How do you choose a unique topic for your personal college essay?
It feels like everyone says your college essay needs to stand out, but I'm having a super hard time figuring out what that actually means! I keep stressing because nothing in my life feels epic or life-changing enough to write about. My friends all have these big stories—starting a charity, moving across the world, stuff like that—and then there's me with my regular high school existence.
Is it okay to write about something "small" if it actually meant a lot to me, or are the best essays always about huge moments? I want to be authentic but I don't want my application to get lost just because my story is simple. Would love to hear how other people decided on their own topics or if anyone has advice for getting unstuck!
Is it okay to write about something "small" if it actually meant a lot to me, or are the best essays always about huge moments? I want to be authentic but I don't want my application to get lost just because my story is simple. Would love to hear how other people decided on their own topics or if anyone has advice for getting unstuck!
4 months ago
•
19 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
You’re definitely not alone—lots of students feel like their stories aren’t "big" or dramatic enough to make a splash in a personal statement. The truth is, some of the most memorable and successful college essays come from everyday moments that reveal something real about the writer. Admissions officers read thousands of essays, and they’re not looking for the next blockbuster movie plot; they want to see who you are and what matters to you.
Instead of focusing on how epic your story is, try thinking about a specific experience, no matter how small, that changed the way you saw yourself, others, or the world. Maybe it’s a quiet moment: the ritual of making tea with your grandmother every evening, a thoughtful conversation with a younger sibling, or the challenge of building a bookshelf and finally getting it to stand—something simple that taught you patience and problem-solving. Those stories are unique, because they’re yours.
When brainstorming, pay attention to what your friends or relatives ask you about—sometimes those everyday quirks, interests, or routines could be the roots of a great essay. For instance, if you love doodling in class and it helps you process what you’re learning, you could write about how art shapes the way you think. Or maybe you’re the master of organizing your family reunions—what’s that taught you about leadership or bringing people together? Even the reasons you chose a certain hobby, or an unexpected situation you handled in a clever way, can be compelling.
A great example: One student wrote about being the go-to person for fixing things in their apartment building. That’s not dramatic, but the essay showed their problem-solving skills, their relationships with neighbors, and what it felt like to be a quiet, reliable helper. The details made it unique.
So yes—it’s absolutely okay (and sometimes even preferable!) to write about a small moment if it mattered to you. The key is focusing on what you learned or how it shaped you, not just what happened. Show your thought process, feelings, and growth. If you feel stuck, try listing out "firsts," "lasts," or moments you’ve never forgotten that made you think differently. Sometimes those are the gems.
Above all, be honest to yourself. Your voice and perspective are what make your essay unique—not the size of the story. Good luck! You’ve got this.
Instead of focusing on how epic your story is, try thinking about a specific experience, no matter how small, that changed the way you saw yourself, others, or the world. Maybe it’s a quiet moment: the ritual of making tea with your grandmother every evening, a thoughtful conversation with a younger sibling, or the challenge of building a bookshelf and finally getting it to stand—something simple that taught you patience and problem-solving. Those stories are unique, because they’re yours.
When brainstorming, pay attention to what your friends or relatives ask you about—sometimes those everyday quirks, interests, or routines could be the roots of a great essay. For instance, if you love doodling in class and it helps you process what you’re learning, you could write about how art shapes the way you think. Or maybe you’re the master of organizing your family reunions—what’s that taught you about leadership or bringing people together? Even the reasons you chose a certain hobby, or an unexpected situation you handled in a clever way, can be compelling.
A great example: One student wrote about being the go-to person for fixing things in their apartment building. That’s not dramatic, but the essay showed their problem-solving skills, their relationships with neighbors, and what it felt like to be a quiet, reliable helper. The details made it unique.
So yes—it’s absolutely okay (and sometimes even preferable!) to write about a small moment if it mattered to you. The key is focusing on what you learned or how it shaped you, not just what happened. Show your thought process, feelings, and growth. If you feel stuck, try listing out "firsts," "lasts," or moments you’ve never forgotten that made you think differently. Sometimes those are the gems.
Above all, be honest to yourself. Your voice and perspective are what make your essay unique—not the size of the story. Good luck! You’ve got this.
Related Questions
Students also ask…
Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating
5.0 (5 reviews)