Overly Cliche/Used Essay Topic

Hey everyone,

Choosing the right topic for your essay is critical, and I want to make sure I’m not using a overly cliche topic. I am writing about how one of my parents had a heart attack, how it matured me at a young age, and how it inspired me to enter the medical profession. I use video games as an extended metaphor throughout the essay so I believe the reveal is unique (My teacher thought it was “striking”). I will beef up my reflection to make the story more about me (rather than the sickness).

I know this topic may be overused, but this event changed my life and forced me to grow up and be strong for my family.

Do you think this approach/topic is too cliche??

I think the metaphor sets it apart, if it’s done right. I say go for it!

Metaphor sounds interesting and is a unique take on a somewhat cliche story. As they say, there are no cliche topics only cliche essays - how you write will determine if it’s perceived as cliche more than what you write about.

IMO even a cliche story can be fine if told well and with a personal touch. You should be fine.

“There are no good or bad topics for college essays, only good or bad essays. John Updike said, ‘There is a great deal to be said about almost anything. Everything can be as interesting as every other thing.’ Sometimes good writing is just the result of reinvigorating what has become a cliche.” – Harry Bauld, “On Writing the College Application Essay”