<p>My D did a really great essay about being flat chested. It had some humor, of course, but she used the topic to talk about how someone who is "overlooked" socially can have distinct advantages in personal growth, deeper friendships, closer family relationships; how being different made her comfortable with striking different paths in life; etc. It was successful because she really came across as the sane, smart, wise, sweet person that she is in this essay.</p>
<p>The topic of the essay is less important than the tone, theme, and personality of the essay. As your D <em>is</em> a go-getter, the topic here might seem like "more of the same"; maybe she could use the essay to show other sides of herself? </p>
<p>I proof-read a great essay for a kid who got in to several HYPS schools (just found that part out via a PM!) It was about learning to swim-- as a teenager. The whole essay was so humble & funny-- she wasn't afraid to show herself as the dork flailing in the baby pool-- and I thought it was a really nice and personal piece of writing. Little did I know at the time, but she must have had some powerhouse grades & stats too, to get in to all these schools... </p>
<p>Now imagine the picture for the adcom: the kid is an academic "winner" but she is also someone who is not afraid to laugh at herself or to look foolish; she can also deeply enjoy something even as a novice... That shows a lot of balance, IMO.</p>
<p>Being the "little engine that could" may be just too close to the whole rest of the application.</p>