I wrote a very good essay for a summer (2015) program at a very good university. Now, I have to write an essay for the common application. I really want to talk about the same thing, but think it’s not a good idea because I’m applying to the same university early and want to get there. Will they have access to the old essay I wrote? Should I pick a new topic to avoid looking bad and out of ideas? (I’m looking to get into some of the top schools: Ivy League, Stanford etc.)
The only other topic that comes to mind is also very risky: depression. It has affected every part of my life and I can, I believe, write a compelling story about coming out (of depression, and also to people about my problem). This is mildly cliché, and no offence, but I’ve suffered from real depression. In fact, I’m still going through some of it but I’m so much better now. It has given me a whole new perspective and frankly, made me the person I am today.
No, my grades did not suffer very badly due to it. I still have 2370 on the SAT and good high school scores. The timing was in my favor. When I was most afflicted and couldn’t even move a muscle, I did not have any exams approaching (though I broke down in a couple of days/weeks after exams in December). Is the Virginia-Tech-Stigma still there? The Germanwings incident doesn’t help either, but I could write something about that – try to not make it a downer and still make my point come through in an inspiring, positive manner (easier said than done, but I’m fairly sure I can pull it off).
(Note: The summer essay topic wasn’t about depression at all. It was something I’m very good at and talked about overcoming a challenge that could have stopped me from it)
I’m not sure about reusing summer program essays for the Common App for the same school. They might not keep a record of it / care, but I know that for actual college assignments, “self-plagiarism” or “double-dipping” by submitting an assignment / essay for different classes is considered to be academic dishonesty.
I would definitely avoid writing about depression. I get what you’re saying about it being important to your life, but depression does carry a stigma. I don’t think it’s the fear of you doing something extremely destructive like Virginia Tech or Germanwings. It’s more the fear that you will relapse due to the transition to college and do poorly in your classes (what happened in this episode doesn’t say much about how you’ll fare in the future), take a medical leave, drop out, or do something self-destructive.
Using your own work is definitely considered self-plagiarism and must be avoided! Come up with something fresh and new. If you really want to write on the same topic, consider rewriting the essay or trying to present a similar topic from a different point of view.
Personally, I would stay away from writing about depression for a college essay due to the stigma that some associate with it.
I would absolutely suggest you come up with a plan C.
Avoid the same topic you used for them last spring. It’s in your file and may even be read by the same person. If it was as memorable as you suggest, you don’t want to look like it’s the ONLY thing you can talk intelligently about.
Likewise, avoid writing about depression-- and not because they fear you’ll do something horrific. Avoid it simply because you want to present yourself as someone who will find success in college, who will help others.
If you’re looking to get into the Ivies, then you obviously have a lot going for you. I suggest you find another topic. Could you take something out of the summer program you attended?