<p>For the common app essay,
Im doing the first question and want to write about my mistake in the past (my reckless action brought a bad consequence) and how I learned from it.
Is it too risky???</p>
<p>No.</p>
<p>10char</p>
<p>not at all</p>
<p>How serious was it? In general, the idea is entirely too risky. Chances are, at 18, you do not have the skills to handle this in a way that realllly works. Ie, your focus, regret, and the way you describe how it changed you, may not hit the mark with readers. To discuss this sort of turn around successfully, it has to be balanced by accomplishment- and you’re still young. “I learned my lesson” - let’s just say any adult out there has heard it a million times from their own kids.</p>
<p>^I think mistake essays can work well if done well. I mean, any topic can work well if you do it right, and the OP is obviously not going to say “I learned my lesson.” Just show, rather than tell about the difference this mistake made, and I still think it can work well.</p>