Good vs. Bad Common App Essay Topics?

<p>Hi, I am planning on applying to a few Ivy Leagues, and I am wondering if any essay topics would be considered weak. For example, the 4th Common App topic, "Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?" does not appear to hold as much weight as option 1, ""Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story." or option 3 "Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?", at least in my opinion.</p>

<p>If I were to write the 4th topic, I know that I would write it about being a part of the stage crew and how even though the hours are insane and stressful, it is what I enjoy most and whatnot. </p>

<p>However, if this topic is considered weak, for the first topic would it be off limits to discuss growing up surrounded by drug addiction?</p>

<p>Thank you for your help.</p>

<p>It’s not about the prompt, it’s about what you write in response to the prompt.</p>

<p>The colleges don’t care what prompt you pick to write about instead they care about what you actually write about?</p>