What are some good ways to brainstorm college essay topics?

Feeling stuck at the start of the college essay brainstorming process is totally normal! A lot of students believe they need some huge, movie-worthy story, but in reality, colleges value authenticity, reflection, and your unique perspective.

Here are some brainstorming techniques and prompts that can help you dig up meaningful ideas:

1. The "Defining Moments" List: Write down 10 moments, big or small, that have stuck with you. It could be the first time you cooked a family recipe, a summer job gone wrong, a tough conversation, or even a weird tradition in your house. Sometimes a small, specific memory can say more about who you are than a big event.

2. The "Values Exercise": Start with a blank sheet and jot down things that are important to you—trust, humor, curiosity, independence, family, etc. For each value, write a brief story or example when you lived it. For example, if you value curiosity, maybe you went down a rabbit hole learning about old trains after seeing one in a movie. That tiny curiosity could be the thread for an essay.

3. Object Prompt: Pick three objects in your room or house. For each, write a memory or story connected to it. Objects sometimes hold emotional weight and can trigger stories—like your grandfather's pocketknife, an old concert ticket, or a battered copy of your favorite book.

4. Ask Others: Sometimes our best stories feel too ordinary to us. Ask a friend, teacher, or family member what they see as something unique or memorable about you. They might point out things you take for granted.

5. The "Change Timeline": Map out times in your life when your perspective shifted, even just a little. It doesn't have to be dramatic. Maybe volunteering one afternoon changed your ideas about leadership, or reading a poem made you rethink your definition of success.

For example, one student thought her life was boring until she realized that tutoring her little brother every evening—originally just a chore—taught her about patience, creativity, and the challenges of teaching, which led to a great essay about learning to communicate.

Remember that the best essays frequently come from everyday moments and authentic self-reflection. You don’t need a dramatic story; you need a story that’s true to you.

Finally, give yourself permission to write messy first drafts. Sometimes you have to write your way into an idea before you see its value. Good luck, and don't be afraid to focus on the small moments—they're often the most powerful!