How do you decide which essay topic to choose for your college applications?

You're definitely not alone—so many students feel stuck at this stage and worry their experiences aren't "big" or "unique" enough. The good news is, the topic doesn't have to be earth-shattering; what's most important is how you tell your story and what it reveals about you.

Here’s a helpful way to decide: focus on the moments or stories that genuinely feel personal and show something about your character, interests, or perspective. Ask yourself:

- Which idea lets me highlight qualities or growth the college wouldn't see from my grades/activities alone?
- If a stranger read this, would they get a clear sense of who I am or what I care about?

For example, moving around a lot is a common topic, but if there was a specific move that changed how you relate to others or shaped your resilience, telling that particular story could be powerful. With cooking with your grandma, rather than a general memory, maybe there was a day you failed at a recipe and she taught you something about patience or tradition. Your library job could be about a small but meaningful interaction that shifted how you see your community or yourself.

A lot of students find it helpful to start writing a rough draft for 1–2 of their top ideas—sometimes, the process of putting words on paper makes it clear which topic flows naturally or brings out your authentic voice. After that, it can help to share your drafts with a friend, family member, or counselor. Often, others can spot what’s unique or authentic in your writing even when you feel unsure.

When deciding, go for the topic that:
1. Feels true to you—you'd enjoy talking about it in conversation, not just writing about it for an application.
2. Lets you show rather than tell. Specific anecdotes are much more memorable than general statements.

Example: One student wrote about picking vegetables in her grandmother's garden—something small, but she connected it to her curiosity about nature and chemistry, which led to her interest in science. It stood out because it was specific and felt genuine.

Lastly, try not to compare your process to others! Many people don’t find their topic right away. You’re already off to a strong start by reflecting early. Allow yourself the space to experiment and draft, and trust that your voice can shine through, even in the ordinary.

If you want, jot down a few mini-stories from each topic and see which one makes you excited to keep writing. Sometimes, the best essay comes from an unexpected moment rather than the idea you thought would stand out the most.