Hello! I am a rising senior and I am getting ready to start applications this summer but I am at a loss as to where to start. The prompts (CommonApp) are very broad and I know that it is like that to give applicants a wide range of topics to discuss. However, I don’t really know what to talk about, how to come up with ideas that would be impactful, or discuss topics that are not a cliche. I know that writing college essays is an individual process but what are some brainstorming tips and general advice for writing college essays?
The purpose of the college essay should be: 1) to tell something about yourself that can’t be found elsewhere on the application and 2) to make the admissions officers want to have you on campus. Keep those two criteria in mind as you come up with ideas.
Often it is a matter of coming up with a few different ideas, writing some drafts/outlines and seeing where they go.
Please look at the pinned posts on the first page of the college essay forum. There are many great tips there.
I’m also a rising senior, and like you I struggled with ideas. I looked at the essay prompts and thought about them all night. The next day I sat down and made a list of topics I could possibly write about that were meaningful to me. The day after that, I wrote down life lessons I have learned and tried connecting them to my list of topics. I outlined three possible drafts before picking one that I am currently editing… (in case you wanted to know, I am writing about a scar I got when I was young)
After I saw this, I took your advice and it has been quite helpful. I definitely have a few ideas to go off from now-good luck with your essay!
You’re welcome! Good luck to you too!