What are some good argument essay topics for college applications?
Has anyone struggled to choose a topic for the argument essay that some colleges ask for? I've been brainstorming, but I keep second-guessing whether my ideas are too generic or too controversial. For example, I thought of discussing whether schools should switch to a pass/fail grading system, but I wonder if that's overused or too safe.
If anyone has suggestions on what makes a strong argument essay topic, or if you're willing to share what you wrote about, that would be really helpful. I want something that stands out but still feels authentic to me as a person. I’m planning to major in Biology if that matters.
How did you all decide which topic to go with and what kind of feedback did you get?
If anyone has suggestions on what makes a strong argument essay topic, or if you're willing to share what you wrote about, that would be really helpful. I want something that stands out but still feels authentic to me as a person. I’m planning to major in Biology if that matters.
How did you all decide which topic to go with and what kind of feedback did you get?
6 months ago
•
51 views
Anne George
• 6 months ago
Advisor
It’s common to feel unsure about argument essay topics—finding something distinctive yet genuine can be tough, especially for college applications where you want to reveal something about yourself.
A strong argument essay topic is one that you genuinely care about, connects (even tangentially) to your interests or experiences, and gives you a chance to show critical thinking. Try to avoid topics that pop up everywhere (school uniforms, legalizing marijuana, etc.), unless you have a unique angle or personal connection.
Given your interest in Biology, you could brainstorm topics in science and society that you feel passionate about. For instance:
- Should genetic editing in humans be more tightly regulated?
- Should communities prioritize biodiversity conservation over urban development?
One student I worked with wrote about the ethics of gene editing after volunteering in a genetics lab. They included a specific story: meeting a family affected by a rare genetic disorder, which raised questions about medicine and ethics. This gave the essay both a personal connection and a strong argumentative stance.
If your passion lies elsewhere, focus on experiences where you've faced a dilemma or had to defend a position. Maybe you’ve started a club or worked on a group science project—was there an issue or decision that sparked debate?
When deciding, ask yourself:
- Does this topic excite me?
- Can I include a personal anecdote or unique perspective?
- Will this show something about how I think or what I value?
Feedback from teachers or peers is usually helpful—especially if they aren’t sure what your stance is after reading. Clarity and specificity are key.
If you want to stand out, don’t be afraid to tackle a topic your peers wouldn’t expect, as long as you can speak about it thoughtfully and honestly. Strong argument essays aren’t just about the issue itself, but about how you defend your stance and connect the topic back to your own life, values, or future goals.
A strong argument essay topic is one that you genuinely care about, connects (even tangentially) to your interests or experiences, and gives you a chance to show critical thinking. Try to avoid topics that pop up everywhere (school uniforms, legalizing marijuana, etc.), unless you have a unique angle or personal connection.
Given your interest in Biology, you could brainstorm topics in science and society that you feel passionate about. For instance:
- Should genetic editing in humans be more tightly regulated?
- Should communities prioritize biodiversity conservation over urban development?
One student I worked with wrote about the ethics of gene editing after volunteering in a genetics lab. They included a specific story: meeting a family affected by a rare genetic disorder, which raised questions about medicine and ethics. This gave the essay both a personal connection and a strong argumentative stance.
If your passion lies elsewhere, focus on experiences where you've faced a dilemma or had to defend a position. Maybe you’ve started a club or worked on a group science project—was there an issue or decision that sparked debate?
When deciding, ask yourself:
- Does this topic excite me?
- Can I include a personal anecdote or unique perspective?
- Will this show something about how I think or what I value?
Feedback from teachers or peers is usually helpful—especially if they aren’t sure what your stance is after reading. Clarity and specificity are key.
If you want to stand out, don’t be afraid to tackle a topic your peers wouldn’t expect, as long as you can speak about it thoughtfully and honestly. Strong argument essays aren’t just about the issue itself, but about how you defend your stance and connect the topic back to your own life, values, or future goals.
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Anne George
New Haven, CT
Dartmouth College (B.A. in Neuroscience and Anthropology), Yale University (Ph.D. in Neuroscience)
Experience
5 years
Rating
5.0 (11 reviews)