How do you start writing your college essay if you have no idea what to write about?

Feeling stuck is really normal when it comes to starting your college essay, especially with all the pressure to be 'unique.' Sometimes, focusing too much on originality at the beginning makes it even harder to get your thoughts flowing.

Instead, try switching up how you start brainstorming. One helpful method is to write out five moments—big or small—that genuinely mattered to you. These don’t need to be extraordinary events. For example, maybe it’s a conversation you had with a sibling, the first time you cooked your own meal, or a small moment at your part-time job that made you see things differently.

Ask yourself questions like, 'When did I feel challenged?' or 'What was a day I’ll never forget, even if it seems ordinary?' Sometimes, it’s those small, personal stories that end up feeling the most authentic. For instance, someone once wrote a standout essay about the ritual of making morning coffee for their grandfather every day, using it as a metaphor for patience and connection. It wasn’t flashy, but it was deeply personal.

If staring at a blank screen feels overwhelming, talk it out with a friend or even record yourself answering, 'What was a recent moment that made you laugh or surprised you?' Sometimes, saying it aloud helps loosen up your thoughts before you try to write.

Another trick is to start by writing about a specific detail or image, instead of jumping straight into your 'main message.' For example, you could describe the chipped paint on your childhood bike or the smell of your favorite dessert baking. Sometimes, details lead you to deeper meaning as you write, even if you’re not sure what that meaning is at the start.

You don’t have to have a massive, dramatic story to write a memorable essay. What comes through most is your honest voice and how you see the world—even if the event itself is quiet or everyday. Start with what’s true for you, and let the story build from there. You might be surprised at what ends up feeling special when you look at your life through this lens.