What are some unique college essay topics that work well for college applications?
I’m working on my Common App essay and I keep getting stuck when it comes to picking a topic that feels both unique and true to who I am. All the samples I find online either sound super cliché or about some huge achievement, which I don’t really have.
Are there topics that are underrated but can still make a big impact with admissions? For example, I thought about writing about my part-time job at a grocery store or maybe about my obsession with organizing playlists. Does something like that stand out, or should I go for a more traditional story about overcoming challenges? I’d appreciate any advice or even some examples of what worked for other people in the past.
I’m feeling a little stressed because essay writing is not my strong suit, and I want to make sure I’m on the right track before summer.
Are there topics that are underrated but can still make a big impact with admissions? For example, I thought about writing about my part-time job at a grocery store or maybe about my obsession with organizing playlists. Does something like that stand out, or should I go for a more traditional story about overcoming challenges? I’d appreciate any advice or even some examples of what worked for other people in the past.
I’m feeling a little stressed because essay writing is not my strong suit, and I want to make sure I’m on the right track before summer.
6 months ago
•
30 views
Roger Lopez
• 6 months ago
Advisor
You’re definitely not alone—lots of people worry their ideas aren’t impressive enough for college essays. In reality, admissions readers can spot a cliché story from a mile away, so drawing inspiration from your authentic interests and daily life is often a much better route.
Seemingly ordinary experiences can make for powerful essays when you use them to show personal growth, insight, or a quirky aspect of yourself. For example, writing about your job at a grocery store could be a great topic if you focus on a specific moment or series of interactions that changed the way you see people, hard work, or yourself. Maybe you noticed how greeting regulars helped you feel more connected to your community, or perhaps you came up with a creative strategy to deal with a tricky customer. Showing what you learned, how you changed, or why you keep going back to that job will make your story both unique and personal.
Your playlists obsession is another creative angle. You could explore how curating playlists became your personal form of storytelling or a way to organize your thoughts during tough times. For example, you might write about a playlist you made for your family’s road trip that ended up reflecting a lot about your relationship with each family member, or how each playlist reflects a unique mood or chapter in your life. That specificity makes a simple hobby meaningful.
Other underrated but effective essay themes include:
- A day in your life (focusing on something small but telling)
- A funny or awkward mistake and how you responded
- A little-known tradition from your family or culture
- An argument or discussion that changed your perspective (even something as minor as a debate about breakfast foods)
- Getting stuck on a problem—academic or otherwise—and your unconventional approach
What matters most is your voice and insight. Try freewriting about little moments that stuck with you or hobbies that matter, even if they seem offbeat. Unique stories don’t need to be about big events—they just need to show who you are beneath the surface. Good luck, and remember, admissions readers are most drawn to essays that feel genuine and thoughtful, no matter the topic!
Seemingly ordinary experiences can make for powerful essays when you use them to show personal growth, insight, or a quirky aspect of yourself. For example, writing about your job at a grocery store could be a great topic if you focus on a specific moment or series of interactions that changed the way you see people, hard work, or yourself. Maybe you noticed how greeting regulars helped you feel more connected to your community, or perhaps you came up with a creative strategy to deal with a tricky customer. Showing what you learned, how you changed, or why you keep going back to that job will make your story both unique and personal.
Your playlists obsession is another creative angle. You could explore how curating playlists became your personal form of storytelling or a way to organize your thoughts during tough times. For example, you might write about a playlist you made for your family’s road trip that ended up reflecting a lot about your relationship with each family member, or how each playlist reflects a unique mood or chapter in your life. That specificity makes a simple hobby meaningful.
Other underrated but effective essay themes include:
- A day in your life (focusing on something small but telling)
- A funny or awkward mistake and how you responded
- A little-known tradition from your family or culture
- An argument or discussion that changed your perspective (even something as minor as a debate about breakfast foods)
- Getting stuck on a problem—academic or otherwise—and your unconventional approach
What matters most is your voice and insight. Try freewriting about little moments that stuck with you or hobbies that matter, even if they seem offbeat. Unique stories don’t need to be about big events—they just need to show who you are beneath the surface. Good luck, and remember, admissions readers are most drawn to essays that feel genuine and thoughtful, no matter the topic!
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Roger Lopez
Chicago, Illinois
Yale University BA, Political Science | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate |
Experience
4 years