How do you decide what to write about for your college essay?
Every time I sit down to draft my college essay, I feel overwhelmed about what I should actually write. I’ve done okay in high school and have some extracurriculars, but nothing feels special enough. I keep seeing advice online about being unique or telling a compelling story, but I honestly don’t know what would count.
For people who have started or finished theirs, did you stick with something super meaningful or did you just pick a moment that stood out? Is it worth writing about an activity if it isn’t that impressive, or should I focus more on my personality or values? It feels like whatever I pick will tell the colleges who I am, so I’m worried about choosing wrong.
Would love to hear how others picked their topic or any tips for brainstorming when you’re feeling stuck.
For people who have started or finished theirs, did you stick with something super meaningful or did you just pick a moment that stood out? Is it worth writing about an activity if it isn’t that impressive, or should I focus more on my personality or values? It feels like whatever I pick will tell the colleges who I am, so I’m worried about choosing wrong.
Would love to hear how others picked their topic or any tips for brainstorming when you’re feeling stuck.
6 months ago
•
56 views
Anne George
• 6 months ago
Advisor
Feeling overwhelmed by the college essay topic is incredibly common, so you’re definitely not alone. The truth is, most people don’t have some epic, dramatic life story or single moment that made everything clear. Admissions officers aren’t looking for the next Pulitzer winner—they just want to get a sense of who you are beyond grades and test scores.
When deciding on your topic, the first step is to shift your focus from "impressing" to "revealing." You don't need to have cured a disease or won a national championship. What matters most is showing how you think, what you care about, and what makes you tick. A small, everyday moment can often be much more powerful if it gives insight into your character.
For example, a student once wrote about making pancakes every Sunday with their younger sibling. It seemed basic, but through that routine, the student showed how they became a mentor, learned patience, and discovered what family means to them. It was memorable not because of the activity but because of the personal reflection and growth it revealed.
If you’re stuck brainstorming, try these strategies:
- Make a list of moments (big or small) that have stuck with you. Think about why they linger—did they challenge you, make you laugh, lead you to see the world differently?
- Ask close friends or family what qualities they admire in you, or when they’ve seen you at your best or most passionate. Sometimes others can see what’s unique about you before you do.
- Freewrite for 10-15 minutes about the things you care most deeply about. You might find a theme or anecdote emerges that you hadn’t considered.
It’s completely okay to write about an activity that isn’t traditionally “impressive” on paper. If it matters to you and you can connect it back to who you are or what you value, it can make a fantastic essay. For instance, if stage crew for the school play taught you problem-solving under pressure, or volunteering at the library gave you joy in helping others, those are great angles.
Ultimately, there’s no single right topic. The essay should feel authentic to you—like something only you could have written. That’s what makes it compelling, not how flashy or unusual the story seems.
Try not to overthink picking the “perfect” moment. Focus on being real and reflective, and the topic will come together from there.
When deciding on your topic, the first step is to shift your focus from "impressing" to "revealing." You don't need to have cured a disease or won a national championship. What matters most is showing how you think, what you care about, and what makes you tick. A small, everyday moment can often be much more powerful if it gives insight into your character.
For example, a student once wrote about making pancakes every Sunday with their younger sibling. It seemed basic, but through that routine, the student showed how they became a mentor, learned patience, and discovered what family means to them. It was memorable not because of the activity but because of the personal reflection and growth it revealed.
If you’re stuck brainstorming, try these strategies:
- Make a list of moments (big or small) that have stuck with you. Think about why they linger—did they challenge you, make you laugh, lead you to see the world differently?
- Ask close friends or family what qualities they admire in you, or when they’ve seen you at your best or most passionate. Sometimes others can see what’s unique about you before you do.
- Freewrite for 10-15 minutes about the things you care most deeply about. You might find a theme or anecdote emerges that you hadn’t considered.
It’s completely okay to write about an activity that isn’t traditionally “impressive” on paper. If it matters to you and you can connect it back to who you are or what you value, it can make a fantastic essay. For instance, if stage crew for the school play taught you problem-solving under pressure, or volunteering at the library gave you joy in helping others, those are great angles.
Ultimately, there’s no single right topic. The essay should feel authentic to you—like something only you could have written. That’s what makes it compelling, not how flashy or unusual the story seems.
Try not to overthink picking the “perfect” moment. Focus on being real and reflective, and the topic will come together from there.
Related Questions
Students also ask…
Anne George
New Haven, CT
Dartmouth College (B.A. in Neuroscience and Anthropology), Yale University (Ph.D. in Neuroscience)
Experience
5 years
Rating
5.0 (11 reviews)