<p>1)How running a marathon helped me to forgive my mother for her drug abuse and neglect for me as a child.
2)How being gay and biracial in rural South Carolina has pushed me academically/emotionally
3)The way that I choose goals based on my failures rather than success(maybe a bit banal)</p>
<p>Not too risky, but maybe a little too...serious? I mean, its fine to go that route...just personally, I like to be a little more lighthearted and fun with my essays. You can be dead serious if you want, but make sure your personality shines through. And whatever you do, DO NOT be fake or generic - they'll pick that up right away.</p>
<p>I like #1 and #2. Though #2 could be risky depending on the type of school you're applying to. I believe that the essay should reveal something important about you that your transcripts, ECs, etc., don't show. All of your potential topics here do that, but #1 and #2 seem more unique and individual to the "real" you. I'd love to see what you come up with.</p>
<p>The topics seem fine to me. maybe they are a bit serious but if you are a serious person, your essay should be likewise. i read somewhere that don't write to be funny if you are not . If you are serious, be one in your essay.</p>