Question about the Common App Essay

<p>Is there generally an essay topic that colleges like to see, one that challenges you more? Is it dangerous to choose your own topic(using an essay topic that I've seen before). What (word count) is usually the maximum that you want to make it? The essay topic below looks like something an admissions person would want to read versus a topic like discuss some issue of international and its concern to you.
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A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. **</p>

<p>The "or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you" seems interesting. The "describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community" part seems like something that might be part of a supplement anyways.</p>

<p>Honestly though, I wouldn't worry much about the topic so far as something an essay reader might want to read. I think you're better off choosing a topic that helps you get across your personality to the reader in the best way possible, as what the reader wants to read is your personality.</p>

<p>Yeah I decided to choose this one about an experience and what I would bring to a college environment. Also good to talk about how you want to be very successful because those are the type of people that colleges want. How long should I make it though? Is around 1000 words fine?</p>

<p>Most are around 500-600. I've seen some a bit longer though (700). I'd say to make it however long it needs to be.</p>

<p>Mine's a little less than 500, but it's only my first draft ever and I have so much more to improve on. Tomorrow I'll ask for people to look at it, but I definitely thought I chose a harder topic, not the "my mom is so influential because..."(well of course she would be influential), so I feel content with it.</p>