What are some good college essay topics that stand out?

Absolutely—choosing a college essay topic can be really daunting, especially when you feel like your life isn’t all that extraordinary. The good news is, some of the most memorable essays come from everyday moments or unique perspectives on ordinary experiences, rather than huge achievements or dramatic events.

One key approach is to zoom in on a single, specific moment or interest that reveals something personal and important about you. Sometimes, the more particular you get, the more memorable your essay becomes. For example, one student wrote about the ritual of brewing tea with their grandmother, using the process as a lens to explore their family’s traditions and their own journey with patience and observation. Another memorable essay focused on the student’s habit of collecting lost grocery lists, leading to reflections about curiosity, empathy, and imagining the stories of strangers. It’s not about the grocery lists—it’s about what those lists meant and revealed.

Anything can work as a standout topic if it gives insight into your thinking, growth, or values. Consider a time you faced a small but meaningful conflict, like disagreeing with a friend over a group project, or learning a life lesson from an unexpected place (maybe a part-time job, a failed recipe, or an awkward conversation). The way you interpret and grow from these moments is what admissions readers want to see.

Here are a few more examples:
- Someone wrote about their habit of doodling in the margins of their textbooks, and how it mirrored the way they navigate structured environments as a creative thinker.
- Another essay delved into how the student uses silence when communicating in two different languages with family members, reflecting on the nuances of culture and connection.
- One applicant described volunteering at a local voting booth—not just the experience itself, but the small interactions with various community members and what those glimpses into different lives meant for their understanding of civic engagement.

To brainstorm your own topic, try this exercise: pick one small moment, habit, or object that’s personal to you (like a favorite snack, a park bench, or a playlist). Ask yourself why it’s meaningful, and what it says about who you are or what you value. Sometimes, starting small is what unlocks the most authentic and interesting stories.

Even if your life feels "ordinary," your individual perspective, sense of humor, or way of noticing the world can make your essay stand out. Trust that there’s something unique in your day-to-day life that’s worth sharing. Good luck brainstorming!