<p>Newbie here,</p>
<p>Thank you for viewing and possibly helping out. </p>
<p>I am a senior in high school and starting to write essays, whether it be for the common application or even perhaps a supplemental. I need help deciding what to write about, to answer a prompt about personal experiences or concerns and how it affects me. Keep in my mind that I am using this essay/topic for my reach schools such as USC, Stanford, and other colleges in the top ranges.</p>
<p>Knowing that the essay is a major part of the application process and decision of the admissions officers, I am left with deciding which topic to go with for the type of essay mentioned above. My two topics I would write about is:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>How I have overcome my severe anxiety/dissociative disorder and what that means, positively, in terms of my strive for success and passion. And how in succession to this, my creative endeavors(film, photography, and business) have been praised by many with true(not patronizingly) emotion. </p></li>
<li><p>My personal economic and family situation: My father has been unemployed for years and struggles with depression although he has worked extremely hard to find a job. I often run into situations where I have to listen to him cry, and I must keep strong for him, as in addition, my father and mother are getting a divorce. My future aspirations and goals have only been made stronger by this.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>In addition to helping me choose the best out of the two, considering which would have the strongest impact on an admissions officer, please tell me in your personal opinion if essays based on these details/topics seem like very strong ones, and would leave some kind of strong impression, or if it would give me a good chance at being accepted.</p>
<p>As a kind of disclaimer: I do not believe that my essays alone will get me accepted into the top colleges of my choice. I clearly understand the other factors.</p>
<p>I appreciate all answers, thanks!</p>