How closely do you have to follow essay prompts?

I’ve got some decent ideas for essay topics but they don’t seem to exactly fit any certain prompt (primarily the Common App prompts–the first one especially). I brainstormed unique ideas but the things I’ve come up with aren’t necessarily “so meaningful I believe my application would be incomplete without” nor do they really touch on the other prompt topics.
Most specific college supplements are relatively straightforward, but when it comes to the common app I feel like I’m not exactly answering the prompts. Obviously I’m not going to write something that’s way off topic. But do the admissions officers really care how well you stuck to the prompt? Or is the essay itself what matters most?

Just pick the first prompt. That’s the most open ended. You can basically write about anything, with a few exceptions.

Remember that the admissions officers didn’t write the prompts, the common app provided them. So they are not super wedded to them. The essay matters most. Don’t write about you deceased grandparent or pet, your sports injury (“No more ACLs!” said an admissions officer in a article I read this week), or your service trip.

@doorrealthe @intparent ok thanks!