<p>I've been trying to think of good topics for my college essays, but I'm pretty hardpressed to find any that would stand out. The only one I can think of that I know I could write something good about would be my bout with depression, but I want to know if you guys think that would be too risky. I've recovered, so I would be talking about the recovery process, getting back up on your feet after you've been knocked over, etc etc. Would it still be taboo if I focus on recovery and what I've learnt from my experience?</p>
<p>I’d be concerned about writing that.</p>
<p>I typed out a big post about it, but it’s likely to rub some people the wrong way so I deleted it. Basically…imagine you’re an adcom and try to think if that’s what they’d like to know about you. Is that really the first impression you want to make, or is there something else you could talk about that would be equally, if not more, compelling to read about?</p>
<p>Agreeing with kayb92. Even if recovery from depression is the chief definition of your high school years so far, addressing such a heavy topic in an essay that serves as an indirect introduction requires a delicate touch. Many wonderful essays have been written on the matter, and more that failed to elicit the reactions you’re hoping for. </p>
<p>I think that you may be artificially confining yourself to heavy essay topics. A good essay can come out of everyday decisions and events. It is more about the voice that you create than providing the admissions crew with a brief history on your life. Heavy topics can sometimes confuse the message you’re trying to convey. </p>
<p>I would talk to your friends and parents and ask them what your key qualities are, in their words. After that, try thinking of a situation you’ve been in where one of these traits came across strongly (outside of gruesome contexts). Some of my best topics came when I just wrote a rough draft of an essay whose topic I thought was a joke. My final Common App essay was about jumping a balcony at 3 am. As long as you don’t come across as bragging about accomplishments or making excuses for marginal gaps in your application, you’ll probably be ahead of the crowd. </p>
<p>Good luck with your essay (and sorting through the incoherent thoughts I wrote out).</p>