Personal Essay Topics

I just read my daughter’s essay recently and I’m blown away. When I first read it, it was half finished and I literally was like… Where is the rest? My question though, is how personal is too personal? And are there any topics that really should be avoided?

I know that more than a few college admissions officers made a point in the info sessions of saying yes, they can.“please, do not tell us about your first kiss.” Can’t see why it’d be any different for prep school.

Oh, no, I didn’t mean like that kind of personal. I meant more deeply personal. Nothing we wouldn’t have grandma read!

If grandma can read it, it’s fine!

Things and experiences that would help readers know the ‘authentic’ herself… Would avoid negatives though unless they helped applicants dramatically turn around and become a much better person.

I think it helps to show change and/or growth if it is appropriate in the essay but being authentic and taking risks are big pluses.