Hi, I've been stressing over the Common App Essay and I'm thinking about going with Option 1 (background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it). Can y'all share some advice on picking a unique and compelling topic? I want to make sure it stands out!
Sure! Choosing a unique and compelling topic for your Common App essay is very important, as it helps you showcase your personality and make a lasting impression on the admissions officers. Here are some steps to help you choose an essay topic that stands out:
1. Reflect on your experiences: Spend some time thinking about your personal, academic, or extracurricular experiences and identify moments that helped shape your background, identity, interests, or talents. Consider unique aspects of your life that make you who you are today.
2. Brainstorm ideas: Once you've identified key experiences, start brainstorming potential essay topics. Write down anything that comes to mind without filtering or limiting yourself. This will allow you to have a broader range of ideas to choose from later.
3. Find your unique angle: To set apart your essay from the others, think about what makes your experiences or perspective unique. Avoid cliché topics and instead focus on stories that reveal something memorable and meaningful about you. This can be a challenge you've overcome, an unexpected hobby or talent, or a unique perspective on a common issue.
4. Show, don't tell: To maintain a strong narrative and engage the reader, use descriptive language and specific examples to help the admissions officers see what you're describing. This will make your essay more vivid and memorable.
5. Keep it personal: A successful essay is one that stays focused on your own experiences and perspective. While it's important to provide context, it's equally important to keep the focus on yourself, your growth, and your insights.
For example, rather than writing about your family's immigration story in general, you may choose to focus on a specific tradition or custom that your family brought from their home country and the impact that has had on your life. Or, instead of writing about being a three-sport athlete, you might write about the moment when you used your athletic skills or experiences to aid someone in need or to resolve a difficult situation.
Remember to be genuine, be thoughtful, and allow your voice to shine through. Your essay is a great opportunity for the admissions officers to connect with you on a personal level, so make sure your essay reflects who you really are. Good luck with your essay writing!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.