What kinds of essays are colleges most interested in?

Colleges are definitely looking for authenticity and a sense of your personality in your essays, but what that means can look a little different for every student. In general, admissions officers want essays that provide a clear sense of who you are beyond your test scores and transcript. They’re less concerned about whether you’ve experienced something dramatic and more focused on how you think, your perspective, and what drives you.

You’re right that avoiding generic or cliché topics is smart. Essays about overcoming adversity, sports injuries, or major achievements can work, but only if they’re approached from a unique angle that centers on your personal growth or perspective. For instance, instead of writing, “I learned leadership by captaining my soccer team to a championship,” you could share a single, formative moment—maybe the time you benched yourself for a better player, and what that taught you about true leadership and humility.

Admissions officers tend to respond well to essays that zoom in closely on a single moment or emotion. Reflective essays can be great if they’re anchored in real, concrete experiences. Instead of just listing what you’ve learned from various challenges, show them one or two scenes that shaped you, then reflect on what those moments mean to you now. This feels much more engaging and memorable.

For example, one student wrote about sweating over a broken espresso machine at her part-time job, using that frustrating afternoon to talk about her approach to problem-solving and patience. Another wrote about the ritual of making dumplings with her grandmother, weaving in family history and her cultural identity. Both essays were compelling not because the stories themselves were wild, but because the students’ voices and insights came through clearly.

Ultimately, admissions officers want to feel like they’ve met you, even for a few minutes. Think about the moments in your life—big or small—that have changed you, shaped your curiosity, or revealed something meaningful about your character. Focus on details only you could write about. If you’re debating between telling a unique story or a reflective essay, consider blending both: tell a story, and then share what it means to you. The best essays show that you are actively reflecting on your life and the factors that have influenced you.

Try brainstorming a list of your quirkiest habits, favorite family traditions, or times you had to make a tough choice. These small slices of life can spark some of the best essays. The key is just to be honest and specific, giving the reader a window into your world.