Is this an appropriate essay topic?

<p>Our D has written a wonderful paper for her AP English course. The assignment was to write about an actual experience that evoked a strong reaction/emotion. The paper is written in the first person and reads extremely well, more in the style of fiction at first (although factual), with the end telling the lesson she learned from the experience. Many people like the paper.</p>

<p>I know she was impacted by this experience, but it wasn't a huge circumstance on the "life scale." It was an auto accident that scared her, but no one was injured, etc. I can definitely vouch for the fact that although no one was hurt, it did teach her a life lesson.</p>

<p>Some essays call for either an open topic or to write about a significant experience. Do you think this paper would qualify for some of her college essays? It's written so well and is the appropriate length. The paper is very gripping and friends who read it passed it around, telling her she should be a writer. It's difficult for me to describe it, but it starts out like the first chapter of a very good book, is quite engaging and draws you in, and the ending summarizes how this event changed her mind about a particular outlook on life. The conclusion (how she was impacted by this) makes a lot of sense and is indeed true.</p>

<p>Can college essays be more personal like this, including vivid first-person details written in a literary style before making your conclusion? Will the college admissions office think the "significant event" of an auto accident with no injuries is a trivial topic if she supports the topic, makes a valid conclusion, and it's written very well? I think it's the best paper she's ever written and she'd love to use it because she feels the same, but we don't want admissions to think her somewhat minor accident is not a significant enough event. What do you think? I hope I haven't confused you! I would appreciate your comments.</p>

<p>bump please :)</p>

<p>The target imo is a personal, detailed, honest and revealing essay. An essay that no one else could write, an essay that allows the AdCom to get a sense of the sort of presence the applicant will bring to the classroom, the dorm, the campus.</p>

<p>It doesn't matter how significant the event or topic of the essay may be. What matters is how personal the essay is, how it helps distinguish your D from other applicants.</p>

<p>For good advice on college essays, see</p>

<p>U.Va</a>. Office of Admission Essays</p>