What are some interesting college essay prompt ideas for someone struggling to get started?

It’s totally normal to feel stuck at first—most people don’t have a lightning bolt moment right away when writing their college essays. Sometimes taking a look at interesting prompts (even ones not on the Common App) can help spark some ideas!

Here are a few creative prompt examples, plus brainstorming angles that might help you find something unexpected in your own experiences:

1. "Describe a time when you changed your mind about something important." This could be anything from a shift in a political opinion, to realizing you misjudged someone, or even something as small as learning to love a hated food. For example, someone wrote about how learning to dance bachata made them appreciate their family's culture more deeply, even though they initially resisted attending lessons.

2. "Tell us about a seemingly insignificant moment that changed you." Maybe you overheard a conversation on a bus, or helped someone pick up dropped groceries, or found an old photo that made you see your family differently. Moments that seem tiny are often relatable and memorable.

3. "Invent a course at your school—what would it be and why?" This is a fun one that lets you show your interests and creativity. For example, a student who loved memes and history wrote about a course called 'The History of Internet Humor' and talked about internet culture as a window into society.

4. "Write about a time you felt truly out of place." It doesn't have to be a major move or culture shock—a moment at a new club, the first day at a summer program, or even walking into a room where you don't speak the language could all work. One applicant described being the only trumpet player in a jazz ensemble dominated by saxophones, and what that taught him about standing out and blending in.

5. "What do you collect, and why?" Collections don’t have to be things—you could collect jokes, stories, favorite plants, or even weird facts. A student once wrote about collecting recipes from family members who live on different continents, exploring connection and identity through food.

You don’t need a "super unique" or dramatic event to write a great essay. Sometimes the way you reflect on everyday experiences or interests—like your obsession with organizing playlists, your ritual of Sunday pancakes, or your journey to master a single challenging origami fold—can speak volumes about who you are.

Try to jot down a few small moments, personal quirks, or interests that feel significant to you, then pick one and start free-writing. Don’t stress about making it sound perfect right away; just get words on the page. Sometimes your story reveals itself as you go!

If any of these prompts make you think of something specific from your life—even if it feels small—follow that spark. Often those are the essays that become the most personal and memorable.