How do you start brainstorming for college app essays?

Brainstorming for college application essays can absolutely feel overwhelming—especially with that pressure to share a 'unique' story. The truth is, you don't need something dramatic or mind-blowing for your essay to stand out.

A great way to get unstuck is to start small. Instead of looking for the most impressive thing you've ever done, think about everyday moments that mattered to you in some way. Try freewriting about a typical week: what are the routines, responsibilities, or little interactions that make you...you?

Another helpful exercise is the 'values list.' Write down 10 things you care deeply about, from loyalty to curiosity to humor. Then, for each, jot down a time you demonstrated that value, even in a small way. For example, if you value creativity, maybe you designed funny graphics for your school's club flyers or made a birthday video for a friend. Sometimes, stories others might skip over are actually the most revealing and genuine.

Memorable essays often come from a small moment that leads into a bigger reflection. For instance, instead of writing about a huge science fair win, someone could start with the quirky habit of sketching plant diagrams in the margins of their notes—then use it to talk about their passion for biology.

Some other exercises to try:
- The 21 Questions: Have a family member or friend ask random, offbeat questions (What’s the first thing you do every morning? What’s your go-to comfort snack?). You might uncover stories you take for granted.
- Timeline: Create a timeline of your life and mark moments that made you feel happy, challenged, proud, or confused. Even something like the moment you got lost at a concert or learned to cook a family recipe can spark a great essay theme.

Finally, remember: admissions officers want to know who you are, not just what you’ve done. Sometimes, seemingly “boring” experiences can reveal the most about your personality, values, or growth.

Give yourself permission to write badly at first—editing can come later. The goal is just to get ideas on the page. With practice, the right story will begin to surface!