How to Brainstorm a Unique College Essay Topic
Choosing the right essay topic is often the hardest part of the college application process. With so many students applying to the same schools, admissions officers read thousands of essays every year. What separates the essays they remember from the ones that blend together is not fancy language or dramatic events—it’s a clear, personal story. Here’s a framework to help students find a unique essay topic that truly reflects who they are.
Step 1: List Personal Values
Start with what matters most. Encourage students to write down 5–7 personal values or qualities that describe them. Examples might include resilience, curiosity, compassion, humor, or independence.
These values become a compass. An essay doesn’t need to be about the biggest achievement—it needs to reveal something about who the student is at their core. By identifying values up front, students avoid writing essays that sound generic and instead focus on what makes them different.
Step 2: Look for Defining Moments
Once values are clear, the next step is to brainstorm moments where those values were on display. These don’t have to be dramatic, life-changing events. In fact, the strongest essays often come from small but telling experiences.
Ask questions like:
When did you face a challenge that showed your resilience?
When did your curiosity lead you down an unexpected path?
When did compassion drive you to act differently than your peers?
For example, instead of writing about a big award, a student might write about a single afternoon spent teaching their younger sibling how to ride a bike—an experience that highlights patience and determination.
Step 3: Avoid the “Big” Moments
It’s tempting to think the essay needs to cover something huge: a championship game, a mission trip, or a perfect SAT score. The problem is that admissions officers read countless essays on those topics, and they rarely feel unique.
What stands out is the ordinary moment with extraordinary meaning. Cooking family recipes, walking the dog, or working a part-time job may seem small, but with reflection, these stories can reveal powerful insights into a student’s character.
Step 4: Get Honest Feedback
After brainstorming, narrow the list to two or three strong topics. Share them with a parent, teacher, or trusted friend and ask one simple question:
“Does this sound like me?”
If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track. If not, go back to the list of values and dig deeper. The goal isn’t just to tell a story, but to tell your story.
Conclusion
The most memorable college essays don’t come from grand events—they come from small, personal moments that reveal big truths. By starting with values, reflecting on defining moments, avoiding clichés, and getting feedback, students can find a topic that feels authentic and compelling.
