For my personal statement, can I write about being an immigrant or first-gen college student, or is that overdone?

Answer 1

You can. The question isn’t whether it’s been done before, it’s really it feels true to you.

When I worked in admissions, I read a lot of essays from first-gen and immigrant students. The ones that stood out weren’t the biggest or most dramatic stories, they were the ones that showed what the experience meant. Focus on one moment that shaped how you see yourself or the world. Be specific, be honest, and skip the resume recap. That’s what makes a familiar topic feel "new to them." If you’re not sure where to start, that’s something I help students figure out all the time.

Answer 2

Yes, you can—but it’s all in the how. These stories are powerful when they’re told with nuance and specificity. Instead of centering on general hardship, focus on a defining moment that shaped your perspective on justice, advocacy, or language. The goal is to make your experience feel personal and irreplaceable—not like a template.

If you're not sure how to make your story stand out, I’d be glad to work with you to develop a statement that’s truly your own.