<p>So at this point I have written three different common app essays. I spent a huge portion of today working on one and I thought it was going to be the one, and all of a sudden I had an epiphany about exactly what I should write about, and this wasn't it. I've really struggled with finding original ideas and even the one I was working on today was somewhat trite. But I thought of a great, incredibly unique topic that I am pretty sure no one else will have. I feel like I can write really really well about it, but my one concern is that it doesn't really showcase a special ability or achievement or overcoming a huge obstacle. It does, however, showcase my personality and values very well, and allows me to put in some humor very naturally. Even though I'm sure I can write an incredible essay on this topic, I'm worried because my other common app essay was really integral in explaining some of my struggles freshman year (not academically, but socially because of some personal things, which meant I didn't get very involved until sophomore year). This essay will be much better though, and I'm pretty sure I can talk about that in the additional information section of the Common App. </p>
<p>Also, I have a question about the prompt. I am using: "Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?" I was just wondering how specifically you're supposed to answer each part of the question. I mean I'm sure they don't expect you to say "I would/wouldn't have made this choice again because…" but are you expected to answer certain parts of the prompt more directly? I was planning on writing an essay that sort of encompasses the whole prompt and overall covers all the parts. Is that okay?</p>