<p>So, I have a few different topic ideas swirling around in my head for the different Common App prompts but I'm not really sure if they are even good ideas or if they're too personal, etc. Basically, before I start my actual essay, I just want some input on whether or not any of these topic ideas could work or not. </p>
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<li><p>For the first essay prompt, I was thinking about writing about how growing up with a family member that was mentally ill shaped my childhood and who I am today. My older brother has severe anxiety (as well as inklings of other disorders, it's complicated) and growing up with him has been really hard. One of my dreams is to create a group that helps spread awareness about mental illness in children and also helps support the siblings of mentally ill children. It's definitely something that has shaped who I am and is a story I am itching to share. But, is it too personal? There's also the issue of me being afraid to share my essay with my parents and probably some of my teachers but random people reading it would not bother me. I also don't want to seem like I'm whining about how rough I've had it, it's just something that has been particularly difficult to share with people. I know I'm much more privileged than tons of other applicants.</p></li>
<li><p>And then for the same essay prompt or possibly the third one (the prompt about challenging a belief or an idea), I was thinking about focusing on my love of writing. The school I want to go to is Emerson College for their Writing, Literature, and Publishing major. I've basically been creating characters and stories in my head for as long as I can imagine and I have characters that are probably seven or so years old that I have been developing continuously since their creation. I don't know if that makes me sound insane or something but it's just how I think and writing is my greatest passion. I'm just always writing or at least thinking about my writing. Also, one of my dreams as a writer is to create characters from different backgrounds who all don't have to necessarily look a certain way since I am a pretty big advocate of the importance of media representation. But, I don't want to go full-fledged social justice crusader on the admissions board since that might make my essay "controversial"?</p></li>
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<p>That's really all of the ideas I have right now. I can't bring myself to write about an apparent "accomplishment" of mine or how I learned so much about humanity just because I was the president of a school club because I know an essay like that would not be from my heart. Also, for my essay to be the best it can possibly be, I really have to be enthusiastic about my topic too.</p>
<p>I was also hoping to incorporate some of my skills of fiction writing into my essay (if I went with the second choice) through use of dialogue, appearances of characters I've written, etc. but is that too silly? Also, is it weird to write two essays? Can I even do that with the Common App (I'm very confused, lol)?</p>
<p>Thank you to whoever takes the time to read and answer this. I appreciate your input more than you know.</p>
Also, I meant to edit my post earlier but my internet is pretty shoddy and stopped working. When I asked about writing two essays, I was wondering if I could write one essay for some schools and send a different one to others. For Emerson, I thought the second choice might be a better idea because it shows my creative side and love for writing which is what I would be going there for. Am I only allowed to select one essay and that gets sent to all schools I apply to? Again, thanks for answering my thread in the first place. I’m just confused and curious, lol.</p>