<p>A hobby or EC? Two of my kids wrote about hobbies. One essay was about entering a digital art contest. Another was about cake decorating. (Her main EC was a sport, but she used that for a short essay.) Third kid had an assigned topic “a challenge you faced/obstacle you overcame,” and wrote about entering a big public high school after being homeschooled. All of their essays were somewhat humorous/not taking self too seriously. I’ve read a lot of essays on a big variety of topics for CC students over the years. I tend to prefer those that use a little humor and/or have some sort of original insight. Your D should remember her audience–try to connect with (and entertain) the reader and make him/her think. Also, try to come across as a nice person, not bragging too much.
I tend not to like topics that paint the writer as a “victim” (illness, accident, death in the family, divorce), or “hero.” (whether they led the team through a winning season, or rescued someone as a lifeguard, or saved someone from illiteracy or poverty through volunteer work, etc.) These types of topics are hard for most students to do well (not saying they CAN’T be done, but. . .)
The essays she’s already written may be just fine. Maybe should should ask for feedback on CC.</p>