Would This Be a Strong Essay Topic for Stanford?Answered
My dream school is Stanford, and my goal in life has been, up until this point, to get in. Would the following be a strong essay topic if tied to other parts of my application?
Finding My Voice: Writing as a Path to Self-Discovery (answers Common App prompt 5). It would cover the fact that I have never been a strong communicator vocally, but once I figured out I could write, I went to town. Writing has taken me to discover parts of myself that I would otherwise not know, and it has made me find out how I think in this world. Now, I can have something tangible to prove my existence.
Be as harsh as possible, PLEASE, and feel free to suggest any other prompts! I'm majoring in journalism and minoring in creative writing and political science.
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2 answers
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!)
So like, first of all, the topic is really good and strong! But it runs the risk of being too relaxed and general. With a college like Stanford, one that values more than just grades and point-averages, you want to go in a direction that not many have gone before and BLOW THEIR SOCKS OFF!! :) "We look for students who will make a strong contribution to the Stanford community by demonstrating intellectual vitality and academic leadership, qualities not entirely captured by grade point averages and test scores. Because of the number of exceptional students who apply to Stanford, there are unfortunately many top students for whom we simply do not have room." Straight off of the website FAQ. So what I would say is this; keep this prompt, but make it more intricate. Make it more unique, more you, dive into things you feel like not many others hit on. After all, they have so many students who apply. They're looking for someone who stands out from the rest, and, whether you like it or not, the topic seems a bit....common. (sorryyyy!! hopefully I don't come across as rude.....) So try to come up with something...different, iykwim.;) AND! Some key tips! Try to show, not tell. You probably heard bunches of that back in middle school, but it's true! Use storytelling and specific examples to reveal your character, not just blurting it out loud. BE. AUTHENTIC! Be genuine! This is the best time and opportunity to show Stanford what you got! What makes you, YOU! And one of the most important thing in my eyes.....focus on yourself! I know a lot of times in essays we can try to highlight the event or make it stick out, but you're not trying to make your experiences stand out, your trying to make YOURSELF stand out. The topic should highlight your growth, values, and unique voice, not just the event itself. So whatever topic you end up picking, BEST OF LUCK!!!
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