Thanks for the replies. It sounds like they'd be more concerned about me demonstrating a desire to do research and show an interest in something, rather than focusing on what I can contribute to a particular topic. I guess I'll write the essay on Quantum Computing and hope for the best.
I'm a sophomore electrical engineering student. I've decided to apply to the honors college at my school. Part of the program includes writing a senior thesis and doing undergraduate research. One of the essay questions on the application asks me to describe a topic that I might be interested in...