Sometimes people have difficulty figuring out how to choose college essay topics that stand out. Other times students have too many topic ideas and have trouble choosing just one. This article goes over how to make the topic selection process more manageable and pick the best college essay topics. These tips will help you write about a topic that sways the reader towards accepting you into their college.
How to Generate College Essay Topics that Stand Out
Brainstorm a broad list of topics
The first step to uncovering college essay topics that stand out is to write down every topic that comes to mind. Writing them all down alongside one another will simplify the selection process so that you can easily compare your options.
Narrow your list to college essay topics that stand out
Once you write all of your topic ideas down, take a look at each one individually. As you do so, ask yourself the following questions:
Will I enjoy writing about this college essay topic?
You’re going to spend a lot of time writing and revising this essay, so try to make it as enjoyable as possible. Your enjoyment will naturally shine through in your writing, making the essay more engaging to read for admissions officers. It’s a win-win.
Does my college essay topic rely on some gimmick or involve trying to get a cheap laugh?
There’s no need to try to be someone you’re not. It’s important to be authentic in your college application essays. Admissions officers want to learn about the real you and will quickly pass over essays that feel phony. Authentic humor and playfulness in your writing style is effective if that’s your natural writing style, but don’t try too hard or it will come off as forced and feel out of place.
Does my essay topic give me an opportunity to describe something about my life that isn’t reflected anywhere else in my application?
Your personal statement essay is a chance to showcase something new that doesn’t show up in other parts of your application, such as your Common App Activities List. It’s okay to have some overlap, so don’t stress if you don’t have a completely unexpected topic, but try to think of your essay as an opportunity to add some flavor and variety to your application. Doing so gives you the chance to feature the holistic, dynamic person that you are!
Will my topic keep the reader engaged from beginning to end?
The average amount of time an admissions officer spends reviewing your entire application is 8 minutes. Your goal is to write an essay that demands your reader’s attention and makes them slow down. Instead of writing an essay that an admissions officer skims through or barely glances over, you want your essay to keep the reader’s attention word to word.
Does my topic fall into any of the essay topics to avoid?
We recommend avoiding certain essay topics, including writing about other people, your overseas experience, career aspirations, academic triumphs, or sports injuries. Remove any topics from your list that fall into these 5 categories.
Will my topic help me write a good essay that’s memorable from the start?
First impressions matter. Pick a topic that gives you the opportunity to stand out by catching your reader’s attention with a captivating hook opening. Pass over topics that don’t lend themselves to a compelling opening that immediately draws your reader in.
Conclusion
Applying these six questions to your brainstormed list of essay topics should narrow down your ideas to the college essay topics that stand out. One topic will rise to the top and stand out from the rest – that’s the topic to write on. Often, it’s one of the first topics you think of. Trust your gut and your heart.
To write the best college essay you can, make sure your topic passes the test by asking the above questions. If you do, you should have no problem keeping the reader engaged, entertained, and remembering your essay. By choosing a good college essay topic for your application essay, you’ll make an admissions impact and increase your chances of acceptance.
Still stuck? If you need help narrowing down your topic or want professional guidance from one of our expert essay coaches, reach out to HelloCollege today.
