What should I write about in my college application essay if I'm not sure what makes me stand out?
Okay, so I’m starting to brainstorm topics for my main college essay and I’m really struggling to figure out what angle to take. I keep reading that you need a unique story or some big accomplishment, but honestly, my life has been pretty average so far. I get good grades, I'm involved in a couple clubs, and I play varsity tennis, but none of that seems particularly special.
Has anyone else felt like their life was too ordinary for a great college essay? How do I figure out what's worth sharing about myself? I want my essay to reflect who I really am, but I’m not sure what colleges want to see if I haven’t had a super dramatic or interesting life event. I just want it to feel genuine and not forced, and also not boring! Any advice or examples from people who felt the same way?
Has anyone else felt like their life was too ordinary for a great college essay? How do I figure out what's worth sharing about myself? I want my essay to reflect who I really am, but I’m not sure what colleges want to see if I haven’t had a super dramatic or interesting life event. I just want it to feel genuine and not forced, and also not boring! Any advice or examples from people who felt the same way?
7 months ago
•
58 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 7 months ago
Advisor
You’re definitely not alone in feeling this way—a lot of students worry that their experiences don’t stack up because they haven’t had a 'defining moment' or big challenge. The good news is a standout essay doesn’t require a dramatic story or extraordinary accomplishment. What matters most is how you explore your perspective, values, and character through everyday experiences.
Admissions officers actually appreciate honest, reflective essays about seemingly ordinary moments, especially if you show what those moments mean to you. Instead of focusing on what you’ve done (resume items), try thinking about how you think, why you care about certain things, or what small details reveal something deeper about who you are.
Start by looking at the small stuff: Is there a routine, habit, or interest that matters to you? For example, maybe your favorite part of tennis isn’t winning matches, but the quirky rituals your team created during warm-ups, and how that camaraderie gave you confidence off the court. Or, think about a question or curiosity that’s always on your mind—maybe you’ve been fascinated by how everyday objects are designed, leading you to fix broken hinges around your house or suggest improvements at your school’s club fairs.
Here's an example: One student wrote about being the unofficial family tech support person, fixing her grandparents’ cell phones on weekends. She connected this to her patience, her love of troubleshooting, and her unexpected bond with her relatives. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was memorable because of her unique voice and the real pride she took in her behind-the-scenes role.
A helpful exercise is to spend ten minutes free-writing about something small but meaningful in your day-to-day life: a favorite pizza place with your friends, a podcast you listen to, or even the view from your bedroom window. Then, try to answer: What does this say about me? What have I learned, or how have I changed, because of this?
Ultimately, your genuine reflection and perspective are what make your story interesting. You don’t need to be extraordinary—just thoughtful about who you are. That’s what will make your essay stand out.
Admissions officers actually appreciate honest, reflective essays about seemingly ordinary moments, especially if you show what those moments mean to you. Instead of focusing on what you’ve done (resume items), try thinking about how you think, why you care about certain things, or what small details reveal something deeper about who you are.
Start by looking at the small stuff: Is there a routine, habit, or interest that matters to you? For example, maybe your favorite part of tennis isn’t winning matches, but the quirky rituals your team created during warm-ups, and how that camaraderie gave you confidence off the court. Or, think about a question or curiosity that’s always on your mind—maybe you’ve been fascinated by how everyday objects are designed, leading you to fix broken hinges around your house or suggest improvements at your school’s club fairs.
Here's an example: One student wrote about being the unofficial family tech support person, fixing her grandparents’ cell phones on weekends. She connected this to her patience, her love of troubleshooting, and her unexpected bond with her relatives. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was memorable because of her unique voice and the real pride she took in her behind-the-scenes role.
A helpful exercise is to spend ten minutes free-writing about something small but meaningful in your day-to-day life: a favorite pizza place with your friends, a podcast you listen to, or even the view from your bedroom window. Then, try to answer: What does this say about me? What have I learned, or how have I changed, because of this?
Ultimately, your genuine reflection and perspective are what make your story interesting. You don’t need to be extraordinary—just thoughtful about who you are. That’s what will make your essay stand out.
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Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years