Is writing a college essay about hating the letter 'S' a good or bad idea?

This is actually a really intriguing idea, and with the right approach, it could absolutely stand out—in a good way! Admissions officers read thousands of essays about common experiences, so something as quirky as an aversion to the letter 'S' will definitely catch their eye, as long as you use it to reveal something deeper about yourself.

What matters most is how you use this topic to communicate a bigger story about your growth, personality, or perspective. Rather than just describing your dislike for 'S,' try to anchor the essay in a memorable moment that illustrates why it matters. For example, is there a particular situation where this aversion challenged you (maybe a spelling bee, oral presentation, or even ordering at a restaurant)? How did you react, and what did you learn from the experience? Did it change how you approached other uncomfortable things in your life?

It’s great that you mentioned speech therapy—tying your essay back to that experience can show resilience and self-awareness. Maybe you can reflect on how overcoming a childhood embarrassment helped you find your voice, both literally and figuratively. Or you might use the letter 'S' as a metaphor for the imperfections we all have—the quirks that make us unique, sometimes uncomfortable, but ultimately more interesting.

Here's an example approach: you could open your essay with a funny, vivid scene where you’re struggling with a tongue-twisting word and your friends are teasing you in a light-hearted way. Then zoom out to discuss what you’ve learned about yourself thanks to this small but persistent challenge. Bonus points if you can connect it to a larger theme in your life—maybe your passion for communication, your sense of humor, or your willingness to embrace your own oddities.

As long as you avoid making the essay seem gimmicky (for example, don’t deliberately exclude all 'S's' from your writing), and instead focus on authenticity and self-reflection, this topic has a lot of potential. Colleges appreciate essays that reveal genuine personality and insight.

In short: your idea is only risky if it stays superficial. But if you use it as a springboard for a compelling, personal story, it can be a memorable and effective essay!