What is the best topic to choose for my college essay?

You don't need a life-changing, dramatic story to write a memorable college essay. In fact, some of the best essays focus on small, specific moments that reveal how you think or what matters to you. Admissions officers read thousands of essays about big topics like winning championships, overcoming a sports injury, or adjusting to a new country. These aren’t off-limits, but to stand out, your take needs to be deeply personal or from a unique angle.

Think about moments or experiences that shaped your perspective, even in subtle ways. For example, maybe a routine weekend volunteering at the local library led to an unexpected conversation with a stranger, changing the way you look at community. Or perhaps a family tradition, no matter how ordinary, became meaningful to you and influenced your values or goals.

A good test: If your essay could only have been written by you—because of the specific details, reflections, or voice—then you’re on the right track. The most compelling essays often dig into a particular moment (conflict, realization, even failure) and reflect honestly on what you learned. For instance, a student once wrote about burning a cake for her grandmother's birthday and what she learned about resilience, tradition, and laughter in the process. That one moment said much more about her than any summary of her entire high school experience could have.

If you have a unique family background, you could use a small story to illuminate that uniqueness. Maybe there’s a meal, ritual, or challenge your family experiences that says a lot about who you are. Or, if you’re involved in extracurriculars, think about a surprising moment or behind-the-scenes insight instead of just achievements (for example, why you kept showing up to the robotics club after failing miserably at your first project).

Avoid writing just to impress. Focus instead on sharing something genuine, even if it seems ordinary to you—the way you process or frame it is what will make it extraordinary. Don’t be afraid of smaller stories. Sometimes, in those little details, your uniqueness shines through the most.