What are some unique or interesting ideas for college application essays?

Feeling overwhelmed during topic brainstorming is totally normal, but it’s great that you’re thinking critically about what will make your essay stand out! You’re right—many essays focus on overcoming obstacles or family traditions, so finding a fresh perspective or story can definitely catch an admissions reader’s eye. The key is less about finding an unheard-of topic, and more about how you approach it and what it reveals about you.

Even if you’re involved in popular activities like robotics or volunteering, you can frame your experience in a unique way. Dig down to a very small moment or an unexpected detail. For example, instead of a broad tale about robotics competitions, you could zoom in on a moment of failure—like the time you accidentally programmed a robot to do the exact opposite of what you intended, and the funny, chaotic aftermath. Maybe that sparked a realization about problem-solving under pressure or how you handle embarrassment.

Mundane moments can work wonderfully! Are there tiny rituals that mean a lot to you, like always feeding the most skittish shelter cat, or the conversation you had with a teammate while waiting for parts to arrive? Even writing about helping your younger sibling fix a broken toy or your daily bus ride can work if it leads to deeper reflection, insight, or humor.

Funny essays are rare and memorable when done right. You might write about your attempts to teach an older pet a new trick at the shelter, only to realize you learned more about persistence and humility than the animal did about sitting or rolling over. Self-deprecating humor can be effective, especially if you balance it with sincere self-awareness.

Here’s a popular brainstorming exercise: make a list of objects in your room or workspace, and pick one to tell a story about. For instance, maybe there’s a soldering iron from robotics that represents where your interests and mistakes literally left their mark (scars count as stories!).

Remember: admissions officers care more about getting a sense of who you are than about what you’ve accomplished. Whether your story is serious, funny, or quiet and thoughtful, as long as it’s specific and personal, it will stand out. So dive into those quirky details, and don’t be afraid to show your true self—even if it’s through a story that seems mundane at first glance.