<p>^Definitely agreed with ADad. Lots of people on CC recommend looking at this information UVA provides about college essays. I strongly recommend reading through it. [Essays</a>, Admission Information, Undergraduate Admission, U.Va.](<a href=“http://www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html]Essays”>http://www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html)</p>
<p>Obviously, if you write about the death of, say, a grandparent and say basically “My grandma was a really kind, sweet person and her death was hard on my family but she inspired me to work hard,” that’s a cliche essay. However, if you take the idea of death, which many students write about, and put your own unique spin on it, you’ll have a refreshing essay that’s not cliche. </p>
<p>I remember an admissions counselor giving a presentation who talked about how many students write about marching band and how it taught them the value of hard work. So while this approach to the topic of marching band is obviously cliche, marching band as a topic in and of itself is not. Think of creative ways to address your chosen topic, whatever it may be, and you’ll be fine.</p>