, sentences, and ideas that are dull or repetitive. Mark them up, and in the next draft, find ways to rewrite, subvert, condense, and delete.

4) Lesson Learned. Has the student reflected adequately on the lesson they learned from overcoming a challenge? To add more reflection, students might ask themselves what they have felt and thought about the experience since. Would they do something differently, if faced with the same challenge? Has their understanding of the experience evolved over time?

By the final draft, the experience and the reflection should feel equally weighted. To get there, it may take five or six drafts.

Overcoming Challenges Essay Sample

The Happiness Hotline

First there were reports. Then we were told to stop socializing, go inside, wait. Covid struck. Everyone knows what ensued. It probably looked different from where we were all (separately) standing, even though we faced the same thing. Those first weeks, I stood at my bedroom window. It was dark by early evening in Oregon. The weirdest part—after the fact that we were collectively sharing the loneliest experience of our lives—was the silence.

… it was really quiet.

So quiet, I could hear my mom sigh downstairs. (So quiet, I couldn’t remember if I’d hummed aloud, or if I’d just heard myself in my head.) When I looked out the window, I could hear the stoplight at the end of our street. Green to yellow. Click.

Before going on, you should know three things. First, this is not a Covid essay. This is about melancholy, and the “sadness that has taken on lightness,” to quote Italo Calvino. Second, from my bedroom window, I can see down a row of oak trees, past the hospital, to my friend Carlo’s house. Third, Carlo is a jazz singer. Maybe that sounds pretentious, a freshman kid being a jazz singer, but that’s Carlo, and I wouldn’t be me without Carlo being Carlo. He’s someone who appreciates the unhinged rhythm of a Charlie Parker tune. He’s an extrovert who can bring introverts like me out of my shell. He convinced me to learn trombone, and together we riff in the after-school jazz club.

In the first month of the pandemic, we called each other nightly to talk rap albums, school stuff. At Carlo’s house, he could hear a white-crowned sparrow. He could also hear his parents talking numbers behind the bathroom door. The death toll was mounting. The cost of living was going up too. As the month wore on, I began to hear something else in our calls, in the way Carlo paused, or forgot what he was saying. Carlo was scared. He felt sad, isolated, and without his bright energy, I too, felt utterly alone.

Overcoming Challenges Essay Sample (Continued)

After some dark days, I realized that to help ourselves we needed to help others. It was pretty obvious the more I thought about it. People are social creatures, supposedly, even introverts. Maybe our neighbors needed to remember the noisiness of life.

We built a happiness hotline. That sounds fancy, though essentially, we provided three-way calls on my parents’ landline. The harder part involved making flyers and putting them up around town, in places people were still going. Grocery stores, the post office. We made a TikTok account, and then—the phone rang. Our first caller.

For months, if you called in, you could talk to us about your days in lockdown. People went really deep about the meaning of life, and we had to learn on the spot how to respond. I’d become a journalist and a therapist before becoming a sophomore. After chatting, the caller would request a song, and if we knew how to play it, we would. If not, we improvised.

Now we’re seniors in high school. Carlo visits the hospital with band members. As for myself, I’ve been working on a community music book, compiling our callers’ favorite tunes. I don’t want to forget how important it felt to make these connections. Our callers taught me that loneliness is a bit like a virus, a bit like a song. Even when it stops it can come back to haunt you, as a new variant or an old refrain. Still, sadness can take on lightness when voices call through the dark: sparrows, friends, strangers. I learned I’m good at listening into the silence. Listening isn’t only a passive stance, but an open line of receiving.

Analysis of the Overcoming Challenges Essay Sample

This student uses their musical passion to infuse the essay with vivid detail. There’s a focus on sound throughout, from the bird to the stoplight. Then there are the callers, and the clever way the student conceived of breaking through the silence. The narrator’s voice sharpens the piece further, elevating a clichéd Covid essay to a personal story of self-discovery.

In fact, the essay briefly breaks with structure to tell the reader that this is not a Covid essay. Although techniques like this should be used sparingly, it works here by grabbing the reader’s attention. It also allows the student to organize their thoughts on the page, before moving the plot along.

Outwardly, the student is overcoming the challenge of loneliness in a time of quarantine. Yet there seems to be an inner, unspoken challenge as well, that of coming to terms with the student’s introverted personality. The essay’s reflection occurs in the final paragraph, making the essay experience-heavy. However, clues woven throughout point to the reflection that will come. Details like the Italo Calvino quote hint at the later understanding of how to alleviate loneliness. While some readers might prefer more development, the various themes are threaded throughout, which makes for a satisfying ending.

A Last Word on the Short Essay About Overcoming Challenges

The short essay about overcoming a challenge requires the same steps as a longer one. To write it, follow the same brainstorming activity, then focus more on condensing and summarizing the experience. Students who’ve already written a longer overcoming challenges essay can approach the short essay about overcoming a challenge by streamlining. Instead of deleting all the extra bits, keep two interesting details that will flavor the essay with something memorable and unique.

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Kaylen Baker

With a BA in Literary Studies from Middlebury College, an MFA in Fiction from Columbia University, and a Master’s in Translation from Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis, Kaylen has been working with students on their writing for over five years. Previously, Kaylen taught a fiction course for high school students as part of Columbia Artists/Teachers, and served as an English Language Assistant for the French National Department of Education. Kaylen is an experienced writer/translator whose work has been featured in Los Angeles Review, Hybrid, San Francisco Bay Guardian, France Today, and Honolulu Weekly, among others.

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The Classroom | Empowering Students in Their College Journey

How to Write an Essay on Overcoming Adversity

How to Write College Scholarship Essays

How to Write College Scholarship Essays

College admission boards and scholarship committees often want applicants to write an essay about how they have overcome adversity in their lives. The key to writing a successful essay about diversity is to stay positive and focus on the outcome rather than the problem itself. Learning how to write a good essay about overcoming diversity has the effect of your story pulling on the heartstrings of the people reading it.

Student reading in library

Read successful essays about overcoming adversity. Many college websites and websites with advice about applying to colleges offer examples of successful essays. There is a difference between writing positively about overcoming adversity and whining about your problems. Reading good essays written by other people will help you understand that difference.

Student taking notes at desk

Make an outline of your essay before you write it. Writing an outline gives you a starting point for getting what you want to say on paper. It also can help avoid writer's block or stumbling when you don't know where to go next. The standard format for an essay is to start with an introduction that briefly tells the reader what to expect, then the body that goes into greater detail about your adversity and how you overcame it, followed by a conclusion that sums up what your essay is about.

Young female student typing on laptop

Be positive in your own essay. Talk about your adversity and what you learned from it. Let the reader know how you grew and what impact the adversity and overcoming it had on your life. Also, let admissions and scholarship boards know how overcoming your particular adversity will make you a better student and an asset to their program.

Female student looking through library books

Be honest in your essay. You have overcome your adversity and there is no reason to embellish the details. If you do, chances are the embellishment will stand out to the reader in a way it might not to you. Being caught in a lie or coming across as insincere will almost definitely result in your being denied admission or the scholarship you are applying to.

Close-up of hands typing on keyboard

Use proper grammar and spelling. Most word processing programs have spell and grammar checks. Make sure to run these before submitting your essay. These programs, however, don't pick up every mistake. Read your essay once for grammar and again for spelling, paying attention to every word and punctuation mark. Ask someone who you trust has a good handle on grammar and spelling to proofread your essay for you.

Young female student reading over her essay on a tablet

Read your essay out loud before submitting it. Sometimes when you've read your own work many times your eyes glance over problems. Reading out loud will give your ears a chance to pick up on awkward wording or pacing in your essay. Fix any problems before submitting.

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Shaunta Alburger has been a professional writer for 15 years. She's worked on staff at both major Las Vegas newspapers, as well as a rural Nevada weekly. Her first novel was published in 2014.

Inspiring Examples: Overcoming Obstacles in College Essays

Inspiring Examples: Overcoming Obstacles in College Essays

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Introduction

Writing a college essay is a crucial part of the application process, as it offers an opportunity to showcase your personal growth and resilience . Admissions officers are not only interested in your academic achievements but also in understanding how you have overcome obstacles and challenges in your life. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of highlighting personal growth and resilience in college essays, as well as provide tips on identifying and overcoming obstacles. Additionally, we will share inspiring examples of college essays that effectively demonstrate these qualities.

When it comes to writing a college essay, it is important to remember that admissions officers are looking for more than just a summary of your achievements or experiences. They want to gain insight into who you are as an individual and how you have grown through facing challenges. By showcasing personal growth and resilience, you can demonstrate your ability to overcome obstacles and adapt to difficult situations.

One reason why it is important to highlight personal growth and resilience in college essays is that it shows admissions officers that you possess the qualities necessary to succeed in college. College life can be demanding and challenging, both academically and personally. By demonstrating your ability to overcome obstacles, you are indicating that you have the determination, perseverance, and resilience required to navigate the ups and downs of college life.

Another reason why showcasing personal growth and resilience is crucial in college essays is that it allows admissions officers to understand the context behind your achievements. Your accomplishments may seem impressive on their own, but without providing the story behind them – the challenges you faced along the way – they may not hold as much weight. By sharing how you overcame obstacles, admissions officers can better appreciate the significance of your accomplishments.

Identifying obstacles is an essential step in writing a compelling college essay. It requires introspection and self-reflection to identify moments in your life where you faced challenges or encountered adversity. These obstacles can come in various forms – academic struggles, personal setbacks, or even societal barriers. The key is to choose an obstacle that had a significant impact on your life and allowed you to grow as an individual.

Once you have identified the obstacles, it is important to reflect on how they shaped you and what lessons you learned from them. Admissions officers are interested in seeing personal growth and resilience, so it is crucial to demonstrate how you overcame these obstacles and emerged stronger as a result. This reflection can help you identify the qualities or values that guided you through those challenging times and highlight them in your essay.

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Identifying Obstacles in College Essays

When it comes to writing a college essay, one of the most important aspects is identifying the obstacles you have overcome. Admissions officers are not only looking for academic achievements, but also for personal growth and resilience. They want to see how you have faced challenges and come out stronger on the other side. So, how can you effectively identify these obstacles in your personal experiences?

Firstly, it's crucial to reflect on your own life experiences and think about the challenges you have encountered. These obstacles can come in various forms - they could be physical, emotional, or even mental hurdles that you have had to overcome. Take some time to brainstorm and make a list of these obstacles before diving into writing your essay.

One effective way to identify obstacles is by considering moments of adversity or difficulty that have shaped who you are today. Think about times when you faced setbacks or encountered hardships. This could be anything from dealing with a serious illness or injury, overcoming a fear or phobia, facing discrimination or prejudice, or even struggling with personal insecurities and self-doubt.

Another approach is to reflect on significant life events that have tested your resilience and determination. These events could include moving to a new country or city, experiencing the loss of a loved one, going through a difficult breakup or divorce, or even dealing with financial struggles. By examining these moments in your life, you can uncover the obstacles that you had to overcome during those times.

Furthermore, it's important to consider the internal obstacles that may not be immediately apparent to others but have still played a significant role in shaping your character. These internal obstacles could include battling with anxiety or depression, grappling with low self-esteem, or struggling with academic challenges such as learning disabilities. By acknowledging and discussing these internal hurdles in your essay, you can showcase your resilience and determination in overcoming them.

Once you have identified the obstacles in your personal experiences, it's essential to reflect on how you overcame them. Admissions officers are not just interested in the challenges you faced; they also want to see your growth and development as a result of overcoming these obstacles. Therefore, it's crucial to highlight the lessons you learned, the skills you gained, and the personal growth that occurred during these difficult times.

Overcoming Obstacles in College Essays

Overcoming obstacles in college essays is a crucial aspect of crafting a compelling and impactful personal statement. Admissions officers are not only interested in your academic achievements but also want to gain insight into your character, resilience, and ability to overcome challenges. By showcasing how you have conquered obstacles, you can demonstrate personal growth and highlight your determination to succeed. In this section, we will explore the significance of overcoming obstacles in college essays and offer strategies for effectively conveying the process of overcoming hurdles.

When writing about overcoming obstacles in your college essay, it is essential to choose experiences that genuinely impacted you and shaped your character. These challenges can come in various forms, such as academic struggles, personal setbacks, or even societal barriers. The key is to select an obstacle that had a profound effect on your life and allowed you to grow as an individual.

To effectively convey the process of overcoming obstacles in your essay, it is important to clearly outline the steps you took to confront and conquer the challenge. Start by providing context about the obstacle itself – what it was, why it was significant, and how it initially affected you. This will help the reader understand the gravity of the situation and empathize with your journey.

Next, discuss the actions you took to overcome the obstacle. Did you seek support from others? Did you develop new skills or adopt a different mindset? Highlight any strategies or techniques that helped you navigate through adversity. By sharing these details, admissions officers can gain insight into your problem-solving abilities and determination.

Moreover, it is crucial to reflect on how overcoming this obstacle has impacted your personal growth. What lessons did you learn along the way? How did this experience shape your values or aspirations? Reflecting on these aspects will demonstrate self-awareness and showcase how you have grown as an individual.

Additionally, when discussing overcoming obstacles in college essays, it is important to maintain a positive tone throughout. While acknowledging the difficulties faced is necessary, focus on highlighting the resilience and determination you demonstrated. This will leave a lasting impression on the reader and showcase your ability to overcome adversity.

To effectively convey the process of overcoming obstacles, consider incorporating vivid and descriptive language. Paint a picture for the reader, allowing them to visualize the challenges you faced and the triumphs you achieved. By immersing the reader in your narrative, you can create an emotional connection that leaves a lasting impact.

Inspiring Examples of Overcoming Obstacles in College Essays

In college essays, one of the most powerful ways to make an impact is by showcasing personal growth and resilience. By sharing stories of overcoming obstacles, students can demonstrate their ability to overcome challenges and highlight their determination and perseverance. To provide inspiration and motivation, here are some inspiring examples of college essays that effectively highlight the theme of overcoming obstacles.

One example is a college essay written by Sarah, a high school student who faced significant financial hardships throughout her life. In her essay, Sarah describes how growing up in a low-income family shaped her perspective on education and fueled her drive to succeed. Despite facing numerous obstacles such as limited resources and a lack of support from her community, Sarah's determination never wavered. She emphasizes how she took on part-time jobs to support herself and even started a small tutoring business to help other struggling students. Through her essay, Sarah not only showcases her resilience but also demonstrates her commitment to using education as a way to break free from the cycle of poverty.

Another inspiring example comes from Mark, a college student who overcame a learning disability. In his essay, Mark reflects on his struggles with dyslexia throughout his academic journey. He shares how he initially felt discouraged and frustrated by his inability to grasp certain concepts as quickly as his peers. However, instead of letting these setbacks define him, Mark sought out alternative learning strategies and accommodations that allowed him to thrive in spite of his disability. He discusses how he developed stronger study habits, utilized assistive technology, and sought support from teachers and mentors who believed in his potential. Through his essay, Mark not only highlights his ability to overcome obstacles but also emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and seeking help when needed.

These examples illustrate the power of personal narratives in college essays. By sharing stories of overcoming obstacles, students can create emotional connections with their readers while also showcasing qualities such as resilience, determination, and adaptability – all highly valued traits in the college admissions process.

These essays serve as reminders that obstacles do not define individuals; rather, it is how they choose to respond and grow from these challenges that truly matters. They inspire readers to persevere in the face of adversity and motivate them to embrace their own unique stories when writing their college essays.

The college essay is an important opportunity for students to showcase their personal growth and resilience. Throughout this blog post, we have discussed the significance of overcoming obstacles in college essays and provided tips on how to identify and address these challenges effectively. By sharing inspiring examples of college essays that highlight the theme of overcoming obstacles, we hope to inspire and guide our readers in crafting their own impactful essays.

In conclusion, when it comes to writing a college essay, the ability to overcome obstacles can make all the difference. Admissions officers are not only looking for academic achievements but also for individuals who have demonstrated personal growth and resilience. By showcasing your ability to overcome challenges, you are providing evidence of your character, determination, and adaptability.

It is crucial to remember that identifying obstacles in your college essay is just the first step. It is equally important to demonstrate how you overcame these challenges and what you learned from them. This shows admissions officers that you possess the necessary skills and mindset to succeed in college and beyond.

Throughout this blog post, we have shared inspiring examples of college essays that effectively highlight overcoming obstacles. These examples serve as a source of inspiration for our readers, showing them what can be achieved through perseverance and resilience. Whether it's overcoming a physical or mental health challenge, navigating cultural differences, or facing financial hardships, these essays demonstrate the power of determination and growth.

As you embark on your own college essay journey, we encourage you to embrace your own challenges and showcase your personal growth. Reflect on the obstacles you have faced throughout your life and consider how they have shaped you into the person you are today. Use these experiences as an opportunity to demonstrate your resilience, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to personal development .

Remember that authenticity is key in writing a compelling college essay. Be honest about your struggles but also highlight how you have grown as a result. Admissions officers appreciate vulnerability and want to see applicants who have learned from their experiences and are ready to take on new challenges.

In conclusion, the college essay is a powerful tool for showcasing personal growth and resilience. By identifying and overcoming obstacles in your writing, you can demonstrate to admissions officers that you possess the qualities necessary for success in college and beyond. Take inspiration from the examples we have provided and use your own experiences to craft a unique and impactful essay. Embrace your challenges, highlight your growth, and show the world what you are capable of achieving. Good luck!

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17 Adversity Examples (And How to Overcome Them)

Examples of adversity on a resume could include:

  • Overcoming a significant personal challenge
  • Navigating a career change, and
  • Demonstrating resilience in the face of major project setbacks.

See below for a detailed list of ideas for discussing adversity.

adversity example and definition

Adversity Examples

1. overcoming a disability.

disability definition

Success in the face of disability exemplifies overcoming adversity. For example, we look to disabled athletes as inspiration for people who have risen to the top despite their setbacks. In real life, we can look to famous people with disabilities like Whoopi Goldberg ( dyslexia ) and Stephen Hawking (motor neuron disease) who learned to live with and overcome their disabilities to achieve success.

2. Overcoming a Rejection

rejection definition

Many individuals have experienced rejection in various forms, such as being turned down by a university, not receiving a scholarship, missing a promotion, or failing to secure a job. What’s crucial is highlighting the resilience shown in bouncing back from these setbacks. For instance, in an interview, you could discuss how, after not obtaining a sports scholarship for college, you proactively worked a part-time job to support your education.

3. Proving Someone Wrong (Being Underestimated)

being underestimated explanation

There are instances where a teacher, mentor, or colleague doubts our capabilities or potential. Overcoming such negative perceptions and achieving success is a powerful demonstration of resilience in the face of adversity. Notable examples include Thomas Edison, who, despite being deemed cognitively inflexible by his teacher, invented the lightbulb, and Michael Phelps, who was told by a teacher that he would never achieve success, yet triumphed to win 28 Olympic medals.

4. Failing as a Student (Then Bouncing Back)

overcoming failure definition and benefits

Almost everyone has experienced a period of struggle in their academic journey, as it’s uncommon for a student to excel in every subject.

When considering an example of adversity in an educational context, think back to a subject that posed significant challenges for you.

Consider how you responded to this difficulty: perhaps you dedicated more hours to studying, increased the amount of time spent on homework, sought extra help, or even faced the prospect of retaking an exam.

Reflect on the strategies you employed to overcome this hurdle, such as utilizing additional resources, collaborating with peers, or seeking guidance from teachers. This reflection not only highlights your ability to confront and overcome academic challenges but also demonstrates your resilience, adaptability, and commitment to personal growth.

5. Overcoming an Injury

overcoming an injury explained

Injuries often lead to difficulties in performing everyday activities that were once effortless. Such experiences can prompt a realization of how much we typically take these routine tasks for granted.

Take, for instance, breaking an arm; this can transform straightforward actions like dressing into complex, thoughtful processes.

Adapting to these new challenges by finding alternative methods to accomplish daily tasks not only showcases resilience but also fosters a sense of flexibility. This adaptability is a testament to one’s ability to overcome adversity and develop crucial life skills in the process.

6. Suffering Discrimination

discrimination examples definition

Facing discrimination is a deeply unfortunate form of adversity, where individuals must surmount biases related to race, gender, disability, social class, or other factors to achieve success.

Jackie Robinson is a prominent example of someone who overcame such challenges; he was the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era.

Despite enduring racial taunts from both players and fans, Robinson chose not to react aggressively, understanding that any retaliation could significantly hinder the progress of racial integration in MLB.

His legacy endures today, celebrated not just for his remarkable sporting achievements but also for his role as a peaceful pioneer who broke down barriers of discrimination for the betterment of society.

7. Growing up Poor

poverty example and definition

Individuals born into poverty often face lower lifetime earnings and a reduced likelihood of graduating from school compared to those from wealthier backgrounds. This adversity stems from limited access to quality education, tutoring, books, and other resources. However, there are inspiring figures who have surmounted the challenges of poverty to achieve remarkable success, such as Jim Carrey, who experienced homelessness during his youth, J.K. Rowling, who rose from the struggles of being a single mother to fame with her Harry Potter series, and Dolly Parton, who overcame her upbringing in a one-room cabin with dirt floors to become a music legend.

8. Being a Refugee

refugee definition

Refugees exemplify remarkable resilience , having fled perilous conditions in their homelands to seek safety, often starting anew in unfamiliar cultures with limited resources. Their ability to navigate and thrive despite such formidable challenges is a testament to their capacity to overcome life’s adversities. Notable individuals who began their journeys as refugees and rose to prominence include Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, and Madeleine Albright, each overcoming substantial early-life obstacles to achieve significant success.

9. Being an Immigrant

immigrant definition

Immigrants and refugees often share parallel narratives of starting over. Refugees typically escape traumatic situations, indicating an added layer of adversity, but both groups face the challenge of acclimatizing to an unfamiliar environment upon arrival in a new country.

Immigrants frequently grapple with cultural adjustments and may find their foreign professional qualifications unrecognized, necessitating a restart from the bottom, often with limited financial resources.

However, the success stories of notable immigrants like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Elon Musk, and Mila Kunis highlight the potential for triumph through the immigrant journey, overcoming significant obstacles to achieve remarkable success.

10. Losing your Job or Getting Fired

losing your job definition

Losing a job is never a pleasant experience, bringing with it initial feelings of shock and anxiety. However, it also presents an opportunity for introspection and regaining self-assurance.

This experience is far from unique, as evidenced by the significant job losses during the 2008 economic downturn and the 2021 global lockdowns. In the aftermath, many people found themselves pursuing additional education, reassessing their career trajectories to ensure they align with their passions and strengths, or turning to mentors for guidance and support in addressing their areas of improvement.

Real-Life Role Models Who Overcame Adversity

1. stephen hawking.

Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at 21, Hawking was given just a few years to live. Despite losing his ability to walk and speak, he became one of the most renowned theoretical physicists, contributing significantly to our understanding of black holes and the nature of the universe.

2. Malala Yousafzai

As a young girl in Pakistan, Malala advocated for girls’ education, defying the Taliban’s ban. After surviving a gunshot to the head by a Taliban gunman, she became an international symbol of resistance against the suppression of women’s education and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.

3. Nelson Mandela

Imprisoned for 27 years for his fight against apartheid in South Africa, Mandela never lost sight of his goal for racial equality. He emerged from prison to become the first black president of South Africa, leading the country towards a more inclusive future.

4. Oprah Winfrey

Born into poverty and faced with numerous challenges, including childhood abuse and racial discrimination, Oprah rose to become a media mogul and influential philanthropist. Her story is one of resilience and determination in overcoming personal and professional obstacles.

5. Nick Vujicic

Born without limbs due to a rare disorder, Nick faced immense challenges and bullying in his youth. He overcame these to become a motivational speaker and author, inspiring millions with his message of hope and perseverance.

6. Helen Keller

Despite becoming blind and deaf at a very young age, Keller broke through the isolation imposed by her condition with the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan. She became a prolific author, political activist, and lecturer, advocating for the rights of those with disabilities.

7. Ludwig van Beethoven

One of the greatest composers in history, Beethoven began losing his hearing in his 20s, eventually becoming completely deaf. Nonetheless, he continued to compose, perform, and conduct, producing many of his most admired works during the last 15 years of his life, when he was unable to hear.

Other Resume Tips and Advice Articles

  • Examples of Patientce
  • List of Talents
  • Perseverance Examples
  • Examples of Integrity
  • Examples of Honesty
  • Attributes to Put on a Resume

Chris

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

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How To Write An Essay On Overcoming Adversity

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  • Author Sandra W.

college essay about overcoming adversity

Overcoming Adversity Essay Examples

When looking for college admission or scholarship, the board requires one to write an essay on how they can overcome adversity in their lives. In-order to have a good adversity essay the key is being positive. Do not focuses on the problem instead see the outcomes better. Be able to give a story that has heartstrings that pulls people reading it.  Your essay should have a good connection with readers mind to be good.

Steps To Guide You When Writing An Essay On Overcoming Adversity

  • Take an essay that has previously been written on overcoming adversity as you pay keen attention. However there is good essay examples in college website and other websites which can also offer good assistance. Read essay written by others on essay for you to be able to write positively and avoid whining on your problems.
  • Do not start to write without making an outline. This will help get a starting point and focus on what you want to say on your paper. It gives the writer flow in ideas and understanding of what to write next. Follow the normal format of an essay by writing the introduction part first. You brief the reader on what is entailed in your essay. The body comes after the introduction and it gives details of your adversity and how you overcame.  Finally is the conclusion part whereby you talk about your entire essay and the adversity that you went through but is summery form.
  • Talk about your adversity in a positive manner and how you overcame it, indicate any lesson learnt . Discuss the impact that it left you with for the reader to understand. Convince the board how you can become better asset to their program through what you have gone through.
  • Now that you have overcome that adversity, you need to be honest with yourself as you have nothing to worry about. Do not be afraid to give detail it may have a good perspective to the reader, and may be gaining you a scholarship.
  • Avoid using complicated grammar word that you may not be having good understanding on. Check out any spelling mistakes and pay attention to every punctuation mark. You can tell someone you trust to help you out in proofreading.
  • Before you submit your essay read it out loud, your ears may get what eyes did not. Make sure every problem is fixed before you submit.

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Home — Application Essay — Business School — Overcoming Adversity: College Admission Essay Sample

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Overcoming Adversity: College Admission Essay Sample

  • University: University of California, Davis

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Published: Jul 18, 2018

Words: 511 | Pages: 1 | 3 min read

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The woman stood in front of me with her clipboard and pen, patiently waiting for my answer. I turned my head to look at my brother-in-law's door down the hallway. My body ached; I had been savagely beaten that morning for no particular reason. Holding back painful tears, I answered, "Ma'am, no charges."

Truthfully, I wanted to have the police arrest my brother-in-law and take him far away from my family. I wanted him gone. Standing before the policewoman, I had silently debated with myself. I thought of my mom, who was being rushed to the hospital by the ambulance; I thought of my three-year-old niece, standing near me and clearly horrified by the crime scene; I thought of the pain my brother-in-law had been causing my entire family throughout the past seven years; I thought about the tremendous power I had been given to change my family's life. My oldest sister looked up at me from the bottom of the stairs. I noticed the yearning in her eyes and knew I could never place her in financial ruin. With one daughter already and another one coming in about a month, it was out of the question for my sister to pay bail for her husband. It seemed to me that my sister's sanity would not survive taking care of two babies and her tax service business. After I reluctantly gave my answer to the officer, I stood facing the wall and cried.

Though his behavior was inexcusable, I cannot completely blame my brother-in-law. My mom truly believed that making my brother-in-law content would prevent all future arguments. The decision to please him everyday--out of fear--had instigated the tension in the family. Because of this decision, his sense of superiority steadily rose until we became his servants, and as was the case that Saturday morning, I became his punching bag.

Initially, I panicked, and in the days immediately following July 24, 2005, my goals and dreams vanished before my eyes. I thought that I had to put aside all my aspirations to fully concentrate on what my family needed most of me. Fortunately, I realized that all I needed was to be strong and determined to survive this incident.

Consequently, I became stronger and wiser. Simply by waking up and starting a new day, I know that I am stronger. Today, I look in the mirror and see that Diane Lu is still alive and doing well; once again, my dreams and goals feel within reach as I continue to pick myself up and prepare for the future. I have long since washed off my scabs and can now say that I have an even greater motivation to succeed in life. Like these scabs, my brother-in-law's ruthless power over my family and me was only temporary. It was merely another obstacle in life to endure, wash off, and put behind me.

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college essay about overcoming adversity

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4 Overdone College Essay Topics

How to avoid writing a cliched personal statement.

college essay about overcoming adversity

If you’re in the process of writing your college essays, you’ve probably heard one platitude over and over again: a good college essay should help you stand out. We understand that it’s intimidating to think about seeming unique amidst thousands of other applicants — until you remember that you actually ARE completely unique, even amidst thousands of other applicants. You don’t need to worry about puffing yourself up to seem special — when writing your essay, you can simply tap into the natural uniqueness that already exists within you.

All that being said — there are a handful of cliched college essay topics that admissions officers read over and over and over again. If you’re considering one of the following overdone essay topics, know that you may struggle to distinguish yourself from the many other students who have also chosen the same topic, and you may have trouble writing about that topic in a way that feels refreshing or “new” to an admissions officer who has been reading similar essays for many years.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that these topics are forbidden! All we ask is that, if you’re feeling especially jazzed about one of these topics, spend some time endeavoring to find an unusual or unexpected angle on that (possibly predictable) idea.

1. The sports essay

You’ve come up with the perfect essay topic: that basketball game that changed your life. Your team had been struggling all season, but you came together and clinched the championship! Or: you were a top runner on the cross country team, until an injury benched you, and you had to adapt. Or: you were consistently the slowest swimmer on the team, but you learned that you still love swimming even if you’re not the next Michael Phelps.

It seems like a natural topic to choose! Sports and sports injuries can evoke a lot of emotion — disappointment, jubilation, and pain, to name a few. Recovering from a sports injury, leading your athletic team to victory, or coping with a crippling defeat can demonstrate determination, perseverance, grit, bravery, and many other admirable qualities.

Unfortunately, many other students have the same idea. Sports — and especially sports injuries — are hugely popular topics for college essays. Students often feel compelled to discuss a single moment or event that changed their lives in these essays, and because so many high schoolers participate in athletics, quite a few have had similar experiences that fit this bill. On top of that, these essays often follow the same well-trod themes related to overcoming adversity.

2. The community service essay

Here’s an essay excerpt that’s sure to make an admissions officer reach for the triple shot latte to stay awake:

“I spent [a summer vacation/a weekend/three hours] volunteering with the poor in [Honduras/ Haiti/ Louisiana] and realized that [I am privileged/I enjoy helping others/people there are happy with so little].”

It is awesome that you volunteered at an elderly care facility or went to Costa Rica and helped build a school for underprivileged kids—and colleges love seeing evidence of real compassion—but when an admissions officer picks up your community service essay, it could be the one hundredth community service essay they’ve read that day. Additionally, some ideas (like the Costa Rica school one) risk making you seem uncritically privileged — as if Mommy and Daddy financed your trip specifically to build your college resume.

3. The summer camp essay

There is a reason this essay topic has become a cliché – for many students, summer programs represent the first exposure to life outside of their bubble. Similarly, camp can legitimately help kids grow and mature, develop a sense of community, and foster leadership skills – duh, that’s part of why parents send their kids to summer camp! The problem is that, because these kinds of experiences tend to be so broadly shared by so many high schoolers, and because these narratives tend to follow such common themes (I found my people! I went from camper to counselor! I learned how to be a leader! I found a home away from home!), writing an essay along these lines can make it extremely difficult for an admissions officer to get a sense of who you are in specificity.

4. The hardship essay

Many students (and parents) tend to be under the impression that it’s important to write about “overcoming obstacles” or about the worst, most traumatic thing that has ever happened to them — and maybe that’s why so many of these essays are submitted each year! Not only are these kinds of essays overdone, they are also tricky for a couple of other reasons. If you’re interested in writing about an experience that you consider a hardship, ask yourself two questions:

First, how might that hardship be considered in the greater applicant pool? For example, if you failed a Bio quiz and needed to dedicate extra hours to catching up for the next few months, that might have been legitimately devastating to you at the time. However, there will likely be students in the applicant pool who have dealt with chronic illness, domestic violence, homelessness, etc. Ask yourself how you might feel if your hardship essay was read back-to-back with an essay about homelessness or some other hardship of similar severity.

Second, are you really ready to write about the experience? Some of our students have experienced significant hardships and/or trauma, coming in the form of abuse, rejection due to sexual orientation or gender identity, disordered eating, self-harm, etc. If you’re interested in focusing your essay on one of these topics, try to assess whether you will be able to write clearly and self-reflectively about it — the last thing we want would be for you to get penalized for your vulnerability by writing about trauma in a way that makes an admissions officer doubt that you are emotionally ready for college. As a rule of thumb, you may want to write about scars, but you should never write about open wounds.

Now you know a bit more about some of the pitfalls and risks that come with certain college essay topics. It’s time to sit down and start drafting! Check out our full College Essay Hub for tons of resources and guidance on writing your college essay. Need more personalized guidance on brainstorming or crafting your personal statemen t? Contact our college admissions team.

Caroline Hertz

Overcoming adversity essay

<p>My son will be a senior in HS next year- has a 4.2 weighted GPA in IB program. He’s a very good student, but not what one would call a genius. He is planning on applying to schools that are either most selective or highly selective. His biggest hook, in my opinion (and in the opinions of his teachers and a world renowned Cardiologist at a world famous medical school) is how he has dealt wth serious health problems- 2 nearly fatal blood clots in the lungs and a genetic disease that affects 1/80,000,000 people (yes, this number is correct- he has a much better chance of winning a lottery than one has of being born with this disease) that predisposes him to future blood clots. However, my son has turned these issues into his favor by becoming an advocate for patients. He has joined a national organization as the Young Adult Representative of an advocacy committee and will be working with the organization and the Cardiologist this summer. He is also starting a patient support group in our town for children and adults.</p>

<p>My son plans on writing his college essays on not just what he has gone through, but how he plans to help those around him (yes, he is interested in a career in medicine). He also wants to add that while he can certainly add to any school’s “diversity”, he would actually prefer to be able to experience a normal life (without the need for future surgeries or a life of being on blood-thinners).</p>

<p>Appreciate any thoughts and comments on how best to have an ADCOM see that there is so much more to him than his grades and test scores.</p>

<p>I just posted this thread a few days ago: <a href=“ http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-essays/1350319-college-essay-rape-renewal-okay.html[/url] ”> http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-essays/1350319-college-essay-rape-renewal-okay.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt ;

<p>It’s certainly not the same situation. But I too plan on writing about overcoming adversity. Good luck to your son!</p>

<p>Thanks for your response- I commend you for being mature enough to face such an event, and I hope my son can shine just like you.</p>

<p>I’m sure he will. What he has done is very commendable and I’m sure you are very proud.</p>

<p>“Hope.” -barack obama </p>

<p>Sent from my Desire HD using CC</p>

<p>The common app essay prompts and some of the essay prompts for supplemental applications for certain schools are a bit similar. Would it be overkill if my son addressed how he overcame adversity in both essays, or should he choose completely separate topics?</p>

<p>No offense but it seems killed you’re doing all the research for your son. I know you care, but he should be the one researching what and what not to do on essays. That’s the only way he will learn </p>

<p>Actually, my son has done all the research and knows exactly what he wants to write and how to convey it- I told him to get an account with CC and ask the questions, but till he does that, I’m his scribe :)</p>

<p>PsychoDad… </p>

<p>Sorry that your son has gone through all of this, but it seems a lot of good has come about because of it. It shows your son’s strengths and I think it is definitely a topic worthy of the personal statement. Every one of the choices on the Common App is actually asking the same sort of thing: Who is the applicant, apart from stats?</p>

:slight_smile:

<p>The topic itself is a good one, but it definitely runs the risk of coming across as “I-faced-huge-life-issues-but-look-how-great-it-made-me.” This essay definitely needs to take almost a cinematic approach, each paragragh a “scene” in the story. Don’t TELL the reader how great you are… let the reader DISCOVER that by what you SHOW.</p>

<p>For example, on what he “has gone through,” don’t tell that story: show it with a scene deep with the sights, sounds, smells etc of the moment, perhaps when the first blood clot in the lung happened: I awoke surrounded by machines, humming and dripping and beeping… etc etc. The problem could then be briefly explained by describing the conversation with the physician.</p>

<p>Instead of saying he “became an advocate for patients. He has joined a national organization as the Young Adult Representative of an advocacy committee and will be working with the organization and the Cardiologist this summer. He is also starting a patient support group in our town for children and adults,” consider describing a scene where he is working with a child, seeing in him/her a reflection of himself. Again, let the reader discover who he is.</p>

<p>It has all of the elements needed, but the essay will have to be constructed carefully.</p>

<p>Digmedia- thanks for your response- you’re right, and my son doesn’t want to just portray the facts; he wants to tell it as a story with two points of emphasis: 1. He does not want to be identified by his disease (ie" the pulmonary embolism in room 7212" [as one less than zero doctor called him- I’m a physician myself and have little regard for many of my colleagues]); 2. As colleges strive to achieve diversity, he would add to the diversity by doing what few students do- dream of a normal , Mayberry-like, life- after all he’s been through, being an average Joe is more important to him than being some hotshot.</p>

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  1. 8 Overcoming Challenges College Essay Examples

    The purpose of the Overcoming Challenges essay is for schools to see how you might handle the difficulties of college. They want to know how you grow, evolve, and learn when you face adversity. For this topic, there are many clichés, such as getting a bad grade or losing a sports game, so be sure to steer clear of those and focus on a topic ...

  2. How to Write the "Overcoming Challenges" Essay + Examples

    1. Avoid trivial or common topics. While there aren't many hard-and-fast rules for choosing an essay topic, students should avoid overdone topics. These include: Working hard in a challenging class. Overcoming a sports injury. Moving schools or immigrating to the US. Tragedy (divorce, death, abuse)

  3. How to Write an "Overcoming Challenges"

    I'd only recommend this if 1) you have lots of time before your essay is due, 2) you consider yourself a moderately-good-to-great writer and, 3) you're able to write about your challenges with distance and objectivity (i.e., you have mostly or completely come through the challenge (s) you're describing).

  4. One Expert's Advice to Help You Write a Strong Overcoming Adversity Essay

    The purpose of the overcoming adversity essay is to reveal how you respond to difficult situations. Think about it. College is hard—not everyone has what it takes to succeed. Colleges want to accept students who have the skills and resilience to persevere through the adversity they're bound to face. So when an admissions officer reads your ...

  5. How to Nail Your Overcoming a Challenge Essay

    tips for writing an essay about overcoming challenges. 1. Stay away from common topics. One of the biggest pitfalls students experience when answering the "overcoming a challenge" essay is choosing a common topic. Considering that admissions officers have to read through hundreds if not thousands of essay responses to the same question ...

  6. How to Write the Overcoming Challenges Essay + Example

    A Last Word on the Short Essay About Overcoming Challenges. The short essay about overcoming a challenge requires the same steps as a longer one. To write it, follow the same brainstorming activity, then focus more on condensing and summarizing the experience. Students who've already written a longer overcoming challenges essay can approach ...

  7. How To Write An Overcoming Challenges College Application Essay

    To effectively convey resilience in your college essays, showcase your ability to bounce back from adversity and persevere with determination and hard work. Admissions officers want to see how you have faced and overcome challenges, as it demonstrates your strength of character and ability to handle difficult situations.

  8. How to Write an Essay on Overcoming Adversity

    The standard format for an essay is to start with an introduction that briefly tells the reader what to expect, then the body that goes into greater detail about your adversity and how you overcame it, followed by a conclusion that sums up what your essay is about. •••. Be positive in your own essay. Talk about your adversity and what you ...

  9. Inspiring Examples: Overcoming Obstacles in College Essays

    Introduction. Writing a college essay is a crucial part of the application process, as it offers an opportunity to showcase your personal growth and resilience. Admissions officers are not only interested in your academic achievements but also in understanding how you have overcome obstacles and challenges in your life. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of highlighting personal ...

  10. Overcoming Adversity: A Journey of Resilience and Growth

    Read an admission essay sample, "Overcoming Adversity: A Journey of Resilience and Growth", with 643 words. Get ideas for your college application essay. search. Essay Samples. Arts & Culture; Business; ... NYU Suplement Essay: College Admission Essay Sample Essay. The banging on the door suddenly stops and, to my surprise, I am awakened not by ...

  11. 17 Adversity Examples (And How to Overcome Them) (2024)

    By Chris Drew (PhD) / January 30, 2024 / Leave a Comment. Examples of adversity on a resume could include: Overcoming a significant personal challenge. Navigating a career change, and. Demonstrating resilience in the face of major project setbacks. See below for a detailed list of ideas for discussing adversity.

  12. Overcoming Adversity Essay Examples

    When looking for college admission or scholarship, the board requires one to write an essay on how they can overcome adversity in their lives. In-order to have a good adversity essay the key is being positive. Do not focuses on the problem instead see the outcomes better. Be able to give a story that has heartstrings that pulls people reading it.

  13. Overcoming Adversity: College Admission Essay Sample

    The woman stood in front of me with her clipboard and pen, patiently waiting for my answer. I turned my head to look at my brother-in-law's door down the hallway. My body ached; I had been savagely beaten that morning for no particular reason. Holding back painful tears, I answered, "Ma'am, no charges." Truthfully, I wanted to have the police ...

  14. 4 Overdone College Essay Topics

    3. The summer camp essay. There is a reason this essay topic has become a cliché - for many students, summer programs represent the first exposure to life outside of their bubble. Similarly, camp can legitimately help kids grow and mature, develop a sense of community, and foster leadership skills - duh, that's part of why parents send ...

  15. Adversity/overcoming essay topic : r/scholarships

    Adversity/overcoming essay topic. There are so many options to say what was an obstacle and how you overcame it. But what really sticks out to the readers?? I don't want to blend in with the same story as others. Some of the topics I was thinking I could write about was being bi polar, family addiction issues, being poor/almost homeless ...

  16. Overcoming adversity essay

    <p>My son plans on writing his college essays on not just what he has gone through, but how he plans to help those around him (yes, he is interested in a career in medicine). ... But I too plan on writing about overcoming adversity. Good luck to your son!</p> PsychoDad10 June 10, 2012, 12:11am 3 <p>Thanks for your response- I commend you for ...

  17. Overcoming Adversity Essay

    Overcoming Adversity. Adversities Throughout Time In a world full of conflict and struggle, people of all ages must develop certain skills to thrive. At some point in their lives, everyone must adapt to face their own adversities in order to grow as a human. Richard Wright, W. D. Wetherell, and Allen Wheelis all have faced various hardships ...