How to Choose Essay Topics for College Applications?

I'll be applying to colleges next year, and I'm a little bit stressed about what kind of essay topics to choose. What have those of you who've gone through this process picked for your own essays, or what are some unique ideas for university application essays that'll help me stand out? Thanks for the help!

Choosing an essay topic for college applications can be daunting, but a good starting point can be focusing on what makes you unique and showcases your genuine personality, values, and goals. Here are some strategies to help you brainstorm and select an appropriate topic:

1. Reflection: Consider your life experiences, both big and small, and think about how they've shaped who you are today. These experiences could be related to family, friends, school, community involvement, hobbies, or challenges you've faced.

2. Identify your "spike": A spike refers to your highly-specialized area of expertise or a unique talent that you're passionate about. Top colleges value students with a well-developed spike, as it helps them identify what that student has to offer that no other talented applicant does. If you have a unique skill or hobby, consider writing about it, to showcase how it has helped you grow and contribute to your community.

3. Avoid cliches: Some essay topics are overused and may not be as impactful, such as sports victories, overcoming a language barrier, or moving between schools. Make sure your topic is fresh and meaningful to you, and focuses on personal insights or moments that impacted your perspective or changed you as a person. You can read more about topics to avoid on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/cliche-college-essay-topics.

4. Ask for input: Talk to family, friends, and mentors about your strengths and interests, and ask for their perspectives on your experiences. They may have insights or ideas that you hadn't considered.

5. Make it personal: Your essay should highlight your thoughts and feelings, as that allows readers to connect with you on a personal level. Avoid simply listing achievements or including your resume. Instead, focus on choosing a story that shows genuine self-reflection, and that will help admissions officers understand what drives you on a deeper level.

Overall, remember that the purpose of your essay is to provide a window into who you are as an individual. Your chosen topic should reveal your true self and reflect the most genuine and interesting aspects of your personality. In the end, make sure to write about something you truly care about, as that is what will help admissions officers understand you better and why you're a great fit for their school.

If you want further guidance on how to brainstorm for your personal statement in particular, check out this post on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-common-application-essays/. Keep in mind that their blog also contains more specific guidance for particular schools' supplemental essays, if you find yourself stuck on one of those prompts. Best of luck with your applications!