How did you pick a topic for your college essay?
I'm really having a hard time trying to choose a topic for my main college essay. I know it's supposed to show something meaningful about me, but every idea I come up with seems either too cliche or just not interesting enough.
I've read that you shouldn't write about things like sports injuries or community service unless you have a really unique angle, and honestly that's making it feel even more intimidating. For people who have already written theirs or at least started, what helped you narrow it down? Did you brainstorm for a long time or did the idea just kind of come to you?
I want to stand out and be authentic but it's difficult to decide what part of my life is "essay worthy." I'd appreciate any advice or stories about how you found your angle.
I've read that you shouldn't write about things like sports injuries or community service unless you have a really unique angle, and honestly that's making it feel even more intimidating. For people who have already written theirs or at least started, what helped you narrow it down? Did you brainstorm for a long time or did the idea just kind of come to you?
I want to stand out and be authentic but it's difficult to decide what part of my life is "essay worthy." I'd appreciate any advice or stories about how you found your angle.
6 months ago
•
56 views
Lydia Schooler
• 6 months ago
Advisor
I’m a Yale graduate and college admissions advisor with over 8 years of experience helping students gain admission to top universities like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. I’ve guided thousands of students in choosing essay topics, and one of the biggest realizations that helps relieve the pressure is that your topic doesn’t need to be dramatic or unique — it just needs to reveal something authentic and meaningful about you.
A good first step is to make a list of moments in your life when you learned, changed, or responded to a challenge — no matter how small. Often, the most powerful essays come from everyday experiences that reflect your values, personality, or growth. For example, one student I worked with wrote about her habit of writing letters to her future self and how it revealed her approach to self-reflection and planning. It was more revealing than any of her big achievements.
To spark ideas, try short brainstorming exercises like “five moments you felt proudest or most challenged” or “objects that mean something to you and why.” Write down memories, even small ones, and think about why they matter to you. Sometimes the meaning comes from the lesson you learned or the way you tell the story, not the event itself. I once worked with a student who wrote about baking bread with her grandmother; the shared language of recipes became a way to explore her connection to family and culture.
If your ideas feel bland or overused, look for an unexpected angle. If you choose a common theme, make it specific: instead of just writing about community service, describe one interaction that shifted your perspective. Or, if you love video games or tinkering with bikes, explain why — and what that reveals about the way you approach challenges, creativity, or problem-solving.
Above all, don’t get stuck on whether your topic feels “big enough.” What matters most is making it personal and letting your unique perspective shine through. Sometimes the best topics reveal themselves after a few rounds of reflection and brainstorming, rather than as a sudden stroke of inspiration.
Over the past 8 years, I’ve helped thousands of students craft essays and applications that stand out at the most selective schools, including the Ivy League and Stanford. To give each student the highest level of attention, I keep my caseload small — booking early guarantees a place. I’m currently offering free consultations for new Sundial families where we’ll review your goals, brainstorm essay ideas, and outline a clear application strategy. You can book directly through my profile.
I know this process can feel overwhelming at times, but you are fully capable of navigating it successfully. I’m always here to help guide you through it.
A good first step is to make a list of moments in your life when you learned, changed, or responded to a challenge — no matter how small. Often, the most powerful essays come from everyday experiences that reflect your values, personality, or growth. For example, one student I worked with wrote about her habit of writing letters to her future self and how it revealed her approach to self-reflection and planning. It was more revealing than any of her big achievements.
To spark ideas, try short brainstorming exercises like “five moments you felt proudest or most challenged” or “objects that mean something to you and why.” Write down memories, even small ones, and think about why they matter to you. Sometimes the meaning comes from the lesson you learned or the way you tell the story, not the event itself. I once worked with a student who wrote about baking bread with her grandmother; the shared language of recipes became a way to explore her connection to family and culture.
If your ideas feel bland or overused, look for an unexpected angle. If you choose a common theme, make it specific: instead of just writing about community service, describe one interaction that shifted your perspective. Or, if you love video games or tinkering with bikes, explain why — and what that reveals about the way you approach challenges, creativity, or problem-solving.
Above all, don’t get stuck on whether your topic feels “big enough.” What matters most is making it personal and letting your unique perspective shine through. Sometimes the best topics reveal themselves after a few rounds of reflection and brainstorming, rather than as a sudden stroke of inspiration.
Over the past 8 years, I’ve helped thousands of students craft essays and applications that stand out at the most selective schools, including the Ivy League and Stanford. To give each student the highest level of attention, I keep my caseload small — booking early guarantees a place. I’m currently offering free consultations for new Sundial families where we’ll review your goals, brainstorm essay ideas, and outline a clear application strategy. You can book directly through my profile.
I know this process can feel overwhelming at times, but you are fully capable of navigating it successfully. I’m always here to help guide you through it.
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