Alright folks, I am totally blanking on how to even start brainstorming ideas for my Common App. Got any tried-and-true methods or tips for kickstarting the idea process? I don't want to just write about the first thing that comes to mind, I want it to be meaningful. Feeling a bit stuck here, help a junior out!
Facing a bit of writer's block is perfectly normal when it comes to your Common App essay; it's an important piece of writing! A good method to begin brainstorming is to reflect on moments in your life that have shaped who you are.
Start by listing out significant experiences, no matter how small they may seem initially. This could be a challenge you faced, a failure, a moment of triumph, or an experience that changed your perspective. Once you have a list, look for a common thread that ties some of these experiences together or choose the one that stands out the most and tells something unique about you.
Mind mapping can be useful here—draw your main idea in the center and branch off into the different aspects of your life it touches. This visual can help you see the potential angles for your essay. Remember, the best essays often come from the most unexpected places, so don't hesitate to explore an unconventional topic if it has a significant meaning for you. Collegevine also has a host of experts available to help talk through and guide you through this process.
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