What should I write my college essay about? Whether you’re applying to a selective school or a community college, you need to find a topic you can stand behind. There are a few tips to keep in mind when writing this essay: Avoid controversial topics, highlight your strengths, and write an anecdote. If you’re stuck on what to write, follow these suggestions.
Finding a topic for a college essay
There are many topics to choose from when writing a college essay. Think of experiences that you’ve had, hobbies that you’ve pursued, and more. Ultimately, the essay should convey something about you that the reader can relate to. In general, topics should be related to your personality and personal growth. Consider asking yourself these questions before writing your essay:
Avoiding controversial topics
Despite your personal feelings about certain issues, it is best to avoid writing your college essay about them. While it can be tempting to write about something you’re passionate about, it is best to steer clear of such topics as political or social issues. While a hot-button topic may be relevant for your own experience, it is best to avoid such topics to avoid offending readers. Rather, write about a topic that you think is not controversial and is related to your life.
Highlighting your strengths
When writing your college essay, many students struggle with highlighting their strengths. While knowing your strengths and weaknesses is your greatest strength, admissions officers have thousands of applications to sift through. If your start is weak or your essay does not reflect your qualities, they might not read it at all. Highlight your positive attributes first and then focus on your weaknesses later. Here are some examples of how to highlight your strengths in your college essay.
Writing an anecdote
If you’re struggling to write a college essay, one of the best ways to make your story more compelling is to tell an anecdote. Anecdotes are powerful narrative tools that allow you to display your personality and voice. You can use an anecdote to explain a pivotal moment in your life. Perhaps it was a summer spent camping with your family or your passion for environmental science. Either way, your anecdote must contain a climax.
Adding feelings to your essay
When it comes to writing college essays, adding your own personal touch is an excellent idea. Your essay is an opportunity to showcase your unique perspective. Avoid writing about traits you have in common with other students and focus on what makes you unique. This could be something as personal as your upbringing, family, or even a recent failure. Instead, use this opportunity to describe your unique experiences and how they have shaped you. Remember that writing your essay should sound like you, not someone else.