<p>Hi, I haven't decided exactly what schools I want to use these for, but they're just topics I feel very strongly about and feel I can write well about. Looking through the applications, I feel like each one could potentially be used for several schools (obviously I don't intend to use the same essay for several applications, though). I just wanted to see whether or not they would be "good" for college essays and aren't too cliché. Hopefully, I'm on the right track in finding topics to write about. I'm only applying to 2 or 3 top-tier schools (like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, etc.), but I'm wondering if these ideas seem viable for that caliber of schools. </p>
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<li><p>I never had real religious exposure as a kid so I've always believed that after death, there was nothing. Consequently, I grew up fearing death immensely. I could never get over my fear (even after a lot of exploration into science, religion, philosophy) until I realized that as long as I made a lasting mark on society, I would be content: my life would have been worth it. Since then, I haven't had any of the panic attacks I used to have when I thought of death. I guess the idea here is that what I really care about in a limited physical life is doing something that'll help the world.</p></li>
<li><p>My father grew up extremely poor. When I was growing up, he taught me NEVER to waste anything. He was really hard on me and my siblings to COMPLETELY clear our plates at dinner, not leave electronics running, wear clothes until they were rags. I kind of had this mindset my entire life and it's made me the type of person to not let anything go to waste. The idea is that since I was a kid, I've learned to not waste any time, not waste my talents, and never let opportunities slip by.</p></li>
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<p>It's kind of late, so I'm sorry if I'm unclear. I can clarify if necessary. Thanks!</p>
<p>Both of these sound like awesome topics. With topics like these, it’s just a matter of how you approach and write about them :)! Flip a coin is what I’d do :P… That’s just me, however (technically, “that’s just I” is the correct form…).</p>
<p>Another topic I also wanted some feedback on. I think it might be difficult to handle given the subject matter:</p>
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<li>I was living in a pretty unsafe area a while back (pretty high rate of violent crime). I made the dumb decision to go out alone pretty late at night to a nearby grocery store to buy some snacks, thinking the police patrolling the area would keep me safe. Someone approached me and robbed me at knife point. It was probably the most frightening moment of my life. I carefully talked to the guy in full compliance and slowly handed my wallet over. I ran back home as fast as I could. Honestly, I felt pretty humiliated, but then I realized how lucky I was to still be safe. The whole event made me realize how important my words and my actions were in such an intense situation. I think the meaning here could be a bit difficult to bring out, but I think I can make it work.</li>
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<p>I totally agree with the first comment. Your ideas are GREAT! And yes you are on the right track. It all now comes down to how you approach and transform the great ideas to genuine greatness!</p>
<p>I personally would smell many possibilities from topic 1 if I were you to drill upon it.
Topic 3 is great too.</p>
<p>All three of the topics seem solid. For choosing one, I’d think about which topic could most clearly represent who you are today and how you became that way.</p>
<p>I think all three topics are excellent. Based on the way you describe them, it seems that they do play important roles in your life, which I think is very important for a good essay. Maybe you should keep all three close at hand for common app and supplements. :)</p>
<p>Bump, thanks for all of the comments, guys! It’d be nice to get some feedback from any adults/current college students if any are lurking around here for any reason :3</p>
<p>I think it is safer for OP to go with either #1 or #3</p>
<h1>2 is great too but it contains risks. If you really want to pursue this prompt, then you have to be really careful in crafting your essay because if not, it is really likely that your essay might become a big clinché</h1>