Tina Yong: Why colleges need to stop rewarding the "trauma essay"

Why colleges need to stop rewarding the "trauma essay"

As if college applications aren't stressful enough, disadvantaged youth are often encouraged to write about their darkest traumas in their admissions essays and create a marketable story of resilience, says politics student Tina Yong. She brings this harrowing norm to light, exploring its harms and offering a more equitable process for colleges everywhere. [Directed by Anton Bogaty, narrated by Tina Yong and Alexandra Panzer, music by Jarrett Farkas].

Applicants from marginalized backgrounds often feel pressured to share their deepest hardships in college essays, hoping to appear resilient enough for acceptance. Many describe pain, such as overcoming racism or loss, while white applicants highlight passions and achievements. This trend not only distorts what admissions value but also places a heavy psychological burden on young people. Changing prompts and training counselors could help students reclaim ownership of their stories.

College Admissions Favor Trauma Stories Over Real Potential

Selective schools often encourage students to turn personal trauma into marketable essays, equating hardship with merit. Many young applicants, especially minorities, feel pressured to share intimate struggles for a chance at acceptance. One applicant described feeling like a worse person the deeper they got into the process. This approach can cause real psychological harm and overlooks the many ways students grow and excel beyond their most painful memories.