How do you come up with good ideas for college essays?
I’ve been staring at my Common App essay prompt for days now, but every idea I think of seems kind of bland or unoriginal. I read a lot about being authentic and finding something personal, but I’m having trouble figuring out what experiences or traits would make for a strong topic.
Has anyone found any strategies that help you brainstorm effective essay ideas? For example, do certain prompts make it easier to come up with something unique, or is it better to start with a specific memory? Any advice would be appreciated, since I’m honestly starting to stress about not having a direction yet.
Has anyone found any strategies that help you brainstorm effective essay ideas? For example, do certain prompts make it easier to come up with something unique, or is it better to start with a specific memory? Any advice would be appreciated, since I’m honestly starting to stress about not having a direction yet.
6 months ago
•
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Roger Lopez
• 6 months ago
Advisor
Feeling stuck is a really common part of the essay process, so you're definitely not alone here! Sometimes the hardest part is just figuring out where to begin. Here are some practical strategies to help you brainstorm strong, personal ideas:
Start with small, specific memories instead of big life events. Instead of trying to sum up your whole personality or life philosophy right away, think about moments—a conversation that surprised you, a failure that stung, a time you stood up for yourself, or even a weird quirk or family ritual. Sometimes the simplest things lead to the deepest essays.
Try the "20-Minute Walk-Through": Pick a day, and write down everything you do from the moment you wake up to when you go to sleep. Circle anything in your list that's unique to you or that hints at deeper values or interests. Maybe you binge-watch old black-and-white films, or always volunteer to help your younger sibling with homework. These tiny habits can spark a compelling essay angle.
Another method is the "Values Exercise": Jot down a list of values that matter to you—curiosity, empathy, resilience, justice, creativity, etc. Think about a time when one (or more) of those values was tested or changed. For example, if you value creativity, maybe you solved a tricky problem in an unexpected way, or found a creative outlet during a difficult time.
Some people also find it helpful to talk it out. Ask a parent, teacher, or friend what they find unique about you. Sometimes others see strengths or details we ignore ourselves.
As for which prompts are easier, the Open Topic (Prompt 7) gives the most flexibility, so if you start with a story or moment and shape the essay around that, you can usually tailor it to fit. But prompts that ask about challenges or growth (like Prompt 2) or gratitude (Prompt 4) can spark strong personal stories.
Above all, remember: You don't need a "big" or dramatic moment. Admissions officers are looking for how you think, what you care about, and what makes you, you. Sometimes the best essays come from exploring the ordinary in an extraordinary way.
Try writing a few paragraphs about different memories or personal quirks, even if they feel silly—they may lead you somewhere unexpected. After a bit of brainstorming, you’ll probably find a nugget that feels authentic and gives you a unique angle!
Start with small, specific memories instead of big life events. Instead of trying to sum up your whole personality or life philosophy right away, think about moments—a conversation that surprised you, a failure that stung, a time you stood up for yourself, or even a weird quirk or family ritual. Sometimes the simplest things lead to the deepest essays.
Try the "20-Minute Walk-Through": Pick a day, and write down everything you do from the moment you wake up to when you go to sleep. Circle anything in your list that's unique to you or that hints at deeper values or interests. Maybe you binge-watch old black-and-white films, or always volunteer to help your younger sibling with homework. These tiny habits can spark a compelling essay angle.
Another method is the "Values Exercise": Jot down a list of values that matter to you—curiosity, empathy, resilience, justice, creativity, etc. Think about a time when one (or more) of those values was tested or changed. For example, if you value creativity, maybe you solved a tricky problem in an unexpected way, or found a creative outlet during a difficult time.
Some people also find it helpful to talk it out. Ask a parent, teacher, or friend what they find unique about you. Sometimes others see strengths or details we ignore ourselves.
As for which prompts are easier, the Open Topic (Prompt 7) gives the most flexibility, so if you start with a story or moment and shape the essay around that, you can usually tailor it to fit. But prompts that ask about challenges or growth (like Prompt 2) or gratitude (Prompt 4) can spark strong personal stories.
Above all, remember: You don't need a "big" or dramatic moment. Admissions officers are looking for how you think, what you care about, and what makes you, you. Sometimes the best essays come from exploring the ordinary in an extraordinary way.
Try writing a few paragraphs about different memories or personal quirks, even if they feel silly—they may lead you somewhere unexpected. After a bit of brainstorming, you’ll probably find a nugget that feels authentic and gives you a unique angle!
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Roger Lopez
Chicago, Illinois
Yale University BA, Political Science | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate |
Experience
4 years