<p>Has anyone used this "topic" for their essay?
How did/is it work/ing out for you?</p>
<p>How would you format such an essay? Would you title it using the question?</p>
<p>I think a majority of people who use Common App use this topic.... You would just check that topic, and upload your document. Basically you write about what YOU want to write about. I don't think you have to make your own prompt.</p>
<p>I'm not sure. I was talking to an admissions consultant and she said that it's risky because people then write about ANYTHING and the essay comes out unfocused and irrelevant. I would only use that topic if the essay you're writing kind of covers two or more given topics of the common app essay. Like it's a cross between topics and you don't know which one to choose.</p>
<p>I did. And it worked out great. :]</p>
<p>Just did a little story in a 4 hour time frame. That's it... 499 words.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I was talking to an admissions consultant and she said that it's risky because people then write about ANYTHING and the essay comes out unfocused and irrelevant.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Imo, actually prepare your own prompt. That prompt will provide focus and a means to evaluate your drafts.</p>
<p>my cousin did this and he got into princeton. you need to chose a question thats really deep and enigmatic. he explained how words were not enough to convey his thoughts in a college essay but concluded to say that, words were needed for him to properly explain why words were not needed....if that makes any sense.</p>
<p>i think his question was "explain the limitations of words in written communication"</p>
<p>Sometimes, there is no need for a question. Just freeform about something interesting is okay too.</p>
<p>In all honesty, your essay SHOULD fall under the several categories that they give you - considering how general they actually are. However, if you feel that none of the topics accurately define the parameters of your essay, you should pick the "your own topic" selection. Almost all of the kids at my school who applied last year at my school chose the "chose your own topic" thing. I don't really think it's that significant, though.</p>
<p>this is a little unrelated but for unc chapel hill.. here's one of the essay choices.
"If you have written an essay for another school’s application that you really like, feel free to use it as your longer essay for us. Please be sure to tell us (a) what essay you are answering and (b) why you think this essay represents you well (your explanation will not be included in the essay word count). "</p>
<p>two questions:
1. does that mean you're allowed to use the common app "topic of choice"?
2. if so, is it unwise to do so? i'm afraid common misconception is that using common app essay for that would just be a hint of laziness. but what if i actually really like my common app essay</p>