How to Find Powerful College Essay Topics (with examples!)
College essays play a pivotal role in the admissions process. They offer a unique opportunity to showcase your personality, what you’re passionate about and the ways that you’ve already contributed to your respective communities. They also give college admissions readers a sense of how you’ll contribute to their community as a student and person.
If you’re one of the millions of students wondering what constitutes a powerful college essay, fear not. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s a good thing! Embrace this flexibility, as it will allow you to showcase your most genuine self.
Wondering where to begin? Read on for our tips on identifying a strong college essay topic!
Dos and Don'ts for Choosing a College Essay Topic:
When selecting a topic, consider these dos and don'ts:
Do: Write about what's interesting, important, and unique to you. Let your passion shine through!
Don't: Choose a topic based on assumptions about what admissions officers want. Remember, there’s no one “right” topic!
Do: Select a topic that provides insight into your character and future success. Focus on what you’ve done and how you’ve already made a difference.
Don't: Write about offensive or controversial subjects that might cast you in a negative light. Keep in mind that admissions readers are real people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Brainstorming Ideas:
Effective college essays reveal your authentic character through your lived experiences. These experiences don’t need to epic in scale or focused on some incredible accomplishment. In fact, simple, everyday aspects of your real life can actually be much more effective.
To start, ask yourself:
Who are you? What are the primary qualities of your character? What makes you unique?
What do you care about? What are your passions, hobbies, and interests?
Jot down specific, high-level ideas in response to these questions. Then, consider real-life experiences that showcase who you are and what you care about.
Sample Essay Topics:
At its core, your essay should show readers who you are as a person, and there are many different ways to do this!
Here are a few topic ideas to get you started:
A travel, volunteer, or leadership experience: Dig deeper than surface-level insights. Share specific lessons learned about yourself. For example, “My trip to rural Belize.” Go deeper than “it was fun to learn about different cultures.” What specifically did you learn about yourself?
A daily ritual or routine: Explore the significance of daily habits. For example, "Riding the M11 bus." What do your daily rituals mean to you, and what can they tell readers about you as a person?
An object or activity of significance: Unveil the importance of specific objects or activities. For example, "What mole poblano means to me?” How do these prized objects or favorite activities reflect what you care about?
An important person in your life: Discuss the different influences in your life. For example, "My grandpa and his newspaper.” How has this person shaped you? Hint: it doesn’t have to be someone you know personally!
Crafting a standout college essay is about showcasing who you are. Embrace the opportunity to share your story authentically, providing a glimpse into your character and future success.
For personalized guidance on crafting a compelling college essay, connect with our experienced coaching team. Your journey to success begins with telling your unique story!