<p>"Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you."</p>
<p>Would writing about how I lost 55 pounds earlier this year (I would write about how it affected my life and about my sheer determination and whatnot) be a good topic?</p>
<p>Also, in the short answer, would it be okay if I use an essay that I used for a college that didn't use the common app? It's the same topic, and I would be making modifications, of course.</p>
<p>Just about any topic, including weight loss, is fine. It's what you do with the topic that matters.</p>
<p>"Also, in the short answer, would it be okay if I use an essay that I used for a college that didn't use the common app? It's the same topic, and I would be making modifications, of course."</p>
<p>Sure, why not? As long as you can make it fit, there is no reason not to. It is not like the schools will read each other your essays.</p>
<p>Oh, and congrats on the weight loss. I think that it is a good topic, yeah. Maybe just take extra care to focus it on an emotional level and on feeling healthier rather than a superficial, "I look better now and am therefore happier," level.</p>
<p>Is the essay supposed to have a thesis in the first paragraph? I gave the essay to my English teacher, and he told me to include a thesis in the opening paragraph. Is the essay supposed to be really formal? I really don't like the corrections he made on my essay.</p>
<p>And would it be risky to end the essay with "I may have come off as being boa(s)(t)(f)(u)(l) - (that word is censored for some reason on here) throughout this whole essay, but I am genuinely happy with what I have done and am truly thankful for what came out of it."?</p>