What kinds of topics do college essays usually cover?
I'm about to start brainstorming for my college essays and honestly, I'm not sure what schools are looking for. Does the essay have to be about something super dramatic or life-changing? Or can it be about something small but meaningful to me?
I've heard people write about everything from baking bread to serious hardships. I'm just trying to figure out what direction makes sense and if there's a 'right' type of topic. Would love advice from people who've already gone through this process or anyone who has specific examples!
I've heard people write about everything from baking bread to serious hardships. I'm just trying to figure out what direction makes sense and if there's a 'right' type of topic. Would love advice from people who've already gone through this process or anyone who has specific examples!
4 months ago
•
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Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
College essays can cover a huge variety of topics, and there really isn’t just one “right” type. Admissions officers are ultimately looking to learn about you—your values, personality, and what you might bring to their community.
It’s a common misconception that you have to write about something incredibly dramatic or life-changing for your essay to stand out. In reality, some of the most memorable essays focus on small, everyday moments that reveal bigger truths about the writer. For instance, someone might write about their ritual of baking bread with a grandparent and use that to explore their family’s traditions or the way they find comfort during stressful times. These essays can be powerful because they’re personal and authentic.
That said, if you have faced a significant hardship or defining experience, it can be a good topic—so long as your essay centers on less what happened, and more on how you responded, grew, or changed as a result. But again, the drama level isn’t what matters most—it’s your reflection that counts.
For example, a student once wrote about meticulously organizing her locker and how the act became a metaphor for managing chaos in her life. Another wrote about collecting street signs and what his favorite sign symbolized about his view of the world. The impact of these essays came from the writer’s ability to connect a seemingly ordinary thing to deeper aspects of their character.
As you brainstorm, think about stories or moments that are unique to you. Is there a habit, activity, relationship, or moment of challenge that’s defined who you are today? The story doesn’t have to seem impressive at first glance—what matters is your honest perspective and voice.
The best advice: choose a topic that you care about and that will let admissions officers hear your authentic self. If it feels meaningful or unique to you, it’s worth exploring! If you’re looking for more direction, try jotting down a list of small memories that mean something to you—sometimes the best essay topics hide in the details of everyday life.
It’s a common misconception that you have to write about something incredibly dramatic or life-changing for your essay to stand out. In reality, some of the most memorable essays focus on small, everyday moments that reveal bigger truths about the writer. For instance, someone might write about their ritual of baking bread with a grandparent and use that to explore their family’s traditions or the way they find comfort during stressful times. These essays can be powerful because they’re personal and authentic.
That said, if you have faced a significant hardship or defining experience, it can be a good topic—so long as your essay centers on less what happened, and more on how you responded, grew, or changed as a result. But again, the drama level isn’t what matters most—it’s your reflection that counts.
For example, a student once wrote about meticulously organizing her locker and how the act became a metaphor for managing chaos in her life. Another wrote about collecting street signs and what his favorite sign symbolized about his view of the world. The impact of these essays came from the writer’s ability to connect a seemingly ordinary thing to deeper aspects of their character.
As you brainstorm, think about stories or moments that are unique to you. Is there a habit, activity, relationship, or moment of challenge that’s defined who you are today? The story doesn’t have to seem impressive at first glance—what matters is your honest perspective and voice.
The best advice: choose a topic that you care about and that will let admissions officers hear your authentic self. If it feels meaningful or unique to you, it’s worth exploring! If you’re looking for more direction, try jotting down a list of small memories that mean something to you—sometimes the best essay topics hide in the details of everyday life.
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating
5.0 (5 reviews)