How much is too much? Personal Statements

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See Im applying to this program for underrepresented minorities. And I am identifying as a minority through Aspergers.

One of the essays I have to write is "Describe any obstacles you had to deal with and overcome."

There has been obviously so many obstacles Ive overcame. Sure its great to write some heart felt story. But there must be a line in which you should not go past in mentioning to school officials.

I asked my peer mentor about this, she wasnt sure. She knew people who made up very sad stories. You know its one thing to make up a sad story and have no problem telling it. But then actually telling one from the heart is so different. I dont need to make up a sad story.

So does anybody have a clue, cause I dont want this to backfire on me. Even if no one has any ideas, just thought Id throw it out there.

How is an overcoming an obstacle essay a sad story? Wouldn't that be a triumphant story?

It is, well it can be a sad story too. The first half is where you are describing the obstacle and how it was an obstacle. That part can be sad. Of course I know the point of it is to tell how you overcame it.

OK; I'm thinking that the obstacles faced by most underrepresented minorities is probably prejudice. So a typical essay might be how someone overcame a prejudicial obstacle. Some sadness there, I guess, but not tear jerkingly sad. So think of this level of sad story as the norm for this group of essay judges.

There's no way for you or anyone else to assess your essay topic/s without starting to write one. Just write one, then sleep on it before rereading it. Start with your most rewarding example of having overcome. You'll get a sense of it once it's written; and if not, then you can share it with someone who's judgement you trust.

I chose to discuss my autism in my personal statement for grad school admission. It's part of who I am and how I relate to the world. I wrote about my unique strengths and how they will empower me to excel in the program of my choice. I also acknowledged that I do have weaknesses and the problems they have caused in the past and discussed how I am working to overcome them.

I think it's okay to go pretty deep when writing your personal statement, just remember to not make yourself sound like you could or might fail in college. They want you to write about an obstacle because they want to know that you can combat those same obstacles if you face them in college. But as for the "sad" part, I don't really know that there is a line.