What are the Most Discussed College Essay Topics?

Hi guys, I'm kind of at a loss about what to write for my college essays. What are the most common topics that students typically write about? I want to avoid being too generic and was hoping to get a sense of what everyone else is doing so I can try to stand out.

Sure, I'd be happy to shed some light on the most often discussed topics in college essays. Keep in mind that the objective is to convey something meaningful about yourself to the admissions committee, rather than just telling a story.

Some frequently used college essay topics include the following:

1. Challenging a Belief: Students commonly share experiences when they questioned or challenged an idea or belief. This can range from personal beliefs to societal norms.

2. Experiencing Failure: Essays that shed light on how students have dealt with failure can provide opportunities for personal growth and resilience. These experiences can range from academic failures to personal losses.

3. A Period of Personal Growth: Many students delve into a period of personal growth and a newfound understanding or maturity that resulted from it.

4. Making a Difference: Essays often revolve around the student having made a difference or incited change in their community.

Taking these typical themes into account, if you want to stand out, it's essential to think beyond these common areas. However, even if your topic isn’t entirely unique, remember that the specifics of your story are. No one else has your exact experiences, so even a common topic can be made into an engaging essay if it is well written and truly personal.

That said, there are selected topics that are used so frequently they've become clichés and, thus, might be best to avoid. These include, but are not limited to, narratives about sports victories or injuries, essays about moving or adjusting to a new place, narratives focused on a service trip or volunteering experience (the "mission trip" essay), or an immigrant's journey.

A final tip: Instead of writing about a broad topic, try focusing on a "micro" element in your life—a singular experience or a vivid moment which also tells a story about you. This approach can make even typical topics feel fresh. For instance, instead of writing about how you were a lead in the school play, perhaps write about the moment just before you stepped onto the stage, and what it taught you about handling pressure and taking risks.