What are some unique writing prompts for college essays?

If you're looking to make your application memorable, using a unique or unconventional writing prompt can definitely help you showcase your personality and creativity.

One strategy is to approach your story from a less traditional angle—even taking a seemingly mundane event and connecting it to a bigger, personal theme. Here are some novel prompts and ideas that have resulted in compelling essays:

1. Write about a time you changed your mind about something important. Maybe you realized your favorite subject wasn't for you after all, or you switched opinions on a social issue after a specific moment or conversation. Give details about what triggered the change and how it shaped your actions afterward.

2. Take an everyday object that you use regularly (e.g., your favorite mug, a bus pass, a pair of old headphones) and tell its story in relation to your own growth. For example, someone wrote about their running shoes—not the athletic achievements, but how they used them to explore new neighborhoods after moving to a new city.

3. Describe a family or cultural tradition that seems odd or unconventional to outsiders, but is meaningful to you. Use this as a window to explore identity, values, or relationships. For example, maybe your family has an annual spaghetti-eating competition or a unique way of celebrating a holiday.

4. If you could invent a new course at your high school, what would it be and why? Your answer shows intellectual curiosity and reflects what excites you academically or personally.

5. Write an open letter to your future self or a younger sibling, sharing advice based on lessons learned from a specific experience. Highlighting a single, pivotal moment (like apologizing to a friend or failing at something you cared about) adds authenticity and depth.

As for actual college prompts, one of the University of Chicago's past prompts asked, "What can actually be divided by zero?" Others invite you to write about a piece of art, song, or book that changed how you see the world.

The most memorable essays often originate from an authentic place, even if the topic isn't dramatic or flashy. Try zeroing in on a quirky habit, a small contradiction in your personality, or a random hobby. For example, an applicant wrote a winning essay about her obsession with puzzles and how it reflected her approach to overcoming challenges in life.

Whatever prompt you pick, make sure it gets at who you are beyond the transcript. Unique doesn’t mean gimmicky—it’s about letting your specific voice and story come through. Good luck with your brainstorming!