<p>I came up with an idea for my essay that is probably not too common among High schoolers:</p>
<p>How my "king-of-the-hill" status (achieved by virtue of being an only child) was ended by the addition of a "new baby sister" (actually my 91 year old grandmother) who has now lived with us for 1 and 1/2 years. I will include great anecdotes, stories, mention of values learned, etc. I think it will be heartfelt, humourous, and different. What do you think?</p>
<p>BTW, I'm applying to Dartmouth (probably ED), Cornell, UVA, William & Mary, Georgetown, CMU, and Pitt.</p>
<p>Since the success of a particular idea depends heavily on how you actually write it, it's difficult to say. But from your description it seems like it could turn out to be a good essay. If you're excited about the idea, go for it!</p>
<p>It can be a great essay topic. I haven't ever heard of a similar topic, so you could be indeed unique, even if this "king-of-the hill" position, as you name it, is quite common. But I doubt it's a good idea to talk about your grandmother as a "new baby sister", not even as an epithet. You could talk about her as getting attention from your parents and making you jealous, for example.</p>