College admissions essays are an important part of your application. Your writing gives admissions officers a window into your personality, helping them get to know the person behind data like your GPA or SAT scores. However, the essay composition process rarely goes so painlessly, even for the most talented young writers.
But, if you pick a strong topic and write a detailed outline, your essay will practically write itself! Empowerly’s expert essay coaches have prepared a list of 40 college essay ideas and topics to guide your writing–and get you past that writer’s block so that you can write a stellar personal statement.
How to Handle College Admissions Essay Prompts
Before you choose an essay topic, let’s begin with how to approach your essay, starting with the prompt. While some of your college essays may be open-ended, most will require you to respond to a specific question. As you plan your response, make sure that you fully address the prompt–especially if it has multiple parts–and adhere to any word limits or formatting instructions.
After you understand the prompt and decide on your topic (keep reading for more ideas), you will need to create a thesis. The thesis is the most important part of your essay; it is the main point you will make.
The best theses are specific and arguable, with a “so what” factor. What do you want your audience to take away from reading your essay? For example, it’s not enough to say “I love playing tennis.” Instead, a better thesis would be, “Tennis honed my communication, collaboration, and time management skills.”
Once you have a strong thesis, outline your body paragraphs. Each body paragraph should address one main point that supports your thesis, and you should back it up with specific examples and evidence.
If we take the tennis example, you would devote one body paragraph to communication, one to collaboration, and another to time management. You could argue your time management point by explaining how you used a planner to balance tennis practice with your academic responsibilities.
Now, all you have to do is flesh out your outline, add an eye-catching intro, and finish with an impactful conclusion, and your essay will be done!
Great College Essay Ideas
A “good” essay topic is one that is specific yet deep enough to give you room to write about character traits and values, within the bounds of the application. A “great” essay topic will catch the application readers’ attention while demonstrating your strongest qualities. Today, we’ve gathered some of the best and most effective college essay ideas and topics to boost your college admissions chances!
Naturally, you’ll need to bring your personal touch to whichever topic you choose, but these frameworks will give you a general guide. Browse this list of examples to jumpstart your brainstorming!
1. Personal Identity and Background
Many college applications will ask students to write about their personal identity and background. These questions aim to learn more about your outlook on the world, the factors that shaped your personality, and how you pursue your interests outside of the classroom. Think about the communities you are a part of and the facets of your identity you would like to emphasize in your college application. A personal identity and background essay might focus on your cultural heritage, local service opportunities, or your experiences with a community, like a faith group, club, or family unit.
2. Overcoming a Significant Challenge or Obstacle
Another popular topic asks students to write about a time when they struggled with a significant challenge or obstacle. Colleges want to know how you respond to a challenge. Think about a time you failed on a meaningful project, struggled in a class, or had to solve a serious problem. What actions did you take to overcome the obstacle, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Anecdote of a “Eureka” Moment
Since colleges and universities are centers of learning, intellectual growth is important! College admissions officers will want to know how your brain works. So, take this opportunity to show them the world through your eyes. Go beyond your transcript and test scores; try telling a story about a time you changed your mind, altered your worldview, or learned something new.
4. Reflect on a Moment of Growth
Similar to your “eureka” moment, this essay topic centers around a specific life experience. Try to think of a time you matured in some way, like taking on extra responsibility, changing schools, or moving to a new area. What lessons have you learned from this experience, and how will you use them in the future?
5. What Drives You
This topic is a chance to talk about something you feel strongly about and relate it to your qualities as a student. Are there any activities or subjects that make you lose track of time? Is there a particular question or problem that you want to learn how to solve? What are you most fascinated by? The more details and concrete examples you can use to prove your point, the better.
6. Your Favorite…
Many college essay prompts will ask you to write about your favorites in a particular category, for instance:
- Book
- Author
- Movie or television show
- Music
- Activity or sport
- Food
However, when you respond, don’t just say you like something. Instead, explain why it is your favorite and how it has impacted you. Analyze the work and its meaning; then, connect it back to your life with a strong “so what” factor.
7. Facing a Fear
Facing a fear is one of the most difficult, and often rewarding, things you can do. Have you ever needed to take a risk or confront something scary? Explain how pushing yourself out of your comfort zone helped learn something. College admissions officers are looking for students who demonstrate courage and initiative!
8. Why This College?
When writing about why you want to attend a particular college, it’s crucial to be specific. This isn’t just about praising the school’s reputation. Dive deeper by researching programs, professors, campus culture, and any unique opportunities that align with your academic and personal interests. Show admissions officers that you’ve done your homework and that you’re genuinely enthusiastic about what their college has to offer. For example, mention specific courses, extracurricular activities, or research projects that excite you. Explain how these factors align with your goals and how you see yourself contributing to the campus community.
9. The Best Advice You’ve Received
This topic provides a window into your values and decision-making processes. Reflect on a piece of advice that has significantly influenced you. Who gave you this advice, and why did it resonate with you? Did it come from a family member, a teacher, or even a celebrity or historical figure? Discuss how you’ve applied this advice in your life and the positive impact it has made.
10. Your Hobbies or Passion Projects
Do you have a hobby or passion project that brings you fulfillment outside of your academic life? Whether it’s painting, playing a musical instrument, coding, gardening, or participating in a sport, your hobbies reveal your personality and values. Discuss how you got started with your hobby, what you’ve achieved, and any challenges you’ve overcome along the way. Highlight how this interest has shaped your character and contributed to your development as an individual.
11. Anecdote of a Time You Stood Up
Standing up for what you believe in is a powerful narrative that can demonstrate your leadership, integrity, and moral fiber. Think of a specific instance where you took action. Perhaps you advocated for a cause, defended someone in need, or challenged an unfair practice. Describe the situation, your motivations, and the outcome. Reflect on what you learned from this experience and how it has influenced your perspective and actions going forward.
12. Influential Role Model or Mentor
Everyone has someone they look up to, whether it’s a family member, a teacher, or a public figure. Explain who your role model or mentor is, what qualities they possess, and how they have impacted your life. Discuss specific lessons you’ve learned and how you’ve applied them in your own journey. Even though this essay topic focuses on someone else, remember to connect the argument back to your development.
13. A Non-Academic Accomplishment You’re Proud of
Not every accomplishment is academic, and colleges appreciate well-rounded individuals who excel in various areas. Think about a non-academic achievement that you’re proud of, such as volunteering, traveling, or mentoring others. Describe what you accomplished, the steps you took to get there, and why it was significant to you. Highlight the skills you developed and how this experience has prepared you for future challenges.
14. Hypothetical Situations (If You Could…)
Hypothetical questions allow you to showcase your creativity and critical thinking. Here are a few examples to consider:
- If You Could Meet Any Person (Living or Dead): Who would it be and why? What questions would you ask them, and what would you hope to learn from this encounter?
- If You Could Give a Speech or TED Talk: What topic would you choose and why? Outline the key points you would cover and the message you would want to convey.
- If You Could Change One Event in History: What event would you alter, and how do you think it would impact the present?
- If You Could Teach a Class of Your Choice: What subject would you teach and why? Describe the curriculum and what you hope your students would gain from your class.
15. Your Future Plans
This is your chance to dream big and articulate your vision for the future. Discuss what you plan to do with your education, whether it’s a specific career path, further studies, or a unique project you want to undertake. Explain how you intend to use your knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on your community or the world. Be specific about your goals and the steps you plan to take to achieve them. Admissions officers want to see that you have a clear direction and the motivation to pursue your ambitions.
Additional College Essay Topics
Looking for more specific guidelines? Still brainstorming? See if any of these ideas inspire a great story for your essay:
- Your Dream Job: Describe your ideal career and how you plan to achieve it. What steps are you taking now to prepare for this profession?
- A Time You Taught Someone Something: Reflect on an experience where you taught someone a skill or concept. What did you learn through teaching?
- A Creative Project You’ve Worked On: Discuss a creative endeavor you’ve undertaken, whether it’s writing, art, music, or another form of expression. What inspired you, and what did you learn from the experience?
- Your Favorite Place: Describe a location that holds special meaning for you. Why is it important, and how has it influenced your life?
- A Cultural Tradition That Is Important to You: Reflect on a cultural tradition that is meaningful to you. How does it connect you to your heritage and identity?
- A Time You Had to Make a Difficult Decision: Write about a challenging decision you’ve had to make. What factors did you consider, and what was the outcome?
- How You Handle Stress: Discuss your strategies for managing stress. How do you stay balanced and maintain your wellbeing during challenging times?
- A Volunteer Experience That Changed You: Reflect on a volunteering experience that has had a profound effect on you. What did you learn about yourself and others?
- A Time You Made a Difference in Your Community: Write about an experience where you positively impacted your community. What did you do, and why was it meaningful?
- A Time You Worked on a Team: Discuss an experience where you collaborated with others towards a common goal. What role did you play, and what did you learn about teamwork?
- An Innovation That Excites You: Reflect on a technological innovation or scientific discovery that excites you. How could it impact your life or future aspirations?
- A Time You Took a Leadership Role: Discuss a situation where you took on a leadership role. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
- An Experience That Made You More Mature: Reflect on an event that made you grow up or mature quickly. How did it change your outlook and behavior?
- An Act of Kindness: Write about an act of kindness you’ve witnessed or participated in. How did it affect you and the people involved?
- A Unique Skill or Talent: Discuss a unique skill or talent you possess. How did you develop it, and how does it play a role in your life?
- How You Overcome Procrastination: Reflect on your strategies for overcoming procrastination. What methods work for you, and how have they helped you stay productive?
- A Time You Experienced Culture Shock: Write about a time you encountered a culture different from your own. How did you interact with this new perspective, and what did you learn from the experience?
- Your Favorite Learning Experience: Reflect on a memorable learning experience outside of the traditional classroom. What did you learn, and why was it impactful?
- How You Stay Informed About the World: Write about how you keep up with current events and global issues. Why is staying informed important to you?
- A Time You Improved Something: Discuss an experience where you took the initiative to improve something, like a process, environment, or system.
- A Skill You Want to Learn: Reflect on a skill you’re eager to learn in the future. Why do you want to learn it, and how do you plan to achieve this goal?
- An Experience That Made You Appreciate Diversity: Write about an experience that made you value diversity. How did it broaden your perspective?
- A Moment That Made You Feel Empowered: Reflect on a moment when you felt empowered or confident. What led to this feeling, and how did it influence your actions?
- How You Balance Your Responsibilities: Discuss how you balance your various responsibilities, such as school, work, and extracurricular activities.
- How You Adapt to Change: Write about how you handle change and adapt to new situations. Provide an example of a time when you successfully navigated a significant change.
Write Your Best Essay with Empowerly
Now that you’ve seen this list of the top college essay ideas and topics, are you ready to get writing? Any of these ideas could turn into an outstanding essay! However, if you need more personalized guidance, Empowerly can help.
Empowerly’s expert essay coaches are there to guide you through every step of the essay writing process. From brainstorming to the final edit, our team will offer helpful tips, examples, and guidelines to help you write standout college essays.
When it comes to college admission, your story has never mattered more. Put it in the right hands. Schedule a consultation today!
