What are some unique essay topics that actually stand out to admissions officers?

Coming up with an essay topic that stands out can absolutely feel challenging, especially since so many classic ideas (overcoming injury, moving schools, etc.) are covered by hundreds of applicants each year. The trick isn’t always about having an "out there" story, but more about bringing your own perspective and personality into whatever topic you’re covering.

Niche hobbies, like competitive origami, can actually be fantastic topics precisely because they are specific to you and can show uncommon dedication, problem-solving, and creativity. What matters is how you connect that experience to larger themes and personal growth, not just describing the activity itself. For instance, if you wrote about competitive origami, you could focus on the patience and precision it requires, or the community you found among fellow participants. Maybe there was a moment of frustration—like failing to fold a particularly tough design for days—and how you overcame that. Admissions officers remember uniqueness, but they really remember how an applicant thinks and reflects.

Some memorable examples I’ve heard about include someone writing about translating pop song lyrics for their grandmother each night, another about cataloguing backyard insects as a personal science experiment, and another student who detailed the experience of restoring abandoned bicycles in their city. None of these are "earth-shattering" on their own, but the students wrote with honesty and a clear sense of why the experience mattered to them.

If it helps, try brainstorming short, specific moments in your life rather than broad topics. Think of situations where you made a tough decision, learned something surprising, or solved a quirky problem. Maybe it’s about the day you lost (or found) something important, or the weirdest challenge in your hobby. For example, if you love origami, write about the time you taught a group of rowdy campers to fold cranes, or how you designed your own model to impress a mentor.

Ultimately, any topic can be excellent if it lets your authentic self come through and shows qualities you value about yourself. Even something that feels mundane to you can feel fresh if it’s told with detail and heart.