Can someone help me change/choose my common app topic?

College Essays
1

<p>I'm in a bit of a situation writing my essays last minute and everything and I'm hoping someone can give me some topic feedback.</p>

<p>Originally, I had planned to write and focus on the death of my single mother before my junior year and how I've had to grow from this. Obviously, I want to talk about this because it is 'central to my identity.' I can easily relate it to my interests in science, my character, and my ideals (without coming right out and commenting on these things).</p>

<p>I was told that i should scrap what I have, that death should be avoided, and that I need to be more specific or unique. I'm wondering if i could create a stronger essay from one of the following topics:</p>

<ul>
<li><p>I travelled to Haiti during my junior year to work in a medical clinic for two weeks. This was my 'transition from childhood to adulthood' in my family. I'm one of seven extended family members to go there. (Boring details I could reference but probably would avoid: I raised my own money, found an American doctor to accompany, and flew there on my own) This was obviously my transition into independence and my display of strength to everyone around me. </p></li>
<li><p>I'd like to talk about/mold a more specific story. Some experience with meaning embodied into it. I work at in a lab, I've done some traveling, and I have done community work for most types of people in lots of situations. I feel like I could make this powerful, but I'd be missing out on a chance to elaborate on things that really matter to my life and who I am.</p></li>
</ul>

<p>I appreciate any help/support that you can offer!</p>

<p>Edit: I should mention that I'm better at writing than narrating a story.</p>

2

<p>Go with the original idea</p>

3

<p>Well, it’s been 6 days, so you may have already decided and written it. But I don’t know how someone could tell you not to write about the death of your mother. I think you should, but instead of displaying your interests in science (which will most likely be addressed in other parts of your apps, such as supplemental essays) in that same essay, you could somehow segue into the story about Haiti. I would definitely include the details about how you financed the trip, etc., as well as a sort of broken narrative of the work you did there. The essay would describe how you’ve grown and changed since the death of your mother and through your service (with Haiti as the main example - I’d mention that you’ve done much more than that) until now. No need, in my opinion, to talk about science, etc…</p>

<p>I’m very sorry for your loss. You sound like an amazing person - that you went to Haiti on your own to work at a medical clinic after such a tragedy is incredible. You also seem to be a talented writer. I’m sure anything you’ve written or will write will be great. Good luck.</p>

4

<p>No, actually I had been working on my supplemental essays up until yesterday.</p>

<p>Thank you so much. This is probably about what I would have written anyway, but your comment gave me some strength and confidence so thank you.</p>

5

<p>I’m glad. You’re <em>very</em> welcome. Hope it’s going ok.</p>