<p>I have been thinking about choosing either John Adams, Ronald Reagan or George W. Bush (three presidents I know a fair bit about) as a historical figure that has had an impact on me for my Common App essay. Do you think adcoms know anything about Adams? Are Reagan and Bush too polarizing of figures? Do you think this might be to cliched of an idea? What are your thoughts on choosing this as an essay topic?</p>
<p>If the question specifically says “historical figures,” then I would do just that and not talk about Bush or maybe even Reagan.</p>
<p>Reagan could count as a historical figure for you, since he was president before you were born, but I agree, Bush wouldn’t count as that.</p>