How can I write a compelling college essay about overcoming challenges?

You don’t need a dramatic or life-altering event to write a compelling essay about overcoming challenges—what makes an essay resonate is authenticity and personal insight. Admissions officers have read stories about big moments, but they’re also moved by honest accounts of everyday struggles, especially when the writer shows how those experiences shaped them.

Your example—adjusting to online school while navigating your parents' divorce—is actually very relatable and gives you plenty of material to work with. The key isn’t the size of the challenge, but how you approached it, what you learned, and how it changed you. Even if it seems ‘small’ to you, your reaction and growth are what matter most.

Here’s how you can approach your essay:

1. Start with a specific moment: Instead of summarizing the entire period, pick a day or incident that illustrates the challenge. For example, maybe there was a specific conversation or turning point when you realized things needed to change, or a moment when you reached out for help. These details ground your story.

2. Be honest about your struggle: It’s okay to share that you felt overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure. Vulnerability helps readers connect. You could describe how your grades slipped and how that affected your self-confidence, but try not to dwell too long on just the struggle.

3. Shift to your response and growth: The most important part is showing what you did about it. Did you set new routines, seek support, learn time-management strategies, or find new ways to motivate yourself? Did the situation change your perspective on family, responsibility, or priorities? Be specific here. For example, you might describe creating a daily schedule to balance schoolwork and home life, or reaching out to a counselor.

4. End with reflection: How did the experience change you? What do you understand better about yourself now? Maybe you discovered more resilience than you realized, or you developed more compassion for others who are struggling. Maybe you learned the value of asking for help. Share how you'll carry these lessons into the future.

Here’s a brief example of how you might frame your essay: “On a rainy Thursday in November, I found myself sitting at our kitchen table surrounded by textbooks, unable to focus as my parents announced the final decision to separate. That semester, my grades reflected the chaos. But slowly, I rebuilt my routines, carving out time for school and self-care—even teaching my little brother how to use Zoom. Looking back, I realize the challenge was less about my parents’ divorce, and more about discovering my own ability to adapt, stay organized, and persevere.”

Writing about ordinary struggles can be incredibly powerful if you’re honest and focus on personal growth. Ultimately, being true to your experience is what will set your essay apart and make it memorable.