Is writing my college essay about chess a good idea?

Writing your college essay about chess can absolutely work, especially since it’s been such a central part of your life, but you’re right to want to stand out from the many applicants who might also mention chess or sports in general. The key is to avoid the common clichés, like simply explaining how you learned to lose gracefully or became a better strategist.

It sounds like you already have some unique angles you could take. For example, instead of just saying you taught kids at your local library, zoom in on a specific moment with a student—their struggle with a particular move, and how you adapted your approach to help them understand. Or, describe a pivotal tournament match where you faced an unexpected setback and how you handled that pressure. What did you learn about your instincts or your response to stress? Sharing precise, concrete details makes your experience personal and memorable.

Another compelling approach is to explore how chess relates to your identity beyond the board. Maybe chess shaped the way you approach relationships, your decision-making, or even how you think about your future goals. For instance, a student once wrote about using chess as a way to connect with a grandparent who spoke little English—revealing family bonds and cultural dynamics through the game. That essay stood out because it wasn’t just about playing chess, but about how chess brought together different aspects of their life.

Ultimately, authenticity matters. Talk less about generic life lessons and more about real moments, conflicts, or transformations. If chess is where you’ve experienced genuine growth or revelation, you’re much more likely to connect with your reader.

You don’t have to avoid chess; just focus on the parts of your story that only you can tell. Admissions officers read lots of essays about games and competitions, but very few where the writer digs deeply into a particular experience or relationship.

In short: it’s risky only if you keep it general. Make it personal, specific, and reflective. That’s how you’ll stand out while staying true to yourself.