How do admissions officers view the 'Costco essay' approach for personal statements?

The 'Costco essay' approach, using an everyday, seemingly mundane subject as the anchor for a personal statement, continues to catch some attention because it breaks the mold of what many expect a college essay to be. Admissions officers see hundreds of essays on traditional topics, so a fresh perspective can be genuinely refreshing. What's most important isn't the subject itself, but how deeply and authentically you explore what it means to you.

That said, since the infamous 'Costco essay' went viral, this style has become much more common, and there’s a risk that similar essays can feel derivative or forced if not handled with real originality. Admissions officers can often tell when students are trying to replicate a formula, so if you take this route, make certain your topic is genuinely meaningful to you, and not just chosen for its quirk factor.

If you have a non-traditional idea rooted in something everyday, focus on how you can use that topic to reveal something about your identity, thoughts, or values. Ask yourself: Are you using this seemingly ordinary experience to illustrate your personal growth, unique perspective, or a challenge you've overcome? For example, one student wrote about his love for washing dishes, using the essay to explore his attention to detail, the joy he finds in small rituals, and how this ties into his approach to friendships and family life. The topic grabbed attention, but the introspective elements and storytelling are what actually made it memorable.

To keep your essay from blending in, avoid just listing observations or quirky details—make sure there's a clear narrative arc or insight that only you could offer. Highlight a moment of realization or transformation, and use vivid, specific details so the reader feels what you feel.

Ultimately, authenticity is key. If your 'mundane' experience genuinely shaped you or reflects who you are, that can absolutely work in your favor, but aim to create an essay that’s unmistakably yours, not a carbon copy of a viral example.