How do you choose a topic for your college application essay?
I'm a rising senior trying to get a head start on my college essays, but I'm super stuck on what to write about. People keep telling me it has to be something "unique," but honestly, I feel like nothing about me is that rare or exciting.
I keep second guessing every idea that pops into my head. Should I write about something big that happened in my life, or is it better to focus on a smaller, more everyday moment? Also, is it okay if my essay isn't about some struggle or tragic event?
I keep second guessing every idea that pops into my head. Should I write about something big that happened in my life, or is it better to focus on a smaller, more everyday moment? Also, is it okay if my essay isn't about some struggle or tragic event?
7 months ago
•
50 views
Anonymous
7 months ago
You’re definitely not alone in feeling stuck—picking an essay topic is one of the hardest parts of the process! The idea that you have to be uniquely extraordinary for your essay is a bit of a myth. Admissions officers want to get to know the real person behind the application, so you don’t need to have climbed Everest or endured a major tragedy to write a strong essay.
One approach is to think about what aspects of your personality, values, or interests you genuinely care about. Often, small and specific experiences can reveal a lot about you. For example, a memorable essay topic might be how you fix things around the house, and what that curiosity or persistence says about you. Or maybe you always meal-prep with your grandmother and those afternoons shaped how you value family and tradition.
Instead of feeling pressured to choose a dramatic event, try brainstorming everyday moments that linger in your mind. Ask yourself what you spend a lot of time thinking about or doing, what your friends rely on you for, or when you felt challenged to think differently. These can be great springboards for a compelling essay.
For example, one student wrote about always having a notebook to jot down overheard conversations on the bus, and how that habit nurtured her love of storytelling. Another described the methodical way she organizes her bookshelf, showing her attention to detail and how it reflects her approach to school projects.
If your essay isn’t about a struggle or tragedy, that’s totally fine. What matters most is reflection and insight—colleges want to see how you think and what you value, not just what happened to you. Focus on showing growth, curiosity, or a shift in perspective. Think of something in your personality, or a good trait/strength you have and craft a story or example that shows that off.
A good next step is listing moments (big or small) that have stayed with you and jotting down why they felt important. Pick one and free-write about it for 10 minutes without worrying if it’s ‘unique’ enough. Chances are, your voice and details will make it stand out. You can always refine or pivot once you see what feels truest to you.
One approach is to think about what aspects of your personality, values, or interests you genuinely care about. Often, small and specific experiences can reveal a lot about you. For example, a memorable essay topic might be how you fix things around the house, and what that curiosity or persistence says about you. Or maybe you always meal-prep with your grandmother and those afternoons shaped how you value family and tradition.
Instead of feeling pressured to choose a dramatic event, try brainstorming everyday moments that linger in your mind. Ask yourself what you spend a lot of time thinking about or doing, what your friends rely on you for, or when you felt challenged to think differently. These can be great springboards for a compelling essay.
For example, one student wrote about always having a notebook to jot down overheard conversations on the bus, and how that habit nurtured her love of storytelling. Another described the methodical way she organizes her bookshelf, showing her attention to detail and how it reflects her approach to school projects.
If your essay isn’t about a struggle or tragedy, that’s totally fine. What matters most is reflection and insight—colleges want to see how you think and what you value, not just what happened to you. Focus on showing growth, curiosity, or a shift in perspective. Think of something in your personality, or a good trait/strength you have and craft a story or example that shows that off.
A good next step is listing moments (big or small) that have stayed with you and jotting down why they felt important. Pick one and free-write about it for 10 minutes without worrying if it’s ‘unique’ enough. Chances are, your voice and details will make it stand out. You can always refine or pivot once you see what feels truest to you.
Related Questions
Students also ask…
Your story matters — let’s make it shine
Our advisors have reviewed thousands of essays and can help you today.
