Is writing my college essay about baking a bad idea?
I've noticed that a lot of people say admissions officers are tired of essays about cooking or baking, but honestly, baking has been a huge part of my life since I was little. I started off just helping my grandma with cookies during the holidays, but over the last few years, I've gotten really into experimenting with recipes and even started a small cupcake business at my school.
Would writing about how baking has shaped my personality and my problem-solving skills be too cliché? Or do colleges actually want to hear about something meaningful to me, even if it isn't the most unique topic?
I want my essay to stand out, but also feel authentic. Any advice on whether baking is too overdone, or ways to make it unique if I go that route?
Would writing about how baking has shaped my personality and my problem-solving skills be too cliché? Or do colleges actually want to hear about something meaningful to me, even if it isn't the most unique topic?
I want my essay to stand out, but also feel authentic. Any advice on whether baking is too overdone, or ways to make it unique if I go that route?
4 months ago
•
45 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Writing about baking isn’t automatically a bad idea, especially since it sounds like it’s genuinely important to you. The key is how you approach the topic and what the essay says about you beyond the activity itself. It’s true that some cooking and baking essays can blend together for admissions officers, especially if they stick to common themes about family traditions or learning basic lessons. However, your experience already has some unique angles: experimenting with your own recipes and creating a small cupcake business at school.
Focus on specific, personal stories that highlight your own growth or distinct perspective. For example, was there a time when an experiment failed spectacularly and you figured out how to troubleshoot under pressure? Or maybe you taught yourself how to decorate cupcakes from YouTube videos and then used that skill in your business. You could frame the essay around a single moment, like the day you delivered your first custom order or overcame a kitchen disaster, and use that as a jumping-off point to discuss what baking means to you.
Admissions officers do appreciate authentic passion, but they also look for depth, self-reflection, and how your interests translate into your character and ambitions. Try to avoid an essay that simply lists what you’ve done with baking. Instead, zoom in on what it reveals about you: your creativity, persistence, ability to learn from mistakes, or your impact on your community.
For example, if you started the cupcake business to raise money for a local cause or brought students together at school, talk about those ripple effects. Or, if baking with your grandma shaped how you form new relationships, illustrate that through dialogue or a single vivid scene.
In summary, baking can absolutely be a strong college essay topic, as long as you ground it in personal anecdotes and deeper reflection. Center your unique journey and insights, and you’ll avoid the cliché trap while staying true to yourself.
Focus on specific, personal stories that highlight your own growth or distinct perspective. For example, was there a time when an experiment failed spectacularly and you figured out how to troubleshoot under pressure? Or maybe you taught yourself how to decorate cupcakes from YouTube videos and then used that skill in your business. You could frame the essay around a single moment, like the day you delivered your first custom order or overcame a kitchen disaster, and use that as a jumping-off point to discuss what baking means to you.
Admissions officers do appreciate authentic passion, but they also look for depth, self-reflection, and how your interests translate into your character and ambitions. Try to avoid an essay that simply lists what you’ve done with baking. Instead, zoom in on what it reveals about you: your creativity, persistence, ability to learn from mistakes, or your impact on your community.
For example, if you started the cupcake business to raise money for a local cause or brought students together at school, talk about those ripple effects. Or, if baking with your grandma shaped how you form new relationships, illustrate that through dialogue or a single vivid scene.
In summary, baking can absolutely be a strong college essay topic, as long as you ground it in personal anecdotes and deeper reflection. Center your unique journey and insights, and you’ll avoid the cliché trap while staying true to yourself.
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
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5.0 (5 reviews)