Favorite Common App Essay Topics?

Hi there! I'm brainstorming for my college essays and I'm curious to know if there are any popular topics that students like to write about on their college applications? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hello! It's a great idea to reflect on potential topics for your essay early in the process. When it comes to the Common App essay, there isn’t really a "popular" topic per se, as the best topic for you will depend on your personal experiences and interests.

However, there are certainly some recurring themes or topics that many students gravitate towards. Some students prefer to write about significant life events, personal growth, or challenges they've overcome. Others might choose to talk about relationships with important individuals in their lives, like a family member, teacher, or friend.

As for the main piece of advice: remember to focus on you. The primary purpose of your essay is to give admissions officers an insight into who you are. You're not just describing an event or an individual - you're showcasing your reflections, growth, and character through these experiences.

Now, while it's okay to choose a theme that others might have explored, you should strive to make your essay as unique as possible. Instead of following a cliche topic, like sports victories or an immigrant’s story, try to come up with an approach that's distinctively yours. This could mean writing about a lesser-known aspect of yourself, or presenting a common topic from an uncommon angle. For instance, instead of writing about winning a sports championship, describe how being the benchwarmer on a sports team shaped your character and drive.

Remember, the focus here should be on self-reflection and understanding rather than the event itself. Your essay should demonstrate how you think, how you view the world, and what you value.

Best of luck with your brainstorming process! The more time and thought you put into this stage, the stronger your essay will eventually turn out.