<p>I thought this question would have been asked many times, but I couldn't really find any threads, so I'll ask anyway:</p>
<p>What are some examples of "risky" essay topics (other than things like...your sex life or whining about your problems)? Is it ok to choose something very, very personal, and is there a limit to how personal you should get? Can you discuss things like genuine problems with family or friends as long as the essay as a whole reveals positive growth and maturity? Is it ever ok to mention something negative about yourself? </p>
<p>Just a few questions I've been wondering about, since most essay topics are so open-ended that it's actually easier to figure out what NOT to write about rather than what TO write about :)</p>
<p>On a side note - if I have won a national award for writing, will college admissions officers read my essays with very high standards in mind? I'm a little afraid of not meeting everyone's expectations :</p>