I am looking for some tips on writing essays for the Top US Colleges? What are some things to consider in picking a topic?

Thanks
Ashok

Hi!
Firstly, let the common application prompts guide you. Read through them and see which one will help you showcase your personality and accomplishments the most. Make sure that this prompt will help provide material that's cohesive for the rest of your application. For eg, I've grown up in various countries and was applying to PPE so I chose prompt #1 and spoke about how these experiences influenced me as a person, also tying in elements that could be applicable to the PPE major.

I think the most important thing is to be extremely authentic. College AO's are really good at knowing when you're being overly pretentious and trying to make things seem bigger/better than they are. Never do that. AO's know that you're just a 17/18 year old kid who's still figuring things out. So write your essays on things that genuinely mean the most to you. Even if it's about something as simple as playing a sport with your friends. Also, make it a point to think really deeply about what you're writing and to try and convey exactly what it is that you've learnt from your experience and why it means so much to you. AO's also use the essays to see what it is that you've got to offer to their university and to other students. Last but not the least, remember that you're trying to paint a picture of who you are through the essays, not who you think they would like to admit.