Most talked about topics in college essays?

Hey there, I'm starting to brainstorm for my college essays and I'm curious about what topics are most commonly written about. Any insights from your own experiences or research?

From helping numerous students throughout the application process, I can share that several topics come up repeatedly in college essays. It's important to note that talking about a common theme isn't necessarily a bad thing. Still, you need to find a way to make it unique and personal to you. That being said, here are some essay topics that are frequently discussed:

1. Sports Highlights: This is a common theme, especially when an applicant is involved in athletics. However, instead of recounting a win or a loss, students could focus on an unusual or meaningful aspect of their sports journey.

2. Triumph Over Adversity: This can span from academic challenges to overcoming a personal or health crisis. Make sure not to let the adversity overshadow your growth and disposition changed as a result, which is what colleges are looking at.

3. An Immigrant's Story: Especially for first-generation immigrants, the journey of arriving in a new country and adjusting can be a natural fit. But it's also one of the most common topics. You have to find details or angles that make your narrative different from the others.

4. Community Service/Volunteering Experience: Highlighting one's role in volunteering missions is another common topic. It's more illuminating if it shows long-term commitment or a profound impact on your worldview.

5. A Life-Changing Book or Event: Many students often describe an influential book or an event's effect on their perspective or attitude. Here, they should try to connect their insights with their personality traits or future goals.

Remember that the goal is to illustrate something unique about yourself, your values, or your journey that isn't immediately evident from the rest of your application. If you can find a unique angle on these common stories or if your life truly has been dominated by one of these themes, it can still work as a powerful central narrative. Focus less on the 'what', and more on the 'how' it affected you and 'why' it matters to your growth.