{"id":2215,"date":"2026-04-20T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/graduateprograms\/?p=2215"},"modified":"2026-05-18T12:30:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T16:30:17","slug":"how-to-share-obstacles-youve-overcome-in-your-personal-statement-without-sounding-cliched","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/graduateprograms\/2026\/04\/20\/how-to-share-obstacles-youve-overcome-in-your-personal-statement-without-sounding-cliched\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Share Obstacles You\u2019ve Overcome in Your Personal Statement (Without Sounding Clich\u00e9d)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: How to Share Obstacles You&amp;apos;ve Overcome in Your Personal Statement (Without Sounding Clich\u00e9d)\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/episode\/5Wgq5CnFDwjVfvrYiK0bVZ?si=108f22e77fbb436e&amp;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s a question I hear often from graduate applicants\u2014and it usually comes with a long pause and a little uncertainty:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u201cShould I talk about the obstacles I\u2019ve overcome in my personal statement?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And then the follow-up question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u201cWhat if it sounds\u2026 clich\u00e9?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re asking that, I want you to know: you\u2019re already thinking like a strong writer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the truth is, many applicants <em>do<\/em> write about challenges in ways that feel generic or overly dramatic. And that can make an essay blur into the background\u2014especially when admissions reviewers are reading dozens (or hundreds) of statements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But here\u2019s the good news:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can absolutely write about obstacles you\u2019ve overcome in a way that feels authentic, powerful, and professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, when done well, it often becomes the most compelling part of the essay\u2014not because it\u2019s dramatic, but because it shows the real qualities graduate programs value:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>resilience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>self-awareness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>maturity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>problem-solving<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>growth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>So today, I\u2019ll show you how to present challenges you\u2019ve faced <strong>without sounding clich\u00e9<\/strong>, without oversharing, and without turning your personal statement into a \u201csad story.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, you\u2019ll learn how to turn obstacles into narrative strength\u2014while still clearly showing you\u2019re ready for graduate school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First: Yes, you can talk about obstacles (and sometimes you should)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s begin by addressing the concern directly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You are allowed to talk about obstacles in a graduate school personal statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Graduate programs understand that people don\u2019t arrive at graduate school with perfectly smooth paths. In fact, sometimes a challenge is what shapes a person into the kind of student and professional who thrives in graduate-level work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But there is one key principle to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your obstacle should not be the centerpiece.<br>Your growth should be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where many essays go off track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why some \u201cobstacle essays\u201d feel clich\u00e9d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s talk honestly about what makes a challenge story land poorly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Obstacle stories often become clich\u00e9s when they:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>rely on generic phrases<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>focus too much on pain without reflection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>jump to a \u201chappy ending\u201d without showing the process<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>make the reader do the work of connecting the dots<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sound like an inspirational movie trailer instead of a real person<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ve probably seen phrases like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cI learned that everything happens for a reason.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cThis challenge made me stronger than ever.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cI never gave up on my dreams.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cThrough hard work and determination, I overcame\u2026\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>None of these are inherently wrong\u2014they\u2019re just vague. They don\u2019t show anything specific about you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Graduate programs don\u2019t need a motivational quote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They need clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They want to understand:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>what happened<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>what you did<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>what you learned<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>how it changed you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>how it prepared you for graduate study<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The most important shift: Move from drama to meaning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to avoid clich\u00e9s, here is the simplest and most powerful advice I can give:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t write your obstacle story like a headline.<br>Write it like a reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of making the reader think:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWow, that sounds hard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You want the reader to think:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis person learned something important, responded with maturity, and is ready for the next level.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The heart of your obstacle story isn\u2019t the obstacle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s the decisions you made and the growth you gained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What graduate programs want to see in an obstacle story<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When admissions reviewers read about a challenge, they\u2019re usually looking for signs of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>coping and resilience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>responsibility and ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>problem-solving<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ability to seek help<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>self-awareness and reflection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>forward movement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>readiness, not fragility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is important:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The goal is not to convince them you\u2019ve suffered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The goal is to show them you can succeed, even when life is difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The best structure to use: Situation, Action, Growth, Connection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This framework is the simplest way to write about obstacles without sounding clich\u00e9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I call it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Situation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Action<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what that looks like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Situation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Briefly describe what happened, with just enough context to understand the challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep this section short. You are not writing a memoir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Action<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What did you do in response?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the most overlooked part of obstacle essays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your response is what shows maturity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Growth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What did you learn?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not a generic lesson\u2014something specific that shows insight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Connection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>How does this connect to your goals and graduate readiness?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This brings it back to admissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to include (and what to leave out)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s make this practical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Include<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>brief, relevant context<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>your response and choices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>how you adapted<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>skills you developed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>how it influenced your direction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>growth you can name clearly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>forward-facing mindset<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Leave out or minimize<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>overly detailed personal information<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>blame toward others<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>long emotional descriptions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>medical or mental health specifics, unless necessary and handled carefully<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>unresolved hardship presented as ongoing crisis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>anything that makes the program wonder if graduate study could overwhelm you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need to share everything to be authentic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You need to share what supports the narrative of readiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to avoid clich\u00e9s: 6 strategies that work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some concrete ways to keep your writing fresh, real, and compelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1) Use specific details, not generic feelings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of \u201cit was hard,\u201d explain what \u201chard\u201d meant in real life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>managing full-time work while caring for a family member<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>navigating housing instability during an academic term<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>switching majors after realizing the first path wasn\u2019t aligned<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>being the first in your family to understand the college system<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Specificity makes your story feel real\u2014not clich\u00e9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2) Focus on the process, not the moral<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid ending with \u201cI learned perseverance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, show what perseverance looked like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cI created a weekly schedule and met with my academic advisor twice a month to ensure I stayed on track.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s not clich\u00e9. That\u2019s concrete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3) Avoid overly dramatic language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need words like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>devastating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>shattered<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>life-changing in every way<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>darkest moment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes those words are true, but they can read as exaggerated in an admissions context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let the facts and reflection create the impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4) Show agency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is huge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if the obstacle was not your fault, your essay should highlight what you did next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Agency sounds like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cI sought support\u2026\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cI adjusted my approach\u2026\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cI learned how to\u2026\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cI created a plan to\u2026\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5) Include one insight that\u2019s uniquely yours<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the moment where you sound like a real person, not an essay template.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It might be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>a realization<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a new perspective<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a shift in your values<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>an understanding about your field<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cThat experience taught me that support systems aren\u2019t optional\u2014they\u2019re essential. That insight is one reason I\u2019m pursuing graduate study in counseling.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6) Bring it back to graduate readiness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the \u201cprofessional landing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell the reader why this experience prepares you for graduate-level work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>stronger time management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>improved communication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>better boundary setting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>comfort asking for help and using resources<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ability to persist and problem-solve<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>clearer purpose and direction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example paragraph: obstacle story without clich\u00e9s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s an example that follows the framework and stays professional:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDuring my junior year, I experienced a major disruption in my family responsibilities that required me to work increased hours while also supporting younger siblings at home. My academic performance was impacted during that semester, but it also forced me to develop skills I had not needed before. I created a structured weekly schedule, met regularly with instructors to stay aligned with expectations, and learned how to communicate early when challenges arose. Over time, I regained academic momentum and became more disciplined, organized, and intentional about how I used my time. That experience strengthened my confidence in my ability to manage demanding workloads\u2014skills I know will be essential in graduate study.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Notice what this does well:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>it gives context, but doesn\u2019t overshare<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>it focuses on action<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>it shows learning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>it ends with readiness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s the goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if your obstacle is connected to low grades or gaps?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a common situation, and it can actually be a powerful narrative\u2014if handled well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how to do it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>briefly acknowledge it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>explain context without excuses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>explain what changed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>point to evidence of improvement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>emphasize readiness now<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Graduate programs respect honesty and growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They struggle with avoidance or blaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick checklist before you submit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Use this to test whether your obstacle story is helping your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Is the obstacle described briefly, without overwhelming detail?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does the essay focus more on growth than hardship?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do I show what I did, not just what I felt?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is my reflection specific and meaningful?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does this story support my readiness for graduate study?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does my tone feel professional, grounded, and hopeful?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If yes, you\u2019re in a great place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final encouragement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ll end with this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your obstacles do not disqualify you from graduate school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In many cases, they help explain the strength you bring into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But the strongest personal statements do not ask the admissions committee to \u201cfeel sorry\u201d for the applicant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They show something far more compelling:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A person who has faced challenges, responded with purpose, learned with maturity, and is ready for what\u2019s next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you can tell that story with clarity and authenticity?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You won\u2019t sound clich\u00e9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll sound real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s a question I hear often from graduate applicants\u2014and it usually comes with a long pause and a little uncertainty: \u201cShould I talk about the obstacles I\u2019ve overcome in my personal statement?\u201d And then the follow-up question: \u201cWhat if it sounds\u2026 clich\u00e9?\u201d If you\u2019re asking that, I want you to know: you\u2019re already thinking like [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":509,"featured_media":2407,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,45],"tags":[2804,2722,2806,2730,2766,2708,1479,2764,2774,2754,2727,2760,2796,2798,2772,2697,2799,2808,2758,2801],"class_list":["post-2215","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-graduate-school-general","category-podcast","tag-addressing-low-gpa-in-personal-statement","tag-admissions-essay-strategy","tag-career-change-personal-statement","tag-director-of-graduate-programs-advice","tag-grad-school-essay-tips","tag-grad-school-narrative","tag-graduate-admissions","tag-graduate-school-application-tips","tag-graduate-school-essay-writing","tag-graduate-school-personal-statement","tag-how-to-stand-out-in-grad-school-applications","tag-how-to-write-a-personal-statement","tag-obstacles-in-personal-statement","tag-overcoming-challenges-personal-statement","tag-personal-statement-examples","tag-personal-statement-tips","tag-personal-statement-without-cliches","tag-resilience-in-graduate-school-application","tag-statement-of-purpose-advice","tag-writing-about-hardships-in-grad-school-essay"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/graduateprograms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2215","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/graduateprograms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/graduateprograms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/graduateprograms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/509"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/graduateprograms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2215"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/graduateprograms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2215\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2480,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/graduateprograms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2215\/revisions\/2480"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/graduateprograms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2407"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/graduateprograms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2215"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/graduateprograms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2215"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/graduateprograms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2215"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}