Thousands of high school seniors around America are now preparing to write their college essays. The essay is a vital part of the application process and is crucial in selecting students that stand out. Therefore, every student should aspire to write an exceptional essay. One way to do this is to make sure that any topic you write the essay on is personal. The number one question to ask yourself before writing your essay is, “Could anyone else have written this?” If the answer is “yes” try to think of a new topic.
I have compiled a list of 15 ideas for you to consider/change to best fit you:
- Is there any moment in your life that you regret, and if you could go back, what would you do differently?
- Who is a fictional character that you can relate to and why do you think you can relate to them?
- What part of you do you believe is so vital that you wouldn’t be you without it?
- What is your biggest fear and why?
- What is your happiest memory and why?
- Why do you want to go to that school? (only use this one if there is really some life changing reason that you want to go to that school, you have to REALLY convince them)
- If you were to talk to anyone alive or dead, who would it be? Why?
- What is one thing you have always been scared to do? Why?
- Have you ever been jealous of a friend? Why?
- Is there anything in life that you feel you have missed out on?
- What is one advancement/invention that you feel has made our generation worse?
- If someone had the ability to read your mind, what do you think your loudest thoughts would be?
- Imagine that you have written a 400-page autobiography of your life to this point. What would page 150 of that autobiography say?
- What is one thing you failed at? Did you ever try it again?
- Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” What difference do you want to make in the world?
There are also a few topics that you should try to avoid. Don’t talk about politics! While they are VERY relevant today, you don’t want to bring them up. Try to avoid cliches like writing about volunteer work, a common tragedy, family history, athletic injury, or your role model. There are all overused topics that will not help you stand out.
Whatever you do, just make sure the essay is a reflection of you! You can also try paying for essays if you find it difficult to write your own.
