<p>I started to write my common app essay this morning, and I am worried that my topic is not quite right. I am writing about an experience that is central to my identity. When I was a sophomore in high school, my best friend was shot and the bullet passed within an inch of his heart, almost killing him. I have helped him these past two years through the recovery process and emotional healing. I am writing about how this experience has taught me to always say "I love you" to ones dear to me, to value relationships, and to be empathic, among a few other things. This event has really shaped my viewpoints on life and I have so much to say about it, but I am worried that admissions might think it not important enough because I was not actually the one shot. help? :(</p>
<p>As long as it had a great effect on you, I think it’s fine to write about. You did say he was your best friend, so it’s obvious that it had a large toll on you and your viewpoint.</p>
<p>The danger in writing about another person in your essay is that sometimes an Admissions Director gets a better feeling about the other person than they do about you. Remember: You are the one applying to college . . . not them. So the focus of your essay must be on YOUR inner qualities, intellectual passion, maturity, social conscience, concern for community, tolerance and inclusiveness. The only way you will know if you have been successful is to write a rough draft of the essay and see how it turns out.</p>
<p>I agree with gibby, the essay’s main focus should be YOU. Colleges want to know what/how will a student contribute to their campus.</p>
<p>It sounds like something that affected you deeply and that you have a lot of involvement with your friends recovery and I think this shows your personal qualities, so I’d say this is appropriate.</p>