<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I'm thinking of doing the "pick your own" question on the Common App. I can't even think of a good topic. How good is this idea? I'm thinking of writing an essay that's basically a collection of stories of things that happened in my life. I'll try to keep them interesting.</p>
<p>How is that? Bad? Yes?</p>
<p>i was agonizing over topics for that same essay and my parents basically told me to shut up and start writing about ANYTHING...i typed out this sort of stream of consciousness for a few minutes each on completely random topics that are important to me, offbeat experiences i've learned from (even insignificant ones), etc etc. obviously i can't put that directly into the commonapp but there's good stuff i can build on. try it.</p>
<p>Alright I will take your advice and try it.</p>
<p>This sucks. I used to be a really good and creative writer until sophomore year. Now I'm boring as hell. There are times when I get this awesome idea but either I can't put it on paper or I forget about it later on. When I'm writing and the words just flow out freely, I can tell it's going to be a great essay. Sadly, that hasn't happened in a while.</p>
<p>Some good advice:
<a href="http://smysp.stanford.edu/family/toolbox.html#b7%5B/url%5D">http://smysp.stanford.edu/family/toolbox.html#b7</a></p>
<p>That advice makes it seem so easy...</p>
<p>What do you think of the idea in my original post?</p>
<p>Well, if all the stories come together to support one point, then maybe. I'd try to think of one significant event or experience though. You must be able to think of turning points in your life...no?</p>
<p>I honestly can't.</p>
<p>I'll brainstorm some more.</p>