How do you choose a college essay topic that stands out?

Feeling overwhelmed is completely normal at this stage—the blank page is often the hardest part! When it comes to choosing a college essay topic that stands out, what's most important isn’t picking the rarest activity, but rather finding a story or reflection that’s deeply personal and gives real insight into who you are.

You definitely don’t have to avoid music or volunteering, even if they’re "common". Instead, ask yourself: What about my experience with music or the food bank is uniquely mine? For example, maybe there was a specific moment at the food bank that challenged your assumptions or taught you something unexpected about community or empathy. Or perhaps music plays a role in your family life that's very particular, like reviving an old cultural tradition or bringing comfort during a difficult time.

Try narrowing down your topic to a specific incident or turning point. Admissions officers read thousands of essays about general passions, but they remember the details—a singular moment of conflict, growth, joy, or vulnerability. For example, a student once wrote about the time he accidentally ruined a batch of soup at the food bank, and how he handled the embarrassment. This small incident ended up showing his resilience and sense of humor, making it memorable even though the larger topic was a common one.

Think about your own life. Is there a brief episode or realization that represents a bigger part of your personality or values? Even a simple story can be powerful if it’s told honestly and with self-reflection.

If you’re getting good feedback from teachers, friends, or mentors about a simple story idea, it means your voice is coming through—that’s the most important thing! Focus less on being "unique" and more on being genuine. You might be surprised at how memorable your authenticity is to a reader.

Try freewriting for 10 minutes about a few different moments or memories without worrying if they’re special. Afterwards, see which one feels the most honest or intriguing to you. Sometimes, your best topic comes from a place you didn’t expect.