What are some of the best topics to write about for my college application essay?
I’m getting started on my college apps and the personal essay is stressing me out. I know it’s supposed to make me stand out, but I have no idea what topics really work.
For anyone who’s already applied or has advice, did you choose something super unique, or did you stick with a common theme and just try to make it more personal? I’ve had a few big life events, but I don’t know if they’re TOO personal or if it’s better to pick something more low-key. Would love to hear what topics worked for you and if there’s anything you’d avoid.
Also, are there topics admissions officers see way too often? Worried about writing something cliché.
For anyone who’s already applied or has advice, did you choose something super unique, or did you stick with a common theme and just try to make it more personal? I’ve had a few big life events, but I don’t know if they’re TOO personal or if it’s better to pick something more low-key. Would love to hear what topics worked for you and if there’s anything you’d avoid.
Also, are there topics admissions officers see way too often? Worried about writing something cliché.
7 months ago
•
47 views
Lydia Schooler
• 7 months ago
Advisor
You’re not alone in feeling stressed about the college essay—picking the right topic can seem intimidating, but the best essays honestly reflect who you are. The most memorable topics usually focus on something specific about you, not just big life events or achievements. Admissions officers read thousands of essays every year, so essays that focus on deeply personal, introspective moments tend to stand out more than ones focused on external accomplishments.
If you had a big life event, such as immigrating or overcoming an obstacle, it could make for a strong essay if you zero in on a particular moment or fresh perspective. For example, if you moved to a new country, instead of a general summary, you might write about one pivotal moment when you felt ‘in-between’ cultures—like a bus ride, a conversation, or helping someone else adjust. The key is to show authentic growth or insight.
Some common, overdone essay topics include sports injuries, winning or losing big games, moving schools, and generic class stress. These can work, but only if you find a way to connect them to something unique about you. For instance, maybe losing a race sparked your curiosity about sports psychology, or a math class failure made you see problem-solving differently in your daily life. Specific stories win out over sweeping summaries.
Low-key, everyday experiences often make great topics! Examples could be the ritual of cooking with a grandparent, your relationship with a favorite book character, or a surprising lesson learned from a part-time job. One student wrote about running a neighborhood Monopoly tournament, using it to talk about ethics and conflict resolution. What mattered wasn’t the Monopoly—or even who won—but what it revealed about the student’s leadership, humor, and values.
If you’re unsure whether a topic is too personal, think about whether you’re comfortable sharing it with others. Vulnerability can be powerful as long as you’re highlighting resilience, growth, or a new perspective. The goal isn’t just to impress, but to help readers understand how you think, what matters to you, and what you’ll bring to campus.
When brainstorming, start with these prompts:
- A moment you questioned something you believed or had your mind changed.
- An unexpected challenge you faced and the impact on how you view yourself/others.
- A quirk or hobby people wouldn’t know about you.
- Something you love or hate that reveals your personality.
Remember: the best topic is the one that helps you tell your story most honestly, not the one that seems the most dramatic or unique on the surface.
If you had a big life event, such as immigrating or overcoming an obstacle, it could make for a strong essay if you zero in on a particular moment or fresh perspective. For example, if you moved to a new country, instead of a general summary, you might write about one pivotal moment when you felt ‘in-between’ cultures—like a bus ride, a conversation, or helping someone else adjust. The key is to show authentic growth or insight.
Some common, overdone essay topics include sports injuries, winning or losing big games, moving schools, and generic class stress. These can work, but only if you find a way to connect them to something unique about you. For instance, maybe losing a race sparked your curiosity about sports psychology, or a math class failure made you see problem-solving differently in your daily life. Specific stories win out over sweeping summaries.
Low-key, everyday experiences often make great topics! Examples could be the ritual of cooking with a grandparent, your relationship with a favorite book character, or a surprising lesson learned from a part-time job. One student wrote about running a neighborhood Monopoly tournament, using it to talk about ethics and conflict resolution. What mattered wasn’t the Monopoly—or even who won—but what it revealed about the student’s leadership, humor, and values.
If you’re unsure whether a topic is too personal, think about whether you’re comfortable sharing it with others. Vulnerability can be powerful as long as you’re highlighting resilience, growth, or a new perspective. The goal isn’t just to impress, but to help readers understand how you think, what matters to you, and what you’ll bring to campus.
When brainstorming, start with these prompts:
- A moment you questioned something you believed or had your mind changed.
- An unexpected challenge you faced and the impact on how you view yourself/others.
- A quirk or hobby people wouldn’t know about you.
- Something you love or hate that reveals your personality.
Remember: the best topic is the one that helps you tell your story most honestly, not the one that seems the most dramatic or unique on the surface.
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