a great college essay topic is meaningful and engaging. it tells a story only you can tell, in a way that only you can tell it. it reveals something important about who you are, how you think, or what you believe in and value. but what about a not-so-great college essay topic? are there any college essay topics to avoid entirely?

the short answer is: yes. for example, you don’t want to write anything that casts you in a negative light, risks upsetting the person reading your essay, or touches on a cliché and overused topic. keep reading to learn more about the seven topics you should never write about in your college essay.

top 7 college essay topics to avoid

1. illegal/inappropriate behavior

in very rare cases, it might be appropriate to tell a story that shows how much you’ve changed and grown as a person. for the most part, however, it’s better to avoid discussing any illegal, immoral, or inappropriate behavior in your essay. and when in doubt, it’s best to leave it out.

so, don’t write about underage drinking, drugs, trespassing, stealing, risky behaviors with your friends, or any major personality flaws. don’t glorify violence or write about experiences that might make your reader uncomfortable. similarly, avoid profanity and graphic language.

you don’t know who’s reading your essay or how they might feel about these topics. there’s a good chance they might question your character, along with the wisdom of offering you a place on campus.

2. overused ideas

when applicants write about cliché or overdone topics, it’s hard to offer anything new to your reader. and when you don’t offer anything new, admissions officers don’t get a chance to learn more about you. it also means that your essay won’t be particularly memorable.

here are common topics that you should avoid:

• highlights of a sports career
• a sports injury
• family history in a career field
• performing well in a challenging class
• overcoming divorce or the death of a pet
• starting your essay with a famous quote
• moving to a different part of the country
• volunteering
• volunteer trips/traveling (especially how you realized everything you have to be grateful for)
• religious background
• romantic relationships
• using a common object as a metaphor for you or your life

that’s not to say that none of these topics can be done well. you might be able to find a really creative approach to some of the topics listed here. for instance, the experience of divorced parents is common, but maybe you dealt with it in a unique way. to stay on the safe side, it’s still better to explore a different idea that will seem fresh to admissions officers and give deeper insight into your personality and individuality.

3. hot-button issues

controversial topics like politics, religion, and other hotly debated subjects and current events are not ideal for your college essay. for example, don’t get into your views on abortion, guns, immigration, police officers and the justice system, or the current president.

if you’re deeply passionate about or personally affected by some of these topics, it makes sense that you might feel compelled to write about them—but it’s still safer not to.

again, you don’t know who is reading your essay or where they stand on these hot-button issues. you simply don’t want to risk offending or alienating the person who decides whether you get into the college of your choice.

here’s a helpful rule of thumb: if posting about it on social media would start an argument, don’t write about it in your college essay.

4. list of accomplishments

the person reading your essay has already seen your gpa, test scores, and your resume of activities and achievements. your essay is your chance to reveal something new about who you are as a person. so, don’t rehash a list of your accomplishments or bore the admissions officer with something they already know about you.

plus, admissions officers don’t want to read an essay full of bragging and overconfidence. it’s better to focus on an obstacle, a moment of doubt, or a mistake that you learned from. stories of overcoming and growth tell a lot more about you than a story in which you’re the flawless hero.

remember, too, that most applicants have a similar list of accomplishments. they have also scored winning goals, starred in plays, aced the hard class, and volunteered to tutor younger kids or serve meals at a soup kitchen. this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be proud of your accomplishments, but it means that your accomplishments do not make you who you are. and who you are is what admissions officers want to learn about in your essay.

5. anything untrue/inauthentic

since admissions officers want to get to know you, the last thing you should do in a college essay is lie or try too hard to impress. your real, authentic voice should shine through. you should be honest, vulnerable, and memorable.

you might think your reader won’t notice if you lie, but it’s often more obvious than you might expect. and they will definitely pick up on it if you try too hard to use impressive vocabulary words or say what you think they’d like to hear. after all, you’ll end up sounding like a lot of other applicants, and your essay will be stiff and dull instead of interesting and authentic.

if you feel like you don’t have anything exciting to write about, don’t worry. some of the best and most memorable college essays are about small moments that held significance to the writer—like essays about fly fishing, a family’s dining room table, or a student’s commute to and from school each day. write about something true that matters to you, in your own voice. it’s really that simple!

6. over-the-top humor

if being humorous is naturally part of your personality, it’s fine to include a well-placed joke or two in your essay. but natural is the key here. don’t try to force humor, and don’t make humor the main theme of your college essay.

often, humor doesn’t come across well in writing, especially to a reader who doesn’t know you. admissions officers might find your “funny” essay forced and unamusing. satire and sarcasm are also best avoided.

7. topics that don’t focus on you

finally, your essay is supposed to give deeper insight into you—your personality, your beliefs and values, and what has shaped you into the person you are today. it’s ok to briefly talk about other people or places in the context of how they have influenced you, but try not to overly focus on:

• your hero
• a relative who has inspired or influenced you
• a famous book, painting, or quote that you love
• an issue or current event and how you would fix it
• the work, performance, or life of another person

since you are the topic of your college essay, writing too much about the subjects above feels off topic and irrelevant. again, you can briefly touch on these subjects, but quickly segue into what you have learned or how you have been impacted as a result. it’s your college essay, and you’re the star of the show!

bonus: a few other college essay topics to avoid

here are a few other miscellaneous topics and errors to avoid as you begin writing:

• poetry: like humor, it often falls flat.
• going too out-of-the box: writing something super creative and experimental, or a meta essay along the lines of “you’re reading my essay right now,” is risky.
• whining or making excuses: if you write about a challenge, focus on how you overcame it and what you learned as a result. avoid sounding whiny or making excuses. you also don’t want to sound pessimistic or cynical.
• insulting anyone (e.g., a teacher you didn’t like, a peer who wasn’t your favorite)
• talking down to the reader
• spelling the college’s name wrong (or using the wrong college’s name)
• saying anything negative about the college
• vague, generic details
• lack of personality
• using too many “fancy” words that don’t sound like you
• using repetitive words and phrases

this probably isn’t an exhaustive list, but use common sense as you brainstorm your essay topic, write, and proofread your essay. put yourself in the shoes of a tired college admissions officer who has read hundreds of essays, maybe even thousands. what would you want to read? what would you not want to read?

remember that you don’t know a lot about this person—their opinions, their values, their beliefs—so don’t risk upsetting them. after all, they have a major say in whether you get into this college. once again: when in doubt, leave it out!

final thoughts on college essay topics to avoid

when it comes to choosing a topic for your college essay, the possibilities are almost endless. but there are a few guidelines you should follow if you don’t want to upset, offend, or bore the reader of your essay:

1. don’t write about anything illegal, potentially inappropriate, or overly controversial.
2. humor is fine, especially if that’s a big part of your personality, but don’t be over the top.
3. try not to write the same essay that your admissions officer has already read hundreds of times.
4. don’t rehash information that appears elsewhere in your application.
5. make sure that you are the focus of your essay, and be honest and authentic.

avoid these topics in your college essay, and you’ll be well on your way to writing something that admissions officers will love! looking for more tips on how to write a great college admissions essay? check out our previous guide on how to stick to the word count on college essays!

the post 7 college essay topics to avoid writing about appeared first on magoosh blog | high school.

you have a lot to think about when writing your college essay: brainstorming a topic, writing it well, and proofreading and editing it until it represents your best work. and of course, you can’t forget about sticking to the word count.

keeping your essay short can be challenging. it’s supposed to showcase your best self, set you apart from other candidates, and give some extra insight into your individuality and personality. and you have to accomplish all of this in a limited amount of space?

don’t worry—sticking to the word count while writing an excellent college essay is certainly possible. we’ll show you how!

what is the word count for college essays?

first, you might be wondering: what is the word count for college essays? the answer varies, but let’s take a look at some general guidelines.

most college applicants will end up writing the common app essay. currently, the common app asks you to write an essay ranging from 250-650 words. 650 words is just over one page of single-spaced type. when you fill out the application online, it won’t allow you to submit an essay with less than 250 or more than 650 words. so, sticking to the word count is not optional.

if you don’t write the common app essay, or if you write additional essays, note that most college essays set word limits around 500-750 words. in the rare case that no word limit is specified, most experts recommend staying under 800 words.

remember that the person reading your essay has read a lot of other essays, so be kind. say what you need to say as concisely as possible. here’s how:

tips to stick to the word count on college essays

1. “zoom in” on your topic

the best college essays focus on a specific topic. for instance, you might write about a single moment or event that profoundly impacted you, or a small but meaningful aspect of your life.

when you get specific, you’re able to provide details that are unique to you and your experiences, crafting an essay that no one else could write. plus, you narrow the scope of your essay, which helps you stay within the word count.

think about it like “zooming in” with a camera. maybe you have a broad idea to start with, like family. but you can’t pack all of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences about family into 650 words. if you tried to, your essay would probably feel scattered and unorganized. it wouldn’t give a close, personal look at you or your life.

that means you need to zoom in some more. let’s take a closer look. maybe there’s a specific aspect of your family you want to highlight, like the way your family has taught you to speak your mind and stand for your beliefs. this is good, but it’s still pretty broad.

let’s zoom in again. get more specific. how has your family taught you to speak your mind? is there a particular memory that stands out? now, you decide to write about the spirited debates your family loves to have around the dinner table—and how those debates have shaped you as a person.

now, that’s a topic you might be able to thoroughly cover in 650 words. and it’s going to be a lot more reflective, meaningful, and personal than a generic essay about “family.”

2. outline first, then write

once you’ve narrowed the scope of your essay, you’re almost ready to write. one of the most powerful strategies to help you stick to the word count is to create a plan or outline. map out your essay before you start writing. if you have a plan, you’re less likely to ramble, go off on tangents, and ultimately waste words.

think about the main purpose of your essay. what do you want the reader (college admissions officers) to know about you when they’re finished? what’s the point you’re trying to make?

as you plan or outline your essay, create a narrative:

• what is the beginning, middle, and end of the story you’re telling?
• what is your character arc?
• who were you at the beginning? how were you challenged, influenced, or inspired? what did you learn or how did you grow as a result? who are you now?

focus on including information that accomplishes your main purposes and moves your narrative along. if it’s unrelated to any of your key points, you can probably cut it. and if it’s information that’s found somewhere else in your application, you don’t need to include it in your plan.

having a clear, concise, and focused plan for your essay will help you convey your message without exceeding the word limit.

3. keep the introduction short

the most important part of your essay is the body. that means your introduction doesn’t need to be extremely long. save your words for the “meat” of the essay, where you’ll really dig into your narrative.

an effective introduction is engaging, interesting, and brief. it provides a glimpse or a preview into what you’ll discuss, but not too much. you want to leave the admissions officer wanting to read more.

in general, an introduction only needs three key parts:

1. hook/grabber (an interesting sentence that immediately engages the reader)
2. necessary background information (keyword: necessary)
3. thesis statement or thematic statement (a clear statement summarizing your overall point)

because college essays are more creative, you don’t have to follow this pattern exactly. but it gives you an idea of why a solid introduction can be short and sweet. many students make the mistake of including too much unnecessary background in their introduction. try to limit your intro to 4-6 sentences, unless there’s other essential information you must include.

if your intro is longer than six sentences, go back and underline or highlight sentences that are essential to the meaning of your essay. then, review the sentences you didn’t highlight. can you cut them entirely, or at least shorten them? can this piece of info wait until the body of your essay?

4. focus on the important stuff

we already mentioned that you want to focus on information that advances your narrative and relates to your main point. you also want to devote most of your word count to reflection and introspection.

when an admissions officer reads your essay, they’re most interested in reading your analysis of your life experiences. think about questions like:

• what did this event mean to you?
• why is it significant?
• how has it shaped your life?
• how did you learn or grow from this experience?
• what does the information in this essay convey about you as a person, the way you think, or what you believe in and value?

if you write an essay about a challenge in your life, for example, you want to describe the challenge itself only briefly. the majority of your essay should focus on how you overcame the challenge and what you learned from the experience. it should demonstrate positive qualities that the experience revealed or helped you develop, like resilience, determination, and courage.

so, if it looks like you’re going to exceed the word count, reread. how many of these sentences are telling your story? how many are reflecting on your story? if you have to cut something, cut nonessential storytelling pieces. include specific details that bring your story to life and tell it clearly without taking up too much space.

5. eliminate repetition

have you included any repetitive words or phrases? do any of your sentences basically mean the same thing? reread your essay for repetition, and cut it.

here’s an example:

it was the hardest decision i had ever made in my life. i wanted to avoid embarrassment, but i also wanted to do what was right. making matters worse, i was torn between my two best friends. i never expected to face such a tough decision.

the first and last sentences of the paragraph above basically say, “it was a hard decision.” the writer doesn’t need both of them. if you can find sentences in your essay that don’t add any new information, then it’s safe to delete them.

6. avoid using unnecessary words

similarly, sticking to a tight word limit requires you to write concisely. concise writing is succinct and to the point. it avoids unnecessary words and sentences. to write concisely, think of each word as a $100 bill. you want to spend them wisely.

of course, you don’t want to sound like a robot. writing concisely doesn’t mean that you need to cut interesting details or doses of personality. choose your words deliberately, and avoid words that don’t add meaning, like:

• actually
• really
• very
• basically
• just
• totally
• completely
• absolutely
• definitely
• probably
• maybe
• rather
• quite
• somewhat
• somehow

in some circumstances, some of these words might add meaning. but if you’re struggling to stay within the word limit, these words should be some of the first to go. does the sentence make sense without it? if yes, cut it. in using the $100 bill analogy above, where can you save money? what unnecessary expenses could your essay live without?

avoid using unnecessary words: let’s practice!

let’s look at my first paragraph above:

similarly, sticking to a tight word limit requires you to write concisely. concise writing is succinct and to the point. it avoids unnecessary words and sentences. to write concisely, think of each word as a $100 bill. you want to spend them wisely.

i’m not trying to stick to a 650-word limit, but what if i was? what could i cut? here are some ideas:

• the word “similarly” doesn’t add any information. i could just say, “sticking to a tight word limit requires you to write concisely.”
• in the third sentence, i could delete “to write concisely.” you already know that the topic of this paragraph is concise writing. it would still make sense to say, “think of each word as a $100 bill.”
• in the final sentence, i could say, “spend them wisely” instead of, “you want to spend them wisely.” deleting those two words doesn’t change the meaning of the sentence. in fact, it makes the sentence clearer and more direct.

now, let’s look at my third paragraph:

in some circumstances, some of these words might add meaning. but if you’re struggling to stay within the word limit, these words should be some of the first to go. does the sentence make sense without it? if yes, cut it. in using the $100 bill analogy above, where can you save money? what unnecessary expenses could your essay live without?

if i had to cut something, what could i cut? here are some suggestions:

1. in the first sentence, i could shorten “in some circumstances” to “sometimes.” it means the same thing and saves me two words.
2. in the second sentence, i could delete “some of,” making the sentence, “but if you’re struggling to stay within the word limit, these words should be the first to go.” “some of” doesn’t add meaning, and deleting it makes the sentence stronger. plus, i said “some of” in the previous sentence too, so it sounds repetitive.
3. i could delete “above” from the question, “in using the $100 bill analogy above, where can you save money?” you probably know the analogy is above. and even if you don’t know, it’s not essential information.
4. the final sentence asks, “what unnecessary expenses could your essay live without?” i could delete “unnecessary” because it has the same meaning as “could live without.”

hopefully, this gives you an idea of how to cut unnecessary words from your essay! as a writer, it’s easy to get attached to the words you’ve chosen. but when it comes to word counts, you must be prepared to trim the fat and delete any words that don’t add meaning.

you should also shorten sentences and phrases whenever possible. for instance, instead of saying, “i wondered if i had made the right decision,” write, “had i made the right decision?” with the question mark, “i wondered” is implied. shorter sentences save you words, and they’re often clearer, stronger, and more direct.

7. ask for help

if you’ve tried all of these ideas and exercises, but your essay is still too long, ask for help! ask a friend, parent, teacher, or other trusted adult to read the essay.

do they see any sentences, phrases, or words that you can cut?

sometimes, getting an extra pair of eyes on your essay makes a huge difference. an outside perspective is always clearer.

final thoughts: how to stick to the word count on college essays

you might have a lot to say in your college essay, but you have to say it within the required word count. use strategies like:

1. narrowing down your topic
2. mapping out your essay beforehand
3. focusing on information that supports your main point and advances your narrative
4. cutting repetition
5. cutting unnecessary words and phrases
6. shortening sentences whenever possible
7. asking for a fresh perspective

believe it or not, using these strategies will also make your essay more engaging and powerful. not only will you stick to the word count on your college essays, but you’ll also write a clear, concise, and memorable essay for the admissions officers.

the post how to stick to the word count on college essays appeared first on magoosh blog | high school.

the college essay is perhaps the most challenging—and intimidating—part of the college application process. staring at a blank sheet of paper (or a blank computer screen) can feel overwhelming. you might think you have nothing to write about or nothing new and exciting to offer. if you’re wondering just how to brainstorm your college essay topic, then keep reading!

here’s the good news: you are uniquely you, and you have stories to tell that nobody else can write. if you can uncover one of those stories, you’ve found your perfect college essay topic.

the process of considering what makes you unique, reflecting, and trying on different ideas until you find “the one” is called brainstorming. in this article, you’ll find useful tips, ideas, and exercises to help you brainstorm your way to a great college essay topic.

what makes a great college essay topic?

first, let’s talk about what makes a great topic for your essay. remember that most of your application is made up of impersonal numbers: your gpa, your sat/act scores, your class rank, etc. admissions officers will also see a list of your activities and accomplishments. but when it comes to showcasing who you are as an individual, the essay is your big chance to make an impression.

with that in mind, a great topic is one that:

• is meaningful and important to you
• makes an essay that only you could write
• covers information the admissions officers don’t already know
• offers insight into who you are as a person

admissions officers suggest students should “write about a specific experience, hobby or quirk that reveals something personal, like how they think, what they value, or what their strengths are.” think of your college essay topic as a window or lens that admissions officers can use to get a glimpse into who you are and how you think.

on the other hand, your topic does not have to be:

• a full autobiography of your life
• about an achievement or accomplishment
• about something extremely extraordinary

in fact, admissions officers say that sometimes the most ordinary topics make the most memorable essays. these include topics like fly-fishing, a student’s commute to and from school, and even a family’s dining room table. so, shift your focus from trying to impress or trying to be extraordinary. instead, try to zoom in on a slice of your life that reveals something important about you.

wait—do i even get to choose my college essay topic?

good question. the common application and most individual college applications give you a few prompts to choose from. however, these prompts are so broad and open-ended that you still have the freedom to write about almost anything.

for instance, the current common app prompts ask you about your background, identity, talents, interests, obstacles you’ve faced, problems you’ve solved, events or realizations from your life, and more. and if you can’t manage to make your topic idea fit into those categories, the final prompt is: “share an essay on any topic of your choice.”

of course, before you begin brainstorming, look over the prompts you’ve been provided. see how specific or broad they are. are there any guidelines you need to keep in mind as you brainstorm your topic? go from there.

how to brainstorm a college essay topic that’s right for you

brainstorming is a very personal and very creative endeavor. what sparks inspiration for you may not spark inspiration for someone else, and vice versa. so, read through the ideas, questions, and exercises for brainstorming your college essay topic below, and choose a few that appeal to you.

keep going until you land on a topic idea that gets you inspired and excited. if you’re excited about your college essay topic, your passion and personality will naturally shine through.

1. free write about yourself

on the top of a piece of paper or a word document, write the question, “who am i?” set a timer for three minutes, and write until the timer goes off. don’t second guess or edit. write anything that comes to mind. remember that no one else will read your college essay topic brainstorm.

writing freely without overthinking is an important way to unleash your ideas. what would someone need to know in order to really know about you?

2. explore your home

take a tour of your home. look closely at the objects in each room. which objects are especially meaningful to you? as you look around your house, do any important or interesting memories come to you? is there anything special or unique about your home that catches your eye?

find photos, scrapbooks, and old journals or diaries if possible. if you come across any significant memories, jot them down or free write about them for a few minutes. make a note of anything that inspires you.

3. listen to a playlist of your favorite songs

make a playlist of around 10 songs that you love. these can be songs you loved at different points in your life, or they can be your 10 favorites right now.

often, our favorite songs resonate with us because we relate them to a memory, a feeling, or a core value. and music in general is an excellent source of inspiration. as you listen to your songs, does anything meaningful come to mind?

do you think of a special person, place, or event in your life? did a particular song help you through a challenging time in your life? do you think your favorite songs say anything important about you? as with the previous exercise, record or free write about anything that catches your attention.

4. ask your friends and family

sometimes, it’s hard to think or write objectively about ourselves—after all, we’re a little too close to the subject. it’s helpful to ask your friends or family members for ideas and inspiration too.

ask questions like:

• what stands out about me?
• what do you think sets me apart from other people?
• what are my quirks?
• if you had to tell one story to describe me, what would it be?
• what’s an interesting memory you have with me?
• if you had to describe me in three words, what words would you use?

ultimately, you need to choose a college essay topic that appeals to you. but gaining some perspective from the people who love you might get your ideas flowing.

5. reflect on highs and lows

good college essays show maturity, reflection, and growth. they demonstrate your ability to think about the events that have happened to you, the lessons you have learned, and the impact these events have had on who you are as an individual. often, we can find great stories of growth in the best and worst moments of our lives.

think about the following:

• what is your happiest memory? why?
• what is your saddest memory? why?
• what is the scariest thing you’ve experienced? how did you deal with it?
• what has been your biggest challenge, obstacle, or struggle?
• what do you worry about the most?
• what is the most important lesson you’ve learned in life so far? how did you learn it?
• what is the most important decision you’ve made, and how did you make it? how did it affect you afterwards?
• what do you get the most excited about?
• what are you most proud of?
• when did you first feel like you were no longer a child? why did you feel that way? how do you think you’ve changed from your childhood self, and why?

some of these answers might feel too personal. that’s ok—remember, your brainstorm is for your eyes only. you don’t have to share anything with admissions officers that makes you uncomfortable, but reflecting on the most important moments in your life can help you come up with some excellent material.

6. list your top 5 traits

it’s tough to describe ourselves in a few words, especially because all of us are complex. but if you had to choose just five defining characteristics or traits to describe yourself, what words would you use?

first, list your five words. then, try to trace your characteristics back to defining experiences or events. for example, if you’re curious, how do you think your curiosity began? did anyone in your life influence you to be curious? can you think of the first time or the most recent time that you exhibited curiosity?

sometimes, a story that highlights one of your key personal traits can make an excellent college essay. whether it’s an example of how you’ve displayed that trait, or an “origin story” of how you developed that characteristic, you’ll show admissions officers an important piece of who you are.

7. think about places

essays about place, even one as simple as a dining room table, also make a compelling college essay topic. see if you have any meaningful “place” stories by answering the following questions:

• where is your favorite place in the world?
• what’s a place that you’ve only visited once, but would love to visit again?
• is there a place you’ve visited that changed you? how and why?
• do you have a favorite place to think and daydream? where is it, and why do you like to think there?
• are any of your favorite memories associated with a specific place? which memories? describe the place in detail.

remember that no matter what you write about, you are ultimately the star of your essay. so, if you choose to write about a place, consider what this place means to you, how it has impacted you, and what it can tell readers about your personality, beliefs, and values.

8. think about people

similarly, you may choose to write about an influential person in your life. but the bulk of the essay should focus on how this person has impacted you and how you have changed or grown as a result of your interactions with this person.

answer these questions:

• what teacher has impacted you the most? why?
• which of your parents or grandparents are the most like you? how?
• what is something someone has said to you, or a piece of advice that was given to you, that has stuck with you?
• who has influenced your life the most? was it a positive influence, someone to emulate? or was it a negative influence, someone you would like to avoid becoming?
• who has challenged you? why? what did you learn? how did you grow?
• who is someone in your life who is very different from you? how have you navigated those differences? what have you learned in the process?

again, your essay shouldn’t simply describe another person. the admissions officers want to know more about you. but if you have a compelling story about an important person, and if that story provides meaningful insight into you, then you might have a stellar topic on your hands.

9. answer questions about yourself

you’re probably thinking that you’ve already answered a lot of questions about yourself. but here are some more that might spark inspiration for the right college essay topic:

• if you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would you say? what point in your life would you go back to? what would change as a result?
• think about the traditions you’ve grown up with. how have they impacted you? what will you change, and what will you keep the same?
• what do you like about yourself the most? how has this quality changed or shaped your life?
• what is something you can do for hours, completely absorbed? why does this activity appeal to you so much? what does it say about you?
• what is your most valued possession? why? what is the story behind it?
• are there any community, national, or global issues that matter to you? why do you think it’s so important to you? what have you done about it? what do you want to do about it?
• what’s the most difficult mental feat you’ve accomplished? physical feat?
• do you have a favorite quote? what is it, and why? what does it mean to you? how have you seen this quote reflected in your own life?
• who or what have you lost in your life, and how has that affected you?
• what are you most curious about?

you don’t need to answer all of these questions. but if a few of them speak to you, start writing and see what emerges.

remember that it’s important to “zoom in” on your ideas. so, don’t write an essay about all the traditions you’ve grown up with. write about one tradition and a specific memory associated with it. the more you zoom in, the more detailed you can get. the more details you include, the more your essay becomes one that only you could write.

10. write a hook

if you’re still having trouble getting started, focus on writing a strong hook. what’s an interesting first sentence about you that could really grab a reader’s attention?

here’s an example of a good hook: “i first got into politics the day the cafeteria outlawed creamed corn.”

doesn’t that sentence make you want to know more? imagine being a college admissions officer, slogging through essay after essay, many of them very similar. many of the essays sound stiff, full of high-level vocabulary words but lacking in personality. then you get to an essay about how creamed corn sparked a student’s interest in politics. wouldn’t it be a breath of fresh air?

try writing a few interesting hooks. one might hook you too, and before you know it, you’ll have written a whole first draft!

next step: narrow down your college essay topic ideas

let’s say you’ve completed several of these exercises, and now you have a list of ideas. what’s the next step?

narrow down your college essay topics like this:

• read through your list again. cross out anything that you don’t connect with. if it doesn’t get you excited or wanting to think/write more, it’s not for you.
• circle or put an asterisk next to anything that especially sparks your imagination. does it feel engaging? do you want to explore it more? do you want to talk to someone about it?
• look over your favorite ideas. imagine yourself sharing the experience or telling the story to someone who wants to get to know you. how do you feel about the prospect of sharing it? how well do you think the person would know you after reading it? rank your ideas from best to worst.
• does your top idea speak to you enough to run with it? if so, get going! if you’re stuck between 2-3 top choices, outline a beginning, middle, and end for each topic idea. list several specific sensory details you would include. now, which idea speaks to you the most? which provides the strongest and most compelling narrative? that’s your topic!

once you’ve decided on a topic, it’s time to tell your story. remember to focus on being honest, authentic, and very much you. zoom in as much as possible, and give clear details that bring your story to life. show a character arc—who you were at the beginning, how you grew and changed, and who you are now. feel free to use personality and humor. the admissions officers want to hear your voice!

final thoughts: how to brainstorm your college essay topic

it’s hard to come up with a college essay topic that’s unique, exciting, and impressive. so, take that mindset and throw it far, far away.

now, approach your college essay with the goal of helping admissions officers get to know the real you. if you’re authentic and write about something that’s meaningful to you, your essay will naturally stand out.

complete several exercises to brainstorm your college essay topic without editing yourself. eventually, you’ll find a topic that gets you excited. it’ll be a topic that accurately represents you and that makes you want to think, write, or talk about it more.

that passion, enthusiasm, and authenticity will shine through to admissions officers and make your essay truly memorable. i hope these tips on how to brainstorm your college essay topic were helpful. good luck and happy writing!

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