I'm currently trying to write my Common App essay, and I'm stuck at the brainstorming stage. Does anyone have any effective strategies for picking a topic and crafting a compelling narrative? I'm having trouble narrowing down my ideas and figuring out what would resonate with admissions officers.
It's normal to feel stuck at the brainstorming stage, but don't worry, you'll get through it! Choosing the right topic for your Common App essay can be a significant step in creating a captivating narrative that resonates with admissions officers. Here are some strategies to help you find that perfect topic and craft a compelling story.
1. Reflect on your interests and identity: Start by listing your hobbies, passions, and aspects of your identity that you think are unique or have shaped your perspective. These can include cultural heritage, particular interests outside of school, or your involvement in the community. Reflecting on who you are and what makes you unique will help you brainstorm potential essay topics.
2. Identify turning points and defining moments: Select key life experiences, turning points, or moments that have deeply impacted you. These can be happy or challenging experiences, as long as they've had a lasting impact on your life and personal growth. Remember, it's important to focus on how the experience has shaped you or inspired personal growth, rather than on the event itself.
3. Prioritize depth over breadth: When choosing a topic, aim for depth rather than trying to cover multiple ideas or events. A deep, personal exploration of one topic will often have a stronger impact on the reader than a more general overview of multiple experiences.
4. Consider how the topic will add to your overall application: Your essay should help showcase an aspect of your personality or experiences that isn't already highlighted in the other parts of your application, like your GPA or resume. Make sure that your chosen topic will provide additional insight into who you are as a person.
5. Show, don't tell: When crafting your narrative, remember to show the reader your growth, emotions, and experiences through vivid, descriptive language. Instead of making blanket statements about who you are or what you've learned, use anecdotes, details, and specific examples to illustrate your story.
6. Seek feedback from others: Share the potential topics you've brainstormed with a trusted friend, family member, or teacher who knows you well. Ask for their feedback on which idea they find most interesting, and use their input to help you refine and focus your thoughts.
7. Give yourself time to revise and refine: Don't expect to write the perfect essay in one sitting. It's essential to take your time and be open to revisions as you receive feedback and think more deeply about your topic. Remember that the best writing often comes from multiple drafts and revisions!
Once you've decided on a prompt and topic, check out this CollegeVine article for in-depth advice on writing your Common App essay: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-common-application-essays
As you navigate this process, keep in mind that your essay should be authentically you—highlighting your unique perspective and experiences. With reflection, patience, and persistence, you'll eventually find the perfect topic and craft a compelling narrative that resonates with admissions officers. Good luck!
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.