The Common App essay is making me slightly anxious, ngl. How are you all brainstorming topics? I feel like I either have too many ideas or none at all. What's working for others in finding that perfect story to tell?
I totally understand that the Common App essay can be a bit overwhelming. It's all about finding that unique angle that highlights who you are beyond grades and test scores. Instead of aiming for 'perfect', aim for 'authentic'.
Ask yourself honestly what you want colleges to know about you that isn’t evident from the rest of your application, and jot down a list of moments when you felt particularly proud, challenged, or changed. Remember, small moments often tell just as much about you as the big ones. Rather than straining to impress with a grandiose tale, consider how everyday experiences have shaped your perspective and character, as your college experience will be far more about who you are on a daily basis than who you are when you're going out of your way to impress.
Also, do not shy away from discussing setbacks or failures, as long as you can articulate how they contributed to your personal growth. Flip through old photos or journals for inspiration — they might trigger memories you’ve overlooked. Once you've collected a few potential topics, try free-writing for a few minutes on each and see which one begins to flow naturally. You'll often find that once you start writing, the material begins to shape itself into a narrative.
If you're looking for some examples to inspire your thinking, you can find 21 excellent Common App essays from real students on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/common-app-essay-examples.
Happy writing!
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