<p>Just wondering. One of the essays for the common app wants you to discuss some issue of concern (personally, nationally, internationally, etc) and its importance to you. Would terrorism be a really overused topic? It's a major issue in my life. I lost my aunt in 9/11 so for me, it's of big concern. But the schools that want the common app are my reach schools, so I don't want to give them something that they'll toss to the side if you know what I mean.</p>
<p>I'd say that you can use terrorism, but you should really specify that you lost your aunt on 9/11. That'll separate you from the people who use that as a copout answer.</p>