So for the UC prompt 8, which is to explain what makes you different, I was going to write about being raised by a single mother, and how that made me more independent, appreciative, etc. Is this topic too common?
It may be common but if you truly feel like you can write about this in a unique way then I would go for it. But if you’re second guessing is there anything else you’re considering writing about?
For every sentence in your essay think about, “how many other kids could also say this?”
“My single mother works very hard, and it’s made me very appreciative” – cliche
“I hear a lot about designer shoes because my mom works at Nordstrom. She…” – beginning of a paragraph that’s unique to you
To be honest, the overwhelming majority of topics that most kids write about tend to be similar… you’re in the same place in your lives, you experiences at this point are similar. That doesn’t mean your essay can’t be wonderful.
OK, so you’re one of a hundred “single parent” essay the reader sees. What makes YOUR experience different from the kid in my 3rd period precalculus class? It’s all in the details.
So write the essay. Then go back and make sure that each sentence is unique to your experience-- that it’s a different essay than the one my student would write.