How do you choose the right essay topic for college applications?

I’m a Yale graduate and college admissions advisor with over 8 years of experience helping students gain admission to top universities like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. I’ve helped thousands of students choose essay topics, and one of the most important things to know is that you don’t need a “big” achievement or dramatic hardship to write something powerful — in fact, many of the most memorable essays come from small, everyday moments that reveal something meaningful about who you are.

Colleges are looking for self-awareness, reflection, and genuine passion. The best topics give admissions officers a real sense of how you think, what matters to you, and how you approach the world. When brainstorming, focus on times when you grew, changed your perspective, or discovered something important about yourself. Look for specific incidents rather than broad life stories. For example, instead of “learning responsibility by babysitting,” you might write about one night that changed the way you view caregiving or the unique ritual you created with the child you watched.

Even small experiences can be powerful if you explore what they meant to you and how they shaped you. One applicant I worked with wrote about folding origami cranes with their grandmother as a way to connect across language barriers. Another wrote about making pancakes with their younger sibling every Saturday and how that tradition became a symbol of stability in their life.

If you’re worried a topic feels overused, find a fresh angle by making it deeply personal — focus on a detail, a turning point, or an unusual perspective only you could bring. Ask yourself: Why does this story matter to me? What does it reveal about the way I approach challenges, relationships, or learning?

It’s often helpful to jot down a list of “defining moments” — times you stepped out of your comfort zone, made a tough decision, or helped someone in a way that mattered to you. Once you have a few options, share them with someone who knows you well to see which ones feel most authentic and engaging.

Over the past 8 years, I’ve helped thousands of students craft essays and applications that stand out at the most selective schools, including the Ivy League and Stanford. To give each student the highest level of attention, I keep my caseload small — booking early guarantees a place. I’m currently offering free consultations for new Sundial families where we’ll review your goals, brainstorm essay ideas, and outline a clear application strategy. You can book directly through my profile.

I know this process can feel overwhelming at times, but you are fully capable of navigating it successfully. I’m always here to help guide you through it.