<p>My Common App essay is about Lord of the Rings and my relationship with my father -- he introduced me to the books, and they've been a big part of my life ever since. He died a few years ago, and I compare his struggles with addiction to Gollum. I'm not at ALL trying to write a "pity me" essay: my main point is that I view things through the lens of literature (other things too, which I mention at the end of the essay).</p>
<p>Recently I've been told that Common App essays should never be about death. Is this true? Do I need to rewrite this essay??</p>
<p>No. There is no “bad topic.” It all depends on how you write.</p>
<p>I personally think your topic is really interesting. Have someone else read it and get feedbacks.</p>
<p>I think as long as you dont dwell on the death and just mention it and move on, youll be fine</p>
<p>Make sure the essay ends up mostly about you (85-95%).</p>
<p>Sounds good, just remember to focus it on you and not primarily all his struggles.</p>
<p>I love your idea just don’t make the death of your father appear to be a negative thing, make it positive and show them who you are.</p>
<p>Okay… I don’t see how one can NOT have the death of their father be negative. I am just saying, it is one of the most traumatic things that ever happens to a person. I am definitely not saying you should change your topic, though. I sort of like it… I am also a LOTR fan! And I never thought of Gollum’s obsession being comparable to drug addiction, so I would find that interesting to read. BUT, you need to make the essay almost all about yourself and revealing of you in some way. That is the challenge, of course. My D also used a fictional character that she discovered early in life in her common app essay, and talked about this character’s influence (positive and negative) on her over the years, and how she has (and hasn’t) moved beyond idolizing that character. So I think it can work well if you use it correctly.</p>
<p>Sounds like a very interesting topic as long as it’s written well. 
(And as others stated: as long as it focuses on YOU.)</p>
<p>The main point of the essay is to give adcoms a chance to glean something about you and the personal strengths you offer that are relevant to the college experience. Unlike a hs essay, not so much about how you weave a tale about him or his struggles. So, please be cautious.</p>
<p>I’d like to chime in and agree with previous posters that it sounds quite interesting, as long as its written about you and in your voice, should be great!!!</p>