Most colleges on my list are going to put up there 2009-2010 info next month. Will the essay topic be there so you can work on it up until the winter deadline? I don't imagine the topics change, so I can't see how that would be an issue.
I am still unclear on some things about college admissions essays?
If the application to apply to that particular college/university is online, then yes the essay topic would be listed on the application.
Even though the topic might be change - there is always a way to reuse what you wrote.