Are these acceptable topics?

NotSoos
Wed, 27 Jun 2018 01:01:40 +0000

Hello,

Like most rising seniors, I am beginning to think about what to write for my college essays. I have two topics in mind, and I would like to get some advice on whether or not I should pick them.

1. A family member and I were recently involved in a serious car crash that very well could have taken our lives had we not been wearing seatbelts. I would like to format the essay where I explain how the crash happened and what I took away from it (thankful for being alive, embracing and respecting life much more than before). I'm not sure if this event would be a wise choice because: A) It might be inappropriate. B) If it's not inappropriate, it may be too depressing to bring up. C) It also might be cliche considering that I know I'm not the only teenager who has been in a car accident. However, it was a pretty earth-shattering occurrence for me and something that definitely changed my perspective on things. I would like to include an uplifting/inspirational ending to leave on a positive note, but I still don't know if this would be suitable to write about.

2. I thought about writing about my sea glass collecting hobby. I know it's something that not everyone does and might be a unique addition to my application. I would like to write about why it intrigues me, some of my favorite pieces and a few of the "adventures" I've had while hunting for it. However, I'm not sure if this would tell a story or make a statement about me as a person.

I could always write about something different, but I thought of these two ideas considering they would not be mentioned on my regular application. Any advice would be very much appreciated.