Crafting an Engaging and Unique College Essay: Eight Topics to Avoid and Nine That Just Might Work

Writing your college essay can be a daunting task, but by tapping into your unique perspective and highlighting your passions, you can craft a compelling narrative that stands out to admissions committees. It's also important to avoid common essay pitfalls, such as cliché topics and platitudes, that can dilute the impact of your message. Let's explore some specific themes to avoid, followed by nine inspiring prompts that can help you create a truly outstanding essay. Trust us, with a little creativity and guidance, you'll be well on your way to crafting a standout college essay!

1. The Sports Story: As a student-athlete, you might be inclined to focus on your sports achievements or experiences. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that sports-related topics are quite common and may not help you truly stand out. Instead, go beyond the field and explore other aspects of your life that make you a one-of-a-kind individual. Emphasize your unique interests and character, revealing the multi-faceted person you are.

2. Tragedy: Tragic events can be transformative and shape who we become. However, they can also be emotionally challenging to write about. If you decide to explore a tragic event in your life, remember to center the essay around your personal experiences and emotions. Share how these events impacted you, revealing the resilience and strength you developed as a result. It's not just about the event itself, but how it shaped your character.

3. Fancy Travel: While it might be tempting to showcase your amazing vacation tales or volunteer trips, travel-related topics can become somewhat generic. To make your essay truly memorable and distinct, focus on a specific aspect of your journey that left a lasting impact. Share an encounter that moved you, or a challenge that tested your mettle, highlighting your personal growth and reflection.

4. Critiques of your School: While it's tempting to vent your frustrations or expose negative aspects of the school you’re attending, it's best to steer clear of this approach. Criticizing the school might create a poor impression and diminish your chances of being accepted. It’s kind of like gossiping behind a friend’s back. Even if you are completely in the right to be critical, in this context, it can come across as overly negative and disloyal. Instead, let your enthusiasm and potential contributions to the school you are applying to take center stage in your essay. Showcase why you're a perfect fit and how you can positively impact the campus community.

5. Controversial Topics: It's natural to be passionate about certain issues, but it's wise to avoid controversial topics like current political debates. Keep in mind that you have no way of knowing the beliefs and perspectives of the person reading your essay. Rather than alienating them, choose a topic that showcases your unique experiences and character, steering clear of anything highly sensitive or polarizing.

6. Highly Personal Topics: While personal challenges like illnesses, disabilities, or severe injuries can demonstrate resilience, exercise caution. Avoid graphic or overly detailed descriptions. Instead, focus on how you overcame adversity and highlight the lessons learned and personal growth achieved.

7. Rehashing Your Resume: Your college application allows you to list your achievements and honors, so resist the temptation to turn your essay into an extensive brag sheet. This is your chance to let your personality shine through your writing. Share stories and experiences that provide deeper insights into your character. Showcasing your values, passions, and unique qualities is more important than simply listing your accomplishments.

8. The Most Important Place or a Role Model: Writing about an influential place or role model can be appealing, but be careful not to focus too much on that person or location. Remember, your college essay should be about you – the applicant – and what makes you unique. Schools want to learn about you and how you will contribute to their community. If you choose an inspirational route, emphasize how that person or place had a profound impact on your personal growth and development.

It’s very easy to tell students what not to write, but how about some inspiration of what just might work?

Here's a compilation of potential college essay topics that have not only inspired creativity but also secured success for aspiring college students.

1. Lessons from Failure: Reflecting on a meaningful failure and discussing the valuable lessons learned can showcase resilience and personal growth.

2. Cultural Identity: Exploring the significance of cultural heritage and its influence on personal values and aspirations can provide powerful insights into one's character.

3. Unconventional Hobbies or Jobs: Sharing a passion or hobby that may not be mainstream, such as beekeeping, calligraphy, or origami, offers a fresh perspective and a glimpse into unique skills and interests.

4. Family Influence: Discussing the impact of family members, experiences, or traditions on personal development and future goals can reveal strong values and familial bonds.

5. Community Involvement: Detailing meaningful experiences in community service, activism, or volunteering can demonstrate compassion, leadership, and a commitment to positive change.

6. Personal Growth Through Travel: Narrating the transformative experiences gained from travel and cultural immersion showcases open-mindedness, adaptability, and a global perspective.

7. Overcoming Adversity: Sharing stories of overcoming challenges, whether it's a health obstacle, economic hardship, or personal hardship, can exhibit determination and strength of character.

8. Passion for a Cause: Articulating a deep-rooted passion for environmental advocacy, social justice, animal welfare, or any other cause demonstrates a sense of purpose and dedication to making a difference.

9. Seemingly Small Pivotal Life Moments: Narrating a significant life event, such as a cross-cultural experience, a eureka moment, or a transformative encounter, can illustrate self-discovery and profound personal insight. These can be tiny experiences to others that wind up being hugely meaningful to you. The beauty is in showing the reader how you interpret the significance.

These topics have proven to be effective in capturing the attention of admissions committees and providing a platform for students to convey their authentic selves, but that doesn’t mean they have to be your choice. Try to choose a topic that rounds out your application with information about you that shows up nowhere else on your application. Think: what does this admissions committee need to know to really get me and view me in a positive light? The best essays come across as deceptively simple. Still want some guidance? Schedule a meeting with us! That’s exactly what we’re here for. ;)