How do I choose the best topic for my college essay?
I've been brainstorming ideas for my Common App essay, but honestly, I'm really stuck. Everyone says to "be yourself," but that's kind of vague since I have so many different interests and experiences. For example, I've considered writing about my summer working at a local bakery and what that taught me, but I don't know if that's "unique" enough.
Is it better to write about a big event or accomplishment, or will colleges appreciate something more subtle and everyday as long as it shows who I am? I just want to make sure my essay stands out without trying too hard.
Is it better to write about a big event or accomplishment, or will colleges appreciate something more subtle and everyday as long as it shows who I am? I just want to make sure my essay stands out without trying too hard.
4 months ago
•
15 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Choosing the best college essay topic can definitely feel overwhelming, especially with so much advice stressing how important it is to stand out. The truth is, there's no single 'best' type of topic—what matters most is how deeply you explore whatever you choose and what it reveals about you beyond your resume.
Think of your essay as a chance for admissions officers to meet the real you—not just see your test scores or activity list. Whether you write about something big, like winning a science fair, or something more everyday, like your bakery job, it’s less about the event and more about your insight, growth, and personality.
For example, writing about working at the bakery could absolutely make a great topic. It doesn’t have to be "epic" to be powerful. Instead of simply describing what you did at work, focus on a specific moment or challenge that taught you something meaningful. Maybe there was a day when a huge order almost went wrong, and you had to think on your feet or collaborate with coworkers in a new way. Maybe dealing with early morning shifts changed how you see responsibility or showed you the importance of patience.
Colleges are looking for authenticity and reflection. If you’re enthusiastic about bread-baking or customer interactions, let that shine through. Show what the experience meant to you—what you learned, how you changed, and how it influences your goals or perspective today.
Some practical tips:
- Go for depth over breadth: It’s more interesting to zoom in on a single moment and how it affected you than to list multiple experiences.
- Add personal details: Use vivid anecdotes that only you could tell—maybe that quirky regular customer or the chaos of a holiday rush.
- Reflect: Connect your story to who you are now and what you hope to do in college or beyond.
Ultimately, your best topic is one you feel excited to write, where you can be honest and specific. A bakery job, a quiet family moment, or even a failure can be incredibly memorable—if you make it personal and insightful. Good luck, and don’t be afraid to embrace the details of your own story!
Think of your essay as a chance for admissions officers to meet the real you—not just see your test scores or activity list. Whether you write about something big, like winning a science fair, or something more everyday, like your bakery job, it’s less about the event and more about your insight, growth, and personality.
For example, writing about working at the bakery could absolutely make a great topic. It doesn’t have to be "epic" to be powerful. Instead of simply describing what you did at work, focus on a specific moment or challenge that taught you something meaningful. Maybe there was a day when a huge order almost went wrong, and you had to think on your feet or collaborate with coworkers in a new way. Maybe dealing with early morning shifts changed how you see responsibility or showed you the importance of patience.
Colleges are looking for authenticity and reflection. If you’re enthusiastic about bread-baking or customer interactions, let that shine through. Show what the experience meant to you—what you learned, how you changed, and how it influences your goals or perspective today.
Some practical tips:
- Go for depth over breadth: It’s more interesting to zoom in on a single moment and how it affected you than to list multiple experiences.
- Add personal details: Use vivid anecdotes that only you could tell—maybe that quirky regular customer or the chaos of a holiday rush.
- Reflect: Connect your story to who you are now and what you hope to do in college or beyond.
Ultimately, your best topic is one you feel excited to write, where you can be honest and specific. A bakery job, a quiet family moment, or even a failure can be incredibly memorable—if you make it personal and insightful. Good luck, and don’t be afraid to embrace the details of your own story!
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
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5 years
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