<p>I applied early action to a school that doesn't use the common app, and for it, wrote a very strong essay about my academic goals and career interests. The rest of the schools (ranging from places like Columbia to Michigan) I am applying to use the common app, and much to my chagrin, I find that I cannot seem to write a solid essay on any of its pretentious writing topics. So my question is this: would it be wise to choose "topic of choice" and submit the one I already wrote about my goals and interests, or do colleges tend to prefer the topics already given, such as the "person who influenced you" topic?</p>
<p>i chose a topic of choice. i knew that my essay will be stronger if i could write what i wanted.</p>
<p>I imagine that is the reason for the existance of the free choice topic.</p>
<p>Write about what you want.</p>
<p>I did topic of choice. Many people do topic of choice. Don’t worry, go for it!</p>
<p>Do topic of choice. You want to write the strongest essay possible.</p>
<p>I’m told that if you can write about something that fits one of the topics, then go ahead. If you want to choose your own topic, then you should make sure it doesnt fit into any of the given topics.</p>