Why are college admissions essays so hard to write?
Before you begin, it may seem like a simple task: to draft a compelling answer, in approximately 500 words, as to why you wish to attend college. The subject of your essay is one you already know well—yourself. And it’s only a few paragraphs long, after all. What’s so hard about that?
Well, the composition process rarely goes so painlessly, even for the most talented young writers. The stakes of college admission are high, and there are plenty of thought-provoking (and headache-inducing) questions students have to answer.
Thankfully, some of these questions are predictable: What makes for a great college essay topic? Conversely, what makes for a weak college essay topic? Can you think of which memorable experiences throughout your life have influenced your intellectual development? Which themes have contributed to your future academic goals?
Phew. Maybe, you’re still on page one: how to come up with college essay ideas in the first place. Don’t worry. Today, we have a list of tried-and-true college essay ideas and topics to get you started on the right track. Even if you feel like you have nothing to write about, this list might spark an idea. Writer’s block, begone!
Let’s get ready to turn over a new leaf. Whether you’re a naturally verbose writer or struggle with words, brainstorming is the first step, so don’t let a blank page intimidate you. With a great topic in mind, the rest can fall into place.
How to Handle College Admissions Essay Prompts
First we’ll cover the basics and anatomy of the admission essay.
When you get to writing your applications, you’ll encounter the essay prompt, which is a specific question from the college you must answer. Be sure to answer the prompt and stick closely to any given instructions, like word count or formatting. This is your chance to make an excellent first impression as a student candidate.
However, if you’re allowed to choose your topic or theme, there’s still a lot of room for creativity. Sometimes, you’ll be able to choose the entire subject of your essay. If that’s the case, how do you know what makes a successful essay different from a mundane one? What are college admissions officers looking for? There are a few other mistakes to look out for:
Video: Avoiding common admissions essay mistakes
Rather than let that blinking cursor stump you, let’s get the ball rolling.
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 theme will help you to be unique in order to catch the application readers’ attention, while presenting your strongest qualities. Today, we’ve gathered some of the best and most effective college essay ideas and topics to help boost your college admissions chances!
Video: College Essay Tips + Writing your Best College Essay | Real Advice from Harvard Admissions
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 for ideas, strategies on how to approach big themes, or even just to get your brainstorming session kicked off.
1. Personal Identity and Background
You’ll find that many college applications will ask students to write about your personal identity and background. These questions aim to learn more about you as a person (outside of the classroom, that is) and what influences your current outlook on the world. Think about which communities are most important in your life so far, and which facets of your identity you would like to emphasize in your college application. This can include your cultural heritage, your family tree, the languages spoken at home, your faith group, and more.
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. The key is “significant”—try to think beyond getting a “C” on a test, or breaking your arm at the jungle gym. Some applications will ask about a time you failed on a meaningful project, and/or needed to solve a serious problem in your way. These are all different ways of asking about the same thing: how do you respond to a challenge? Are you the kind of person who uses adversity as an opportunity to grow?
3. Anecdote of a “Eureka” Moment
Since colleges and universities are centers of learning, academic and intellectual growth are paramount priorities! College admissions officers will want to know what makes you tick; in other words, what makes your individual brain work the way it does. 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 beliefs, or learned something new about the world.
4. Reflect on a Moment of Growth
Similar to your “eureka” moment, this essay topic centers around an anecdote of a specific experience in your life. Try to think of a time you recognized that you have grown as a person and matured in some way. This can be a traditional rite of passage, or a more symbolic moment of transition from childhood to young adulthood within your family or community. Perhaps you compare the first and most recent times you engaged in an activity, to show the difference over time. What lessons have you learned from your years so far? What do you foresee in your future?
5. What Drives You
This is your chance to talk about something you feel strongly, and relate it to your qualities as a student. Reflect on what you are most excited to learn about and/or what you hope to accomplish in college. Are the 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 when you’re older? 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
There are almost endless ways to phrase this question, though books are probably most common. In essence, these questions are asking you to explain why and how the piece is your favorite. This can take the form of critical analysis or even symbolism. The key with this kind of question is connecting the aspects of your chosen media back to yourself, instead of forgetting to focus on the purpose of the essay.
7. Facing a Fear
Sometimes in life, risks are worth it. Have there been instances in your life where you’ve needed to take a risk and face your fears? We’re not just talking about jumping out of an airplane, but pushing your comfort zone or trying something new in order to learn. After all, the ability to muster courage in times of need is a great quality for intrepid young scholars, and makes for a gripping read!
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 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 perhaps a historical figure through their writing? Discuss how you’ve applied this advice in your life and the positive changes it has brought about. Analyzing famous quotes can also be compelling—explore why certain words from notable figures inspire you and how they relate to your personal journey.
10. Your Hobby or Passion Projects
Everyone has a hobby or a passion project that brings them joy and fulfillment outside of their academic life. Whether it's painting, playing a musical instrument, coding, gardening, or participating in a sport, your hobbies reveal your personality and what you value in life. Discuss how you got started with your hobby, what you’ve achieved, and any challenges you’ve overcome along the way. Be warned, if you choose a common extracurricular (like band or a sports team) you’ll need to work extra hard to differentiate your story from the competition. 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 commitment to your values. 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, a coach, or a public figure. The key to this topic is to make sure the essay is about you, even though it focuses on someone else. Explain who your role model or mentor is, what qualities they possess that you admire, and how they have impacted your life. Discuss specific lessons you’ve learned from them and how you’ve applied these lessons in your own journey.
13. A Non-Academic Accomplishment You’re Proud of
Not all accomplishments are academic, and colleges appreciate well-rounded individuals who excel in various areas. Think about a non-academic achievement that you’re proud of—this could be related to volunteering, traveling, mentoring, or community service. 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 do 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 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 world?
- 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? Try this unusual exercise to start thinking outside the box:
Video: Essence Objects Exercise | College Essay Brainstorming Exercise
You can also browse the following short prompts and see if any jog your memory or 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 from this teaching moment?
- 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 well-being 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 or Discovery That Excites You: Reflect on a technological innovation or scientific discovery that excites you. How does 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 You’ve Witnessed: 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 You Have: 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. 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, whether it’s 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 manage and 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.
Your Best Essay is Waiting
Ready to get writing now that you’ve seen this list of the top college essay ideas and topics? Each one of these ideas could turn into a strong story to complete your overall application. Hopefully a few of these subjects resonate with you and inspire an outstanding essay! By diversifying your approach to each essay prompt and making your responses as personal and specific as possible, you can create a compelling narrative that stands out to admissions officers.
There are other ways you can improve your chances of admission by strengthening your writing. If you want to read examples of successful college essays, or have an expert review your final drafts, consider working with a college essay coach like Empowerly. When it comes to college admission, your story has never mattered more. Put your story in the right hands.
