<p>I hear that college essays need to be striking and set you "apart" from others, but how far can I go without crossing the line? </p>
<p>Would it be better to play it safe and write about traditional topics, such as "I want to go to your school because...."? I know that those topics are boring, but you can't really go wrong with them, right?</p>
<p>Or is writing about a taboo subject worth taking a risk for? What types of topics are just risky enough to be interesting, without having the danger of offending an admissions officer? (I definitely can't afford any strikes like that against my chances...)</p>
<p>I've written so many essays and trashed all of them, which is dangerous considering that this is crunch time for applications. I just haven't been able to find a topic that answers the college's questions and gives me room to express myself. Please help!</p>
<p>Generally, I think that risky essays, IF properly written, would be better than conventional ones. Uniqueness/riskiness attracts the attention of the essay readers. Also, no topics are taboo!</p>
<p>However, riskiness of subject pales in importance to the quality of the writing. I think you should focus on writing a high-quality, personal essay.</p>
<p>It also depends how likely you are to get into the college. If you are applying to a college where your grades and test scores are below their average, and you don't have much else to recommend you, it might be worth it to take extra risks.</p>
<p>Thanks for the tips, guys! I decided to take a HUGE risk on one of my essay topics and have just finished it, and I must say, it turned out surprisingly well. I just hopes it pays off in the end... for now, I will wait.</p>
<p>My advice to any frustrated essayers out there is to just write about any and all ideas that come to mind when you're struggling over an essay topic. No matter how far-out your idea is, if you are truly inspired by it and can write a great essay about it (as it relates to college), then go for it!</p>