What are some unique and interesting college essay topics that have worked for current students?

You’re right that the most memorable essays often center on deeply personal and sometimes seemingly small experiences, rather than broad or dramatic life events. Here are a few unique topics I’ve seen that caught admissions’ attention, along with examples of how students built a compelling narrative:

1. A student wrote about their affinity for collecting and restoring vintage typewriters, tying this hobby to their love of storytelling and tangible history. They described how fixing a broken carriage return mirrored their ability to overcome setbacks in life. It wasn’t just about typewriters, but about how they find beauty and possibility in forgotten things.

2. Another applicant explored their childhood obsession with drawing mazes for classmates. The essay focused not only on the joy of designing puzzles, but also on the way this interest shaped their approach to solving real-world challenges—creativity, patience, and understanding that sometimes the way forward isn’t linear.

3. Someone else wrote about learning to fold origami cranes with their grandfather and how this ritual taught them patience, intergenerational connection, and the subtle art of grace under pressure. The topic was everyday, but the writing revealed why it mattered to them on a deeper level.

4. An admitted student described their job as a dog walker, highlighting small moments—like learning each pet’s quirks or braving thunderstorms at dawn. By focusing on the relationships formed with clients and their pets, the student demonstrated responsibility, observation skills, and a loving perspective on daily routines.

5. One unique angle involved a student reflecting on their distinctive commute to school by public transportation, recounting specific characters or challenges encountered along the way and what they learned about empathy, urban life, and resilience.

If you’re struggling with ideas, try making a list of everyday rituals, odd hobbies, or quirky family traditions—then explore what each reveals about your values, growth, or worldview. Sometimes, the topic itself isn’t as important as the insight you offer about yourself.

For example, a friend wrote about their ongoing effort to beat their grandmother at Scrabble—a simple topic, but it let them discuss persistence, language, and family bonds in a memorable way.

Ultimately, ask yourself: what’s something small that most people overlook, but that you care about deeply? Use that as your starting point, and you’ll naturally find a more original, authentic angle for your essay.