What are some unique topics I could write my college essay about?

Absolutely—your instinct to avoid overused topics like sports injuries or moving stories is spot-on. A standout college essay often doesn’t require huge, dramatic life events; a unique angle or a window into your authentic self can be just as memorable.

One effective approach is to focus on a singular, specific moment or passion that reveals who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Quirky hobbies and personal stories are a goldmine for this! For example, maybe you’re obsessed with urban birdwatching and have meticulously documented pigeon varieties in your city. You could write about how this hobby changed how you see overlooked details in everyday life and led you to connect with strangers in parks.

Other surprising yet effective topics include:
- An artifact that represents you. For instance, an old family recipe, a childhood toy, or your sketchbook. You can describe your relationship with that object and the personal journey it represents.
- Navigating an unusual family routine—say, a weekly karaoke night or a tradition that embarrasses you, but ultimately became grounding.
- A micro-moment that challenged your thinking, such as failing a driver’s test and what it revealed about your resilience or sense of humor.
- An unconventional passion: Maybe you collect bottle caps, built a community around niche online trivia, or have a tradition of writing letters to your future self.
- An unexpected act of advocacy: Like creating a guide to accessible study spaces at your school after struggling to find your own, or getting your favorite local store to stop using so much plastic.

The key is to pick a topic that only you could write. Ask yourself: What story would surprise even someone who knows me well? Another trick: think about what you would share at a dinner party to get everyone laughing or intrigued.

When brainstorming, jot down your quirks, routines, and the little things that shape your day. Unique doesn’t have to be flashy—sometimes it’s about letting your personality and voice shine in the small stories you share. Good luck, and let yourself have fun with it!