What are some creative college essay topics you’ve used or heard about?
I’m starting to brainstorm ideas for my college essays and I keep hearing that having a unique topic can make you stand out. But everything I come up with seems super basic or like something that’s already been done a thousand times.
What are some topics that aren’t just ‘how I overcame adversity’ or ‘why I want to go to your school’? If you’ve already written your essay, I’d love to hear what you chose (if you feel comfortable sharing) or what interesting topics you’ve heard others use. I’m hoping this will spark some ideas for me!
What are some topics that aren’t just ‘how I overcame adversity’ or ‘why I want to go to your school’? If you’ve already written your essay, I’d love to hear what you chose (if you feel comfortable sharing) or what interesting topics you’ve heard others use. I’m hoping this will spark some ideas for me!
7 months ago
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45 views
Anonymous
7 months ago
It’s true that unique topics can help make your essay memorable, but even a common story can stand out if you approach it from an unexpected angle. Here are some creative college essay topics and approaches I’ve encountered that made a strong impression:
One student wrote about their fascination with knots—practically and metaphorically. They explained their love for sailing, but also how learning different knots reflected their approach to solving life's complex problems. It managed to be both quirky and insightful.
Another student used the framework of a family recipe gone wrong. They described a disastrous attempt to bake their grandmother’s bread, but wove in stories about family, tradition, and learning through failure. This essay felt warm and very personal.
A friend wrote their essay as a series of annotated grocery lists, each one representing a different stage in their life as they helped their parents shop. The details—from favorite snacks as a kid to budgeting in high school—showed growth, responsibility, and even humor, all without explicitly stating those qualities.
Someone else treated their room as a character. They described how their posters, books, and even the way they organized their desk reflected their evolving interests and identity over four years.
If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, think small and specific. Sometimes, the most ‘normal’ routines—like your morning bus ride, your favorite shoes, or the way you organize your workspace—can reveal a lot about you when you dig into the details. For example, maybe your favorite mug is chipped, and the story of how you got it (and why you keep it) says something about your values or outlook.
Try making a list of objects, habits, or routines you really care about, or small things that annoy or inspire you. Digging into those specifics can often lead to a unique, personal topic. Remember: it’s less about what happens and more about how you reflect on and learn from it.
One student wrote about their fascination with knots—practically and metaphorically. They explained their love for sailing, but also how learning different knots reflected their approach to solving life's complex problems. It managed to be both quirky and insightful.
Another student used the framework of a family recipe gone wrong. They described a disastrous attempt to bake their grandmother’s bread, but wove in stories about family, tradition, and learning through failure. This essay felt warm and very personal.
A friend wrote their essay as a series of annotated grocery lists, each one representing a different stage in their life as they helped their parents shop. The details—from favorite snacks as a kid to budgeting in high school—showed growth, responsibility, and even humor, all without explicitly stating those qualities.
Someone else treated their room as a character. They described how their posters, books, and even the way they organized their desk reflected their evolving interests and identity over four years.
If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, think small and specific. Sometimes, the most ‘normal’ routines—like your morning bus ride, your favorite shoes, or the way you organize your workspace—can reveal a lot about you when you dig into the details. For example, maybe your favorite mug is chipped, and the story of how you got it (and why you keep it) says something about your values or outlook.
Try making a list of objects, habits, or routines you really care about, or small things that annoy or inspire you. Digging into those specifics can often lead to a unique, personal topic. Remember: it’s less about what happens and more about how you reflect on and learn from it.
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