Would This Be a Strong Essay Topic for Stanford?

Answered

This is a solid foundation for an essay, but right now it risks sounding a bit too broad and introspective without enough story. Stanford essays need to feel deeply personal, specific, and reflective — not just about what you discovered, but how that discovery shaped your actions, worldview, and goals.

Your theme of “finding your voice through writing” fits beautifully with your intended major, but it’s a common angle. To make it stand out, you’ll need to ground it in vivid, concrete moments. For example, instead of saying “writing helped me discover myself,” show that discovery through a scene — maybe the first time you wrote something that made you feel understood, or a piece that changed how others saw you. Admissions officers should feel your transformation, not just read about it.

Also, be careful with phrasing like “prove my existence.” It’s powerful, but it can come off as abstract or overly dramatic unless you tie it to something tangible — perhaps how writing gave you a sense of agency, belonging, or purpose.

If you want to explore other prompts or angles, consider:

Prompt 2 (Overcoming challenges): You could frame your struggle with verbal communication as a challenge and show how writing became your solution — emphasizing growth and resilience.

Prompt 6 (A topic that fascinates you): You could focus on how writing allows you to explore truth, power, and storytelling — connecting it to journalism and political science.

Prompt 7 (Free choice): You could write a creative, narrative-style essay that shows your voice in action — maybe structured like a letter to your younger self or a reflection on a specific piece you wrote.

In short: your concept is strong, but it needs sharper storytelling, emotional specificity, and a clear link between your personal growth and your academic ambitions.

(I hope this helps!)