<p>Hi,
I'm having trouble choosing a essay topic for the Common App. Which one of these ideas would be good and not be too cliched?</p>
<p>(For Prompt 1) I talk about me skipping a grade and my adaptation to it (Probably start out with uncertainty -> fear -> fitting in)
I feel like this essay is just trying to get the reader to sympathize with me and hope they'll accept me(and this was about 5 years ago)</p>
<p>(For Prompt 2) I talk about my loss to a way younger opponent in a mind game primarily because I underestimated him
I feel like this type of essay is pretty common and pretty dull at that.(and this was about 7 years ago)</p>
<p>(For Prompt 4) I talk about how I am comfortable listening to music or making art. So basically admiring or making art(in some form) in my room on my laptop (despite choosing a computer related major)
I feel like this essay is putting me automatically into the introvert category and will make seem like a loner (maybe?)</p>
<p>I just don't feel like I can write about the other two easily and nothing pops to mind immediately. Any help would really appreciated.</p>
<p>I like the first topic and the third topic - the first one sounds like you are very smart for skipping a grade, and i’m sure you learned a lot from it. i would say if you write about it, while your main topic is on the transition to a higher grade, make sure you show how you’ve grown from it and what knowledge you’ve taken from the experience?
The third topic seems interesting but be sure you are very specific in what kind of music/art you like - don’t be vague, because i’m sure many people are into music/art so really describe what gets you going. I don’t think it’ll make you seem like a loner, but it’ll show a more artsy side of you than just the computer skills you want to do in college.
Ask yourself, ‘what am I telling people about myself with these essays? what am i showing them that they cannot find on the rest of my application?’ (some of the best advice i’ve gotten). From that, pick whichever topic you feel you can write more comfortably about and which shows more of you.
Haha good luck! I’m just another high school student trying to write a common app essay too. (you can help me on mine here too if you want!) best of luck and choose whichever you feel drawn to!</p>