What are some good topics to write my college essay about?
I'm starting to brainstorm ideas for my college essay and I'm honestly feeling a bit lost. I keep hearing that you should pick something 'unique' but also 'genuine,' and it's making me second-guess everything that comes to mind.
Is it better to write about some big, life-changing experience or can it be something small that says a lot about who you are? For example, does writing about overcoming a setback have to be some dramatic event, or can it be more low-key? I feel like a lot of my experiences are pretty average and I'm not sure what admissions officers are actually looking for.
If anyone has advice or could share what they wrote about (even in general terms), it would really help. Also, do colleges get tired of certain topics? Like, I've heard sports and mission trips are overused, but is that actually true? I just want to get a sense of what's possible and what works.
Is it better to write about some big, life-changing experience or can it be something small that says a lot about who you are? For example, does writing about overcoming a setback have to be some dramatic event, or can it be more low-key? I feel like a lot of my experiences are pretty average and I'm not sure what admissions officers are actually looking for.
If anyone has advice or could share what they wrote about (even in general terms), it would really help. Also, do colleges get tired of certain topics? Like, I've heard sports and mission trips are overused, but is that actually true? I just want to get a sense of what's possible and what works.
3 weeks ago
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6 views
Anonymous
3 weeks ago
You’re definitely not alone in feeling overwhelmed by all the advice about choosing a college essay topic. The push to find something both unique and genuine can make you overthink! But the reality is, there’s no single formula for the “perfect” essay topic. Admissions officers aren’t looking for one particular kind of story—they want to learn what matters to you and how you think, regardless of whether the moment is big or small.
A lot of applicants worry their life hasn’t had major, newsworthy events, but some of the most compelling essays center around a small moment that reveals depth, vulnerability, or growth. For example, someone might write about the ritual of making tea with their grandmother every Sunday and what that taught them about patience, cultural heritage, and listening. The key is to reflect deeply and connect that experience to who you are now.
As for common topics like sports injuries, mission trips, or acing a tough class, these do come up a lot—but it’s not the topic that makes it ‘cliché,’ it’s the treatment. If you do write about something familiar, try to find a unique angle or specific moment that’s deeply personal. Maybe a sports experience taught you something unexpected, like starting a chess club while you were recovering from an injury, which changed how you think about leadership. Or a classroom challenge led you to mentor others who were struggling, sparking a passion for teaching.
When brainstorming, consider things like:
- A quirky hobby or interest and how it’s shaped your perspective (for example, collecting rare insects or cooking traditional family recipes)
- A moment you changed your mind about something important
- An ordinary event that pushed you to see the world differently (like your first summer job, or interpreting for a relative)
- A conflict that revealed your values or helped you stand up for yourself
Remember, authenticity stands out much more than drama. Admissions officers want to hear your real voice, so write about what genuinely matters to you, even if it seems ‘average.’
If you’re still feeling stuck, try listing out specific anecdotes—tiny, vivid memories that you return to again and again or that friends and family remember you for. Sometimes a single detailed story says more about you than a sweeping summary of your high school accomplishments.
In short: It doesn’t have to be big, but it does have to be meaningful to you. That’s what leaves a lasting impression.
A lot of applicants worry their life hasn’t had major, newsworthy events, but some of the most compelling essays center around a small moment that reveals depth, vulnerability, or growth. For example, someone might write about the ritual of making tea with their grandmother every Sunday and what that taught them about patience, cultural heritage, and listening. The key is to reflect deeply and connect that experience to who you are now.
As for common topics like sports injuries, mission trips, or acing a tough class, these do come up a lot—but it’s not the topic that makes it ‘cliché,’ it’s the treatment. If you do write about something familiar, try to find a unique angle or specific moment that’s deeply personal. Maybe a sports experience taught you something unexpected, like starting a chess club while you were recovering from an injury, which changed how you think about leadership. Or a classroom challenge led you to mentor others who were struggling, sparking a passion for teaching.
When brainstorming, consider things like:
- A quirky hobby or interest and how it’s shaped your perspective (for example, collecting rare insects or cooking traditional family recipes)
- A moment you changed your mind about something important
- An ordinary event that pushed you to see the world differently (like your first summer job, or interpreting for a relative)
- A conflict that revealed your values or helped you stand up for yourself
Remember, authenticity stands out much more than drama. Admissions officers want to hear your real voice, so write about what genuinely matters to you, even if it seems ‘average.’
If you’re still feeling stuck, try listing out specific anecdotes—tiny, vivid memories that you return to again and again or that friends and family remember you for. Sometimes a single detailed story says more about you than a sweeping summary of your high school accomplishments.
In short: It doesn’t have to be big, but it does have to be meaningful to you. That’s what leaves a lasting impression.
Your story matters — let’s make it shine
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