For a writing class, I wrote a personal essay about how understanding my sexual orientation has helped me to better understand myself and feel less alienated in society. I was hoping to re-purpose this essay for my application, but my guess is that it is way too cliche and colleges probably get essays about this topic all the time. I wanted to hear some other opinions though.
It is a fairly common topic - if you choose it, be careful to portray it with a unique flair. Otherwise, it will seem almost too generic.
Your guess is absolutely correct - Way too cliche. So five minutes ago. It would most likely evoke only yawns and eye rolls.
Race / Culture / Self-image essays are not only some of the most common topics but also the hardest to execute well. Stay away from these topics unless you experienced something that was truly drastic.
I think I’m different from many people here, in that I don’t worry about a topic being “cliché.”
My concern is that the essay gives the adcom reading it a reason to say yes to your application.
If your current essay shows growth, shows sensitivity, shows maturity, then I say go with it. But if it paints you as someone who is alienated, who is not comfortable in you own skin, who struggles with things too much, then I would give it a pass.
Keep in mind though: this is not Confession. It is not an audition for reality TV. It is not therapy. It’s your chance to show the reader a part of yourself that he/she can’t get from the rest of your application. It’s your chance to “give them a reason to say yes.”
If your current essay, or a reworked version of it, do all that-- regardless of what the topic of the essay is-- then I say go with it. Otherwise, I would find an alternative topic.
Thanks @bjkmom for your detailed answer. I will keep that in mind.