What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

What's the best way to brainstorm ideas for my college essay?

Hey guys, I'm having a hard time coming up with a topic for my college essay. What are some effective brainstorming techniques or strategies you've used to generate ideas? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

a year ago

Hello! Brainstorming for your college essay can indeed be challenging, but there are several techniques you can try. One approach is to create a mind map or a spider diagram. Write down a broad theme you're interested in, like 'leadership' or 'personal growth,' and then branch out with related words, experiences, or stories that come to mind. This visual organization can help you identify connections and flesh out potential essay topics.

Another useful exercise is the '20-minute rule.' Set a timer for 20 minutes and force yourself to jot down as many ideas or experiences as you can in that time frame. Don't worry about quality or relevance—just focus on generating content. Once the time is up, review your list and see if any topics stand out or could be further refined.

Lastly, talking to friends, family, or teachers can be helpful in the brainstorming process. They might remind you of unique experiences or offer a fresh perspective on potential essay topics. Good luck with your brainstorming!

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.