<p>So I wrote the optional essay topic about making a control panel for my FIRST team's robot. Sounds impressive, but the whole point of the essay was how I had no clue what I was doing. Considering I have no idea how to make a van de graaf generator, I'd say go for it! Just make sure the essay is insightful and engaging. The point isn't really what you write about, it's what the essay actually TELLS the person reading it.</p>