<p>When writing an essay for the common app, does it hurt the applicant at all if you choose a topic of your choice rather than one of the ones given?</p>
<p>Is this commonly done?</p>
<p>from what i know, it doesn't hurt the applicant at all. i know lot of people who chose the "topic of your choice" option.</p>
<p>I believe writing about the topic of your choice actually adds more individuality to your application.</p>