Let me assure you if they ask you to write an essay, personal statement or submit a graded writing sample-they are going to read it. Write about what means something to you. Remember, they want your work-the essay should be an honest effort and representation of how you write.
Some schools have one or two long essays, others have several short answer questions.
Colleges sometimes ask students to suggest questions that they use on later applications. Many students get themselves into a real time crunch, completing the entire application-except the essay. If you want the application process to go smoothly, tackle the essay head on, proofread, and move on.