What are some good compare and contrast essay topics for college applications?
I'm working on a supplemental essay that asks for a compare and contrast topic, and I'm feeling kind of stuck. I want it to reflect something meaningful about my interests or experiences, but I'm having trouble deciding on a subject that would actually make me stand out.
Has anyone come up with unique ideas for these types of essays? I don't want to do something too basic, like comparing two books or two historical figures, unless I can bring a truly original perspective. Also, do colleges prefer topics related to your intended major, or is it okay to get creative and choose something more unconventional?
If anybody has suggestions or examples (even if you haven't written one yourself but have brainstormed about it), I would really appreciate the help!
Has anyone come up with unique ideas for these types of essays? I don't want to do something too basic, like comparing two books or two historical figures, unless I can bring a truly original perspective. Also, do colleges prefer topics related to your intended major, or is it okay to get creative and choose something more unconventional?
If anybody has suggestions or examples (even if you haven't written one yourself but have brainstormed about it), I would really appreciate the help!
1 week ago
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5 views
Anonymous
1 week ago
Colleges appreciate compare and contrast essays that reveal more about how you think, what you value, and how you synthesize different aspects of your life or interests. You don’t have to stick to your intended major—sometimes a creative topic that genuinely connects to your personality or growth can be even more memorable. The key is to dig deeper than surface-level differences and show some insight into yourself through your comparison.
If possible, go beyond standard pairs (like two books or two leaders) unless you can put a unique spin on it. Here are some ideas that might spark inspiration:
1. Two experiences that shaped you differently: For instance, contrasting your role as captain of the debate team to your time volunteering at a daycare. What skills or challenges were unique to each, and what did you learn about yourself in both environments?
2. Competing interests or identities: Compare your identity as a first-generation immigrant and your identity as a tech enthusiast. How do these parts of you intersect or clash? Maybe you can write about the ways cultural expectations shaped your approach to robotics competitions.
3. Preferred problem-solving strategies: Contrast your approach to a group project (collaborative) vs. a solo research project (independent problem-solving). What do you prefer and why? What surprised you about the outcomes?
4. Unlikely hobbies or passions: Maybe you love both classical piano and video game design. Explore what draws you to each; how do discipline and creativity play different roles? How do these interests inform one another?
5. Two places that feel like home: This could be literal (e.g., bustling city vs. quiet rural hometown) or metaphorical (e.g., library vs. soccer field). What do you gain from each setting?
Here’s an example: one student compared the feeling of performing magic tricks on stage to tutoring middle school students in math. They explored how both required compassion, adaptability, and the ability to read a crowd or an individual, but also highlighted how their intentions and the sense of satisfaction differed.
Whatever you choose, be sure your essay reveals a fresh perspective, something only you could write. Don’t worry too much about staying strictly within your academic interests unless the supplement specifically asks for it. The most memorable compare and contrast essays often take risks and focus on personal growth or unexpected connections.
Think about moments of contrast in your own life, places you feel pulled in two directions, or interests that don’t seem to go together at first glance—then dig into what you learn from navigating those differences.
If possible, go beyond standard pairs (like two books or two leaders) unless you can put a unique spin on it. Here are some ideas that might spark inspiration:
1. Two experiences that shaped you differently: For instance, contrasting your role as captain of the debate team to your time volunteering at a daycare. What skills or challenges were unique to each, and what did you learn about yourself in both environments?
2. Competing interests or identities: Compare your identity as a first-generation immigrant and your identity as a tech enthusiast. How do these parts of you intersect or clash? Maybe you can write about the ways cultural expectations shaped your approach to robotics competitions.
3. Preferred problem-solving strategies: Contrast your approach to a group project (collaborative) vs. a solo research project (independent problem-solving). What do you prefer and why? What surprised you about the outcomes?
4. Unlikely hobbies or passions: Maybe you love both classical piano and video game design. Explore what draws you to each; how do discipline and creativity play different roles? How do these interests inform one another?
5. Two places that feel like home: This could be literal (e.g., bustling city vs. quiet rural hometown) or metaphorical (e.g., library vs. soccer field). What do you gain from each setting?
Here’s an example: one student compared the feeling of performing magic tricks on stage to tutoring middle school students in math. They explored how both required compassion, adaptability, and the ability to read a crowd or an individual, but also highlighted how their intentions and the sense of satisfaction differed.
Whatever you choose, be sure your essay reveals a fresh perspective, something only you could write. Don’t worry too much about staying strictly within your academic interests unless the supplement specifically asks for it. The most memorable compare and contrast essays often take risks and focus on personal growth or unexpected connections.
Think about moments of contrast in your own life, places you feel pulled in two directions, or interests that don’t seem to go together at first glance—then dig into what you learn from navigating those differences.
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