Is writing my college essay about empathy a good idea?

Writing about empathy isn’t necessarily a bad idea, but you’re right to wonder if it might be a bit overdone if approached too generally. A lot of students pick broad traits like empathy, leadership, or kindness, then talk about them in abstract or surface-level ways. What makes an essay memorable is not just the value itself, but a unique, specific story and your personal growth tied to that story.

You mentioned volunteering at an animal shelter and how it changed your interactions. That could make for a strong essay, especially if you zoom in on a specific moment. For instance, instead of broadly saying you’re now more empathetic, you could tell the story of a particular animal or person you encountered. Maybe there was a challenging situation, like consoling an anxious dog who had been returned multiple times, or helping a fellow volunteer who was struggling with a task. Describe a single event in detail—what you noticed, how you responded, and how you felt before, during, and after. Show rather than tell: let the reader see you in action being empathetic, rather than explaining that you became more empathetic.

Here’s an example to illustrate: One student described a quiet, older dog at her shelter who wouldn’t come out of his crate. Instead of moving on quickly, she sat with him for days, reading out loud and letting him approach on his terms. Eventually, he started wagging his tail when he saw her. She then connected this patience and sensitivity to how she approaches group projects at school, giving quieter teammates space until they’re comfortable sharing ideas. The essay stood out because it was honest, vivid, and tied the shelter experience directly to her daily life.

If you stick with the empathy theme, focus on a specific situation that forced you to stretch your understanding of others. Connect that learning to other parts of your life. Avoid clichés like “I learned not to judge a book by its cover” or “Empathy is important for everyone.” Instead, give admissions officers a window into your genuine, individual experience.

Empathy is universal, but your story can be unique. Choose a story that only you could tell, and use sensory details to make it come alive. That’s how you’ll stand out, no matter the theme.