Keep the essay as specific and concrete as possible. Write about an experience that is uniquely yours and says something about who you are or why you became that way. College admissions officers probably don’t want to be lectured to in generalities about life by an 18 years old; they are interested in a compelling personal narrative, freshly told. If you can, try to grab their attention with a snappy opening; make them intrigued enough to want to read the rest; they are wading through hundreds of essays, you need to make yours stand out. Include some dialogue if it’s appropriate. The subject doesn’t have to be grandiose; my son wrote about not how he decided he didn’t want to be a smart kid anymore in 9th grade and got into 7 great schools. It’s easier said than done, but when you get it right, it can really boost your app. Good luck!