<p>I’d rather not post my topic, but I’ve begun to wonder if the topic I’ve selected is common or not. I really like this topic (I deliberated between two, but I picked this one because it just felt right), but I don’t want my essay to seem like a cliche.</p>
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<p>Tell us what it is.</p>
<p>I really don’t think it has to be cliche just because of the topic. It’s the way you write them. If it’s an overdone topic, just make sure the content of your essay is different.</p>
<p>Am I right?</p>
<p>I second what high_jumper said. Your treatment of the topic is far more important than the topic itself. What is important is that your essay shows some level of intellectual maturity and original thought. As someone who works with college applicants on a daily basis, I keep a list of topics to avoid, but I hardly ever refer to it because it is not a hard and fast rule. What would be more useful is a list of trite themes, conclusions, etc. to avoid.</p>
<p>For example, a lot of counselors advise you to avoid writing about organized summer programs you participated in, but that can be a great topic if you learned something very interesting about yourself, about others, about life, etc. Basically, if you had a unique experience you can consider it as an essay topic. </p>
<p>I would definitely NOT write about a summer program if its something a lot of students participate in and the theme of your essay is that you learned exactly what the program was designed to teach you.</p>
<p>I couldn’t help notice the "As someone who works with college applicants on a daily basis, I keep a list of topics to avoid,"do you mind sharing this list? :)</p>
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<p>Absolutely. But there are some topics that are much more difficult to make sound original than others. For weak (well, not strong) writers, avoiding those topics altogether may be wise.</p>
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<ul>
<li>E. B. White</li>
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<p>'nuff said :P</p>
<p>If you write it and, upon reflection, realized it could have been written by dozens of other people who have had dissimilar life experiences, then yes it would be too common. </p>
<p>If you only wrote about the fact that you like academics, then that’s common. But if you explain why you like academics, when it all started, what this means for you and your future, etc. then your essay is so much more personal.</p>
<p>I would show it to at least 4 people, including your college counselor. Your college counselor knows alot about college essays and can give you alot of feedback.</p>
<p>^How is that specific to the question?</p>
<p>Many college counselors aren’t helpful. Mine isn’t; that’s why I’m on CC.</p>
<p>^ hahaha, I second that.</p>
<p>Here’s how you can tell: If someone else can put their name in your essay and still have it sound good.</p>
<p>Make the essay so only you could be the one to have written it. In a good way, of course.</p>
<p>Haha. You did ask nicely high_jumper, but the point is that the list isn’t important anyway. Focus on the example. Even cliched topics can make for great essays if they are executed well and you’ve thought through what you are going to say about them.</p>
<p>Although, glassesarechic makes a good point; know your limitations. If you aren’t a great writer, you might want to spend more time selecting a topic that stands out. You should also spend more time on the outline, pre-writing, etc. We have some application essay brainstorming ideas on the resources page of our website: [College</a> application essay tips](<a href=“http://collegeateam.com/resources/]College”>http://collegeateam.com/resources/) </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>