Essay topic appropriate?

College Essays
1

<p>When I was young (prior to 1st/2nd grades), I never did much except watch tv. I wasn't especially social and, even though it was easy for me, I never read books of any length. Then I started reading Harry Potter, which literally changed my life. Ever since then, I have loved reading books of all types and, because the books were about students just a few years older than me, I also learned a lot about social skills (odd as that may seem).</p>

<p>One of the common app essay topics includes describing a character in fiction and how they influenced you. What I'm wondering is whether or not Harry Potter would be an inappropriate topic, given that the Harry Potter series is not exactly considered top literature. I would really like to write about this because I do feel strongly about it, so any opinions would be helpful.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Like everything else it comes down to execution, but there’s nothing inherently wrong with writing about Harry Potter. In fact, a well written essay about your journey with Harry will probably be a lot more endearing than an obviously made up story about how the Bronte sisters helped you through a hard time in middle school. Just be sure your own journey is front and center.</p>

<p>And top literature or not, you might be surprised at how many of your essay readers have quietly made it through a few HP novels themselves…</p>