What are some unique ways to approach my college personal essay?

Great question—finding a distinctive angle for your personal essay can make a huge difference! You’re already ahead by wanting to avoid cliches and by being reflective about how to let your genuine personality shine. Here are some unique ways to approach your essay, especially considering your interests in theater, art, and baking:

First, zoom in on a specific moment rather than trying to summarize your entire passion or journey. For example, instead of writing broadly about your love for theater, focus on a quirky, unexpected backstage incident—maybe the time you improvised on-stage when a prop broke and what that taught you about quick thinking and adaptability. This kind of narrow lens adds authenticity and reveals your character in a real-life, relatable scenario.

Combine two or more interests in surprising ways. If you love art and baking, maybe you can talk about designing a showstopper cake for a cast party, which became a blend of performance, visual design, and culinary creativity. Describe the process, the unexpected challenges (soggy fondant, last-minute script changes, etc.), and what it revealed about how you handle pressure or bring joy to others in creative environments.

Experiment with your essay’s structure. Instead of a linear story, what if your essay is framed as a play script, a recipe, or a series of journal entries from the days leading up to opening night? For example: “Recipe for a Perfect Opening Night: Take two parts nerves, one part missing costume, three cups of spontaneous laughter…” This format spotlights your creativity and connects to your personal interests authentically.

It’s also perfectly okay to focus on a smaller, more personal moment. Maybe there was a turning point the first time you painted scenery for a school production and realized you could contribute something valuable even off-stage. What internal dialogue went through your mind? How did that moment shape your perspective about teamwork or self-expression?

One student wrote a powerful essay about the scent of fresh bread in their childhood kitchen, connecting the art of baking to memories with family and lessons about patience. The focus on sensory details made the essay stand out—it didn’t matter that it wasn’t the most dramatic story, it was memorable because it was so personal and specific.

Ultimately, being "yourself" means zooming in on details and emotions unique to your experience, even if the general topic isn’t rare. Admissions officers appreciate essays that feel genuine and show you’ve reflected deeply. If your approach feels honest and highlights how you see the world—especially if it captures your sense of humor or unique way of thinking—you’re on the right track!

If you want to brainstorm more specifically, feel free to share a one-sentence summary of an experience you’re considering. Sometimes talking it through helps land on that creative spark!