What makes a college essay stand out as truly unique?

Standing out in your college essay isn't always about picking the wildest or most unusual topic—it's about showcasing your authentic perspective and how you experience the world. While admissions officers do read many essays about overcoming adversity, family challenges, or passions for a particular field, a unique essay often comes down to how you approach the topic and reveal your individuality.

A truly memorable essay often zooms in on a specific, meaningful moment or quirky detail from your life and uses it as a lens for sharing something deeper about who you are. For example, a student once wrote about their after-school job scanning barcodes in a warehouse. Rather than just describing the routine task, they explored how each mysterious product coming down the conveyor belt sparked curiosity and inspired them to research global manufacturing and supply chains. The topic itself sounds simple, but the insight and storytelling made it stand out.

Consider writing about a habit, object, or odd experience that only you can describe. Maybe you’re obsessed with identifying bird calls in your city park, or you keep a running spreadsheet of unusual bumper stickers you spot on your commute. These offbeat details are memorable if you connect them back to who you are, why they matter, and what they reveal about how you think. One applicant wrote about folding origami cranes during stressful times—not just as a hobby, but as a metaphor for coping with change, bringing in family memories, and patience.

It's also about voice. Some of the most unique essays have a clear, genuine voice that feels personal and distinct. Instead of trying to sound overly polished or academic, it’s powerful to write in a way that reflects how you genuinely speak and think. Humor, vulnerability, and honest self-reflection go a long way.

If your story or topic feels ordinary to you, try peeling back the layers. Why does it matter? What’s an unexpected realization you’ve had while washing dishes, commuting to school, or debating with a friend? Dive into that, and make connections that others might overlook.

Uniqueness really comes from your perspective more than the topic itself. Admissions officers are looking for curiosity, self-awareness, and a glimpse of how you see the world. So, find those little stories and details that are undeniably yours, and trust that your lens is what makes your essay special.