Common App Essays???

<p>My main essay is very unique but I really want to make an impact with it. Is it better to tell specific stories in an essay (e.g. one day this happened and I did this) or to just state a generic statement about something (e.g. i always try to do this when this happens and learn this from it)?</p>

<p>My short activity essay is pretty common. I wrote about a sport and what it has taught me. Is that a proper way to answer that question? Is there any way to make that essay unique?</p>

<p>Any help is appreciated. Thanks!!</p>