Has anyone tried using a college essay title generator? Does it work?

College essay title generators can be fun to play around with, but most of them create pretty generic or formulaic titles that might not truly capture the unique voice or message of your essay. You may end up with something catchy-sounding but disconnected from the heart of your story, which isn't an ideal way to introduce admissions officers to your work.

Many students use these tools to get the creative juices flowing—a few random titles might nudge you into thinking differently about your essay, or you might stumble on a word or image that inspires a better idea. But it's rare for someone to plug in a few keywords and get the perfect title on the first try. More often, the title needs a personal touch that reflects the tone, subject, or lesson of your essay. For example, if you've written about learning to communicate with a grandparent who speaks another language, a title like "Bridging Generations with Words" could come from your own brainstorming and feel more authentic than a generator's output like "My Journey to Understanding."

Colleges generally don't put a lot of emphasis on the title itself—many application portals even make the title optional. Admissions officers are far more interested in the content of your story and how you tell it. But a strong, specific title can catch their eye and help them remember your essay, especially if it's cleverly linked to your main theme or includes a play on words that reveals your personality. On the other hand, a so-so or generic title won't hurt your application, and it's much better to spend your energy making sure your essay itself is strong.

If you're feeling stuck, consider talking to friends, teachers, or family members who know you well. They might see angles or connections in your story that you haven't thought about, which can help you find a title that's both unique and meaningful. Sometimes the best titles come from a memorable phrase or image within your essay itself. Try looking for lines or moments that symbolize your main idea and see if they might work as a title.

Short version: title generators can be a jumping off point, but your own creativity, or help from people who know you, will usually lead to a stronger, more personal result. And don't stress too much about the title—focus first on nailing your story.