How do you choose a topic for your college essay?
I’ve been looking at the Common App essay prompts, and while some of them seem interesting, I have no idea what colleges are actually hoping to read in these essays. Is it better to write about some big accomplishment or go with a smaller story that shows my personality? I’ve heard both sides and now I’m just confused about what admissions officers really want to see.
If anyone has advice on how they decided on their essay topic, or examples of topics that worked, that would be super helpful. Right now every idea I have feels either too boring or too cliché, and I’m kind of stuck.
If anyone has advice on how they decided on their essay topic, or examples of topics that worked, that would be super helpful. Right now every idea I have feels either too boring or too cliché, and I’m kind of stuck.
4 months ago
•
49 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Your confusion is totally normal—deciding on a college essay topic can feel intimidating, especially with so many opinions out there. Admissions officers are ultimately looking for insight into who you are beyond your grades and test scores. The best essays focus less on the scale of the accomplishment and more on the depth of your reflection and authenticity.
Instead of trying to impress with a huge achievement, consider choosing an experience or moment that shaped you or changed your perspective. It doesn't have to be dramatic or headline-worthy. Sometimes, the smaller, more personal stories let your unique personality and values shine through. For example, reflecting on a weekly ritual with your grandmother, a debate you lost but learned from, or a minor failure that led to unexpected growth can be just as compelling (and even more memorable) than a story about winning a championship or earning a prestigious award.
A former student once wrote about organizing her family's spice rack during the pandemic. On the surface, it seemed like a simple, everyday task. But through describing her meticulous process, cultural connections, and the conversations sparked with her parents, she revealed her curiosity, patience, and the importance of her heritage. Admissions loved it because they could picture her at home and saw what values shaped her.
When you're brainstorming, start by thinking of moments that made you look at something differently. Ask yourself: When did I feel challenged or out of my comfort zone? Was there a time I chose to act (or not act), and what did I learn? Even moments that seemed small at the time can lead to meaningful essays.
If you're getting stuck, try jotting down a few unusual or funny facts about yourself—sometimes the quirky details lead to the most memorable stories. Remember, it's less about the story itself and more about your reflection and self-awareness throughout the essay. Be honest and specific about what you felt, thought, and learned. That authenticity is what colleges are hoping to find.
Instead of trying to impress with a huge achievement, consider choosing an experience or moment that shaped you or changed your perspective. It doesn't have to be dramatic or headline-worthy. Sometimes, the smaller, more personal stories let your unique personality and values shine through. For example, reflecting on a weekly ritual with your grandmother, a debate you lost but learned from, or a minor failure that led to unexpected growth can be just as compelling (and even more memorable) than a story about winning a championship or earning a prestigious award.
A former student once wrote about organizing her family's spice rack during the pandemic. On the surface, it seemed like a simple, everyday task. But through describing her meticulous process, cultural connections, and the conversations sparked with her parents, she revealed her curiosity, patience, and the importance of her heritage. Admissions loved it because they could picture her at home and saw what values shaped her.
When you're brainstorming, start by thinking of moments that made you look at something differently. Ask yourself: When did I feel challenged or out of my comfort zone? Was there a time I chose to act (or not act), and what did I learn? Even moments that seemed small at the time can lead to meaningful essays.
If you're getting stuck, try jotting down a few unusual or funny facts about yourself—sometimes the quirky details lead to the most memorable stories. Remember, it's less about the story itself and more about your reflection and self-awareness throughout the essay. Be honest and specific about what you felt, thought, and learned. That authenticity is what colleges are hoping to find.
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Camille Luong
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Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
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5 years
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