<p>Right now, Dartmouth is my number one choice because of its strong public policy dept and it's proximity to The outdoors. Would it be bad to write my common app essay about hiking if I apple to Dartmouth? Is hiking a common topic for Dartmouth applicants?</p>
<p>My daughter wrote one about her love of nature unfettered, and she’s class of '16. I honestly think her essay got her in–it was an excellent essay (she was well-qualified otherwise, of course, but so many people are), and it showed the match between her and Dartmouth. Write about what you love, and proofread.</p>