What topics are good for college essays?
I've been struggling a lot lately with figuring out what to write my college essays about. Everyone keeps saying to write about something "unique" or something that shows who I am, but honestly, nothing majorly dramatic or unusual has happened in my life.
Does it have to be about a specific accomplishment, or can it be something small that represents me in some way? For example, I was thinking about describing my Sunday morning walks with my grandfather and what I learn from him, but is that too ordinary? If anyone has examples of what they wrote about, or what has worked for others, I'd really appreciate hearing about it.
I just want to make sure my essay doesn't come across as cliche or boring, but at the same time, I don't want to force something that isn't true to me. Advice on how personal or creative to get would help a ton.
Does it have to be about a specific accomplishment, or can it be something small that represents me in some way? For example, I was thinking about describing my Sunday morning walks with my grandfather and what I learn from him, but is that too ordinary? If anyone has examples of what they wrote about, or what has worked for others, I'd really appreciate hearing about it.
I just want to make sure my essay doesn't come across as cliche or boring, but at the same time, I don't want to force something that isn't true to me. Advice on how personal or creative to get would help a ton.
4 months ago
•
10 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Your instincts are right on track—college essays don’t have to be about dramatic, life-changing events or big accomplishments. In fact, some of the best essays are about small, everyday moments that reveal something genuine and meaningful about a person.
Writing about your Sunday morning walks with your grandfather could make an excellent essay. What matters most is how you tell the story and what insights you draw from it. Admissions readers are looking to see how you reflect on your experiences, not necessarily the scale or novelty of the topic.
Think about moments during those walks: Was there a specific conversation or lesson that stuck with you? What did you notice about your grandfather, or yourself, that changed the way you see the world? Sometimes, the "ordinary" is what allows you to share your values, curiosity, or growth in a natural, honest way.
For example, one student wrote about teaching her younger brother how to tie his shoes. Although it might sound trivial, she used that event to talk about her patience, her evolving role in her family, and how small acts of guidance shaped her sense of responsibility. Another student described how baking bread with her mom every weekend taught her about persistence and the importance of rituals in their relationship. Both topics were simple, but the essays were engaging because they were personal and reflective.
If you’re concerned about coming across as cliche, focus on your unique perspective and voice. Instead of general statements, rely on specific details, anecdotes, and thoughts only you could write. What does the routine of those walks symbolize for you? Has your relationship with your grandfather changed over time? How do these moments influence your outlook or future goals?
You don’t need to be wildly creative with the format—being authentic counts for more. However, using vivid imagery, dialogue, or a unique structure (like alternating memories and present-day reflections) can help your essay stand out.
In the end, write about what genuinely matters to you. Readers can tell when an essay is forced versus when it comes from a place of sincerity, even if the topic seems simple on the surface.
Writing about your Sunday morning walks with your grandfather could make an excellent essay. What matters most is how you tell the story and what insights you draw from it. Admissions readers are looking to see how you reflect on your experiences, not necessarily the scale or novelty of the topic.
Think about moments during those walks: Was there a specific conversation or lesson that stuck with you? What did you notice about your grandfather, or yourself, that changed the way you see the world? Sometimes, the "ordinary" is what allows you to share your values, curiosity, or growth in a natural, honest way.
For example, one student wrote about teaching her younger brother how to tie his shoes. Although it might sound trivial, she used that event to talk about her patience, her evolving role in her family, and how small acts of guidance shaped her sense of responsibility. Another student described how baking bread with her mom every weekend taught her about persistence and the importance of rituals in their relationship. Both topics were simple, but the essays were engaging because they were personal and reflective.
If you’re concerned about coming across as cliche, focus on your unique perspective and voice. Instead of general statements, rely on specific details, anecdotes, and thoughts only you could write. What does the routine of those walks symbolize for you? Has your relationship with your grandfather changed over time? How do these moments influence your outlook or future goals?
You don’t need to be wildly creative with the format—being authentic counts for more. However, using vivid imagery, dialogue, or a unique structure (like alternating memories and present-day reflections) can help your essay stand out.
In the end, write about what genuinely matters to you. Readers can tell when an essay is forced versus when it comes from a place of sincerity, even if the topic seems simple on the surface.
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
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