The "Other Topic"?

College Essays
1

<p>I'm working on my Common App and having a very hard time figuring out what I want to write my essay on, the cookie-cutter "what inspires you" or "what experiences have you gone through", etc. don't conjure up any good ideas in me for essay-writing. However, I do have any essay written that I did for English class about the most frightening moment of my life - sleep paralysis. </p>

<p>It falls within the guidelines since the assignment was to do a college essay, it's just that it's a very miscellaneous topic. I feel like it is written very well and can keep the reader engaged. It's a pretty exciting essay. However, it's just a 'fun' essay; it doesn't do much to reveal my aspirations or personality - it's just an entertaining story about the scariest moment of my life. Would this not be a good idea to use as my Common App essay, checking off "Topic of your own choice"? Are they looking for me to share with them personal growth? Or would this be a nice 'hook' of an essay that diverges from the vast amount of plain, "x sport/activity made me grow and had this hardship" essays that will be reading through?</p>

2

<p>On one hand, the common app essay is a way to show how strong your writing abilities are. On the other hand, it is good to also show something about yourself. Perhaps you can edit this essay to do both. If it’s good writing, that shouldn’t be too difficult to do.</p>

3

<p>You don’t have to show that much personal growth in your essay. I think it sounds great. It is important that it display aspects of your personality; however, I can see an essay dealing with this issue, and explaining how you coped with it, as being fairly revealing in a unique way. I say go for it, and good luck!</p>