<p>I noticed on the 2010-2011 common app essay portion there is an option that allows you to write on a topic of your choice. I was thinking about using an essay I've already written mainly to try and stand out. I would say the topic is "injustices to the public run by our government" and it is about the negative effects of state lotteries on society. It is about 3,000 words which is probably too long. Does coming up with your own topic help, hurt, or have no effect on chances of admission and does that topic sound like a good one? I am a rising senior and the only school I was planing on applying to with a common app essay requirement was Miami(FL).</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure coming up with your own essay topic won’t hurt you, as long as it is appropriate. However, I feel like your own prompt falls into the second topic, which is pick an issue that is important to you. Also, I think should probably just write a new essay because the topic because your idea doesn’t seem like it would incorporate your voice or let the adcoms get a feel of who you are in any way. It is also extremely hard to condense an essay of your length to an appropriate 500 words without it coming off as diluted and unorganized.</p>