how to choose a college essay topic

June 16, 2023
by Sharon Epstein Leave a comment

You Don’t Need a “Big” Story to Write a Great College Essay

“I don’t have a big enough story to write about.”

I often hear students express this concern about their Common Application essays. They’re worried their experiences aren’t “big” or eventful enough to stand out.

You don’t need a big event in your life to write a standout Common Application essay. In fact, some of the best stories might seem ordinary, but when you look deeper, they’re interesting and original and can express a great deal about the author too.

For inspiration, I’ll tell you about a student who played catch with his little brother every afternoon. His dad came home late in the evening, so instead of heading off to do homework or hang out with friends, the student became his brother’s coach and cheering squad. Those afternoons weren’t “big” events, but writing about them showed how much he valued family and stepped up to lead even when no one asked him to. Writing about those afternoons showcased his positive qualities and helped the schools envision the caring young man and leader he’d be when he got to campus.

Unearthing these smaller moments can be difficult; they don’t always pop into our heads. That’s when more brainstorming is in order.

First, when you’re writing a Common Application essay, it’s important to know what schools are looking for. Colleges want to learn about you: What are some of your best qualities? What experiences have you learned from? What matters to you and why? When schools read your essay, they should get a sense of your strengths and personality and begin to envision how you’ll be a great fit for their school.

To start brainstorming, make a list of your positive qualities. Then write down how you use each quality to react to or handle a situation. For example, “If I don’t know an answer, I’m determined enough to find it. I speak up when I see an injustice.” You might find an interesting topic this way. Another method is to pay attention as you go through your day: What kind of conversations do you engage in with friends and family? How do you pursue your curiosity outside of class? Scroll through photos to spark memories and look around your room for keepsakes or gifts; one might lead to a story to write about.

No matter what topic you choose, it’s important to include what you learned or how you changed from your experience. Whether it’s a new perspective, a better understanding of yourself, or something else, reflection shows the insight you’ve gained. It makes the essay deeper, more thoughtful, and original to you.

So, if you’ve got a “big” experience, great! But writing about how you taught yourself to fish, the dinners you make for friends, or why you love Scrabble matters too. You’ll give the reader a picture of you: what you care about, how you think, and who you are. And ultimately, that’s what schools want to know.

This article first appeared in the Redding Sentinel

Sharon Epstein is a college essay specialist and interview coach. She is a Writers Guild Award-winner and two-time Emmy Award nominee, teaching students around the world how to master interview skills, write resumes, and transform their goals, dreams, and experiences into memorable college application essays. Visit my website for more information about my services.

How to Write Common Application Essay 7 topic of your choice

May 17, 2018
by Sharon Epstein 7 Comments

How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 7: Topic of Your Choice

Which Common Application prompt should you choose? In this seven-part series I’ve been helping you answer that question. We’ve come to the final prompt. (Phew!)

For the complete list of 2018 Common Application essay questions click here.

Ready for #7? Let’s do it!

Common Application Essay Prompt #7

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Is this Prompt for You? Answer Yes IF:

The other prompts don’t speak to you.
You’re inspired by another school’s prompt.
You want to ask and answer your own question.
You’ve already written an essay that showcases you as an excellent college candidate.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Don’t Stress Over this Prompt. This prompt is meant to reduce your stress, not add to it, says Scott Anderson at The Common Application. Anderson adds, “Topic of your choice doesn’t mean default choice.” If the prompt feels too unstructured use one of the other prompts.

Don’t Submit Less Than Your Best. If you’re submitting an essay you’ve already written, make sure it’s well written and showcases you as an excellent potential college student.

Don’t Forget the Fundamentals. Prompt #7 doesn’t provide as much guidance as some of the other prompts. So this a good time to recap what schools look for in a Common Application essay:
- Your writing skills
- Your ability to communicate your ideas.
- Your personality – what makes you laugh, think, hope, dream, care. In other words, what’s meaningful to you and why.
- Schools like to see how you think, so show them that process.
- Most of the best essays don’t have nice, easy stories. They’ve got an obstacle thrown in your path, a problem you need to solve, a decision you have to make, a realization you came to, or some other circumstance that’s helped shape you into who you are.
- Essays include reflection—you need to be able to take a step back from your experience to understand how it’s shaped you and/or your goals.

Example of Successful Essay Topic

I had a student, James, who loved the novel The Stranger, by Albert Camus. The title character, Meursault, is estranged from the world, indifferent to society and unaffected by feelings.

So James wrote an essay in which he has a conversation with Meursault. In it, he counters Meursault’s view on the world. Instead of being unaffected, James tells Meursault that he attempts to live a purposeful life. He tries things for pleasure, like teaching himself to cook, because trying and learning give him a better understanding of the world. He tells Meursault about the joy of learning music. He talks about how he designed his own science experiments, and how he learned that, if you soak chicken bones in hydrochloric acid, they’ll bend at 45 degrees without breaking. No information is useless, James stresses to Meursault. At the end of the essay, he tells Meursault that he will always be glad he’s forged his own path and that (unlike Meursault) he has lived life to the fullest.

Why Does this Essay Succeed?

This topic didn’t fit into any of the other prompts, so prompt #7 was the natural choice.

James uses the conversation to show how he’s the opposite of Meursault—he cares, he’s involved, he’s eclectic, he’s engaged. The reader gets a clear sense of his personality, his intellectual curiosity, and his zest for life. It’s creative and original. These are all qualities colleges will like to see.

A Word in Support of Some of My Favorite Prompts from the University of Chicago:

If you’re still looking for essay inspiration, check out the University of Chicago’s essay prompts. UChicago prides itself on uncommon, fun essay questions. They encourage thought and reflection. And they always bring to light interesting aspects of the writer that might otherwise remain hidden. You might decide to answer one for the Common App or invent one of your own. Read the ones I’ve listed below to see how, with a little imagination, you can create your own question and let your imagination and personality fly.

A Sampling of UChicago prompts:

Joan of Arkansas. Queen Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Babe Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Mash up a historical figure with a new time period, environment, location, or occupation, and tell us their story.
History and art are full of heroes and their enemies. Tell us about the relationship between you and your arch-nemesis (either real or imagined).
How did you get caught? (Or not caught, as the case may be.)
Chicago author Nelson Algren said, “A writer does well if in his whole life he can tell the story of one street.”…Tell us the story of a street, path, road—real or imagined or metaphorical.
“Don’t play what’s there, play what’s not there.”—Miles Davis (1926–91)
Susan Sontag said, “The only interesting answers are those that destroy the questions.” We all have heard serious questions, absurd questions, and seriously absurd questions, some of which cannot be answered without obliterating the very question. Destroy a question with your answer.
Click here to read more UChicago prompts.

If you enjoyed this post, I hope you’ll like my Facebook page

Sharon Epstein is a Writers Guild Award-winner and two-time Emmy Award nominee, teaching students around the world how to master interview skills, write resumes, and transform their goals, dreams and experiences into creative and memorable college application essays. I work with students everywhere: in-person, by phone, FaceTime, Skype and email. Visit my website for more info. Connect on Google+, Pinterest and Twitter.

Read the entire “How to Write” series:
How to Write Common App Prompt #1: Background, Talent, Identity, or Interest
How to Write Common App Prompt #2: The Lessons We Take From Obstacles
How to Write Common App Prompt #3: Challenged a Belief or Idea
How to Write Common App Prompt #4: A Problem You’ve Solved or Would Like to Solve
How to Write Common App Prompt #5: An Accomplishment, Event, or Realization
How to Write Common App Prompt #6: Topic, Idea or Concept that Makes You Lose Track of Time
How to Write Common App Prompt #7: Topic of Your Choice

How to Write Common Application Essay 6 what makes you lose track of time

May 11, 2018
by Sharon Epstein 7 Comments

How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 6: Makes You Lose All Track of Time

You’re writing a Common Application essay.

Which prompt do you answer?

In this 7-part series I’m helping you discover which Common Application essay prompt is right for you.

For the complete list of 2018 Common App essay questions click here.

Ready for #6? Let’s do it!

Common Application Essay Prompt #6:

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Is this Prompt for You? Look at the Keywords:

“Topic, Idea or Concept”…”Lose All Track of Time”…”Why”…”What or Who Do You Turn To”

Do the Keywords Apply to You?

“Topic, Idea, or Concept” is a very broad phrase. That’s good! It means you can choose almost anything, large or small.

“Lose All Track of Time” is self-explanatory. You’ve found yourself so engrossed in something that you didn’t realize how much time had passed.

“Why Does it Captivate You?” The key word here is why. You need to figure out why this topic is so engaging, exciting, or thought provoking for you.

“What or Who Do You Turn To When You Want to Learn More?” This refers to your independent learning—the times you collect information on your own. You might have asked a teacher, searched Google, read books, watched videos, etc.

What Can Colleges Learn About You From This Question?

You’re curious. When something intrigues you, you don’t just sit there—you do something.
You’re resourceful. You seek out new sources of information.
You’re independent. You’ve directed your own learning.
Colleges can picture you being an independent, curious learner at college.
Colleges can learn about something that’s meaningful to you.

Pitfalls to Avoid

This Question Has 3 Parts—Don’t Leave Any Out. They are: 1. Topic, idea, or concept; 2. Why it captivates you; 3. Who or what you turn to when you want to learn more.
Don’t Shortchange “Why.” Discussing “why” is one of the most important things you can do in an essay. Through why, schools learn about you. They see how you think, what you care about, or what concerns you. After you’ve written your draft, read it again and ask yourself if you’ve explored all the reasons “why.”
Avoid the Boring Trap!

To me, this essay prompt is missing something — it doesn’t ask you to look for that little bit of grit in your story. Most of the best essays have some grit – they’ve got an obstacle thrown in someone’s path, a problem to solve, a decision that must be made. Grit makes your story more interesting. It uncovers more of you.

So when you’re writing this essay, find that time you had to think a little harder, become a little more self-reliant, make a decision, or solve a problem. You’ll make your essay more interesting, and avoid the boring trap.

Example of Successful Essay Topic

“The Artist”

Joanne is a an artist. She drew before she could talk. When she’s painting, Joanna loses all track of time. Art gives Joanne an expressive outlet for her thoughts and imagination and it’s helped her develop her sense of personal expression. She tries to interpret her world through her choice of colors, shapes, and setting.

In elementary school, Joanne’s teacher didn’t like her drawings of people and told her she had to draw them with the right number of fingers and toes. For a while, she did it the teacher’s way. But then she decided she didn’t have to be like anyone else and she’s been drawing her way ever since.

In her essay, Joanne wrote that she’s been influenced by two painters who use color and shapes in different ways: Grandma Moses and Georgia O’Keefe. She looks carefully at how they portray their worlds. That gives Joanne ideas about how she can find original ways to interpret hers.

Whenever she can, Joanne takes art classes at the Art Barn down the street. She reads about her favorite painters and she’s learning about new ones. Next, Joanne says, she’s going to experiment with clay. She’s not sure what she’ll be creating or what she’ll learn about herself in the process, but she can’t wait to get started.

Why This Topic Succeeds

All the keywords are addressed. She identifies what makes her lose track of time, discusses why it captivates her, and says what she does when she wants to learn more.
She doesn’t shortchange “why.” She digs deep to say why art captivates her.
She avoids the boring trap. Joanne’s elementary school story is important because it was a roadblock. It made her look inward and examine her relationship to art, something she continues to do. By including this story, Joanne added that little bit of grit—this is a young lady who decided at an early age that she’s going to follow her own path.

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Next: How to Write Common App Prompt #7

Sharon Epstein is a Writers Guild Award-winner and two-time Emmy Award nominee, teaching students around the world how to master interview skills, write resumes, and transform their goals, dreams and experiences into creative and memorable college application essays. I work with students everywhere: in-person, by phone, FaceTime, Skype and email. Visit my website for more info. Connect on Google+, Pinterest and Twitter.

Read the entire “How To Write” series:
How to Write Common App Prompt #1: Background, Talent, Identity, or Interest
How to Write Common App Prompt #2: The Lessons We Take From Obstacles
How to Write Common App Prompt #3: Questioned or Challenged a Belief or Idea
How to Write Common App Prompt #4: A Problem You’ve Solved or Would Like to Solve
How to Write Common App Prompt #5: An Accomplishment, Event, or Realization
How to Write Common App Prompt #6: Topic, Idea or Concept that Makes You Lose Track of Time
How to Write Common App Prompt #7: Topic of Your Choice

How to Write Common Application essay 5 accomplishment event or realization

May 10, 2018
by Sharon Epstein 7 Comments

How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 5: Accomplishment, Event or Realization

The Common Application essay prompts are out.

Which question should you choose?

In this 7-part series you’ll discover which Common Application essay prompt is right for you.

You’ll learn how to think about each question and what pitfalls to avoid. I’ll give you essay examples, too.

For the complete list of 2018 Common App essay prompts click here.

Ready for prompt #5? Let’s do it!

Common Application Essay Prompt #5

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Is this Prompt for You? Look at the Keywords

“Accomplishment, Event, or Realization”…”Personal Growth”…”New Understanding of Yourself or Others”

Do The Keywords Apply To You?

“Accomplishment, event or realization” is a broad phrase. That’s good! It means you can choose almost anything, large or small, that you experienced, accomplished or realized.

“A Period of Personal Growth” is when this occurred. It’s also the process of what was changing inside of you.

“A new understanding of yourself or others” is your learning experience. It’s what you learned and how your perspective changed. When you’re writing this section think about how your experience shaped your attitude, outlook or actions, and how it helped you become the person you are today.

Why Should You Consider This Question?
Colleges Can Learn About:

Your maturity
Your ability to develop relationships within your family or community.
Your insight—you can take a step back and reflect on how an experience shaped you.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Answer the Entire Question. This question has three parts: 1. Describe your accomplishment, event or realization 2. Explain your period of personal growth 3. Reflect on your new understanding of yourself and others. You must answer all three parts.
Avoid Being Superficial. Dig deep for your learning experience. It’s a key way you can differentiate yourself and your essay.

Example of How to Dig Deeper: My student, Alex, wrote about being a tutor. He said his new understanding about himself was that he liked to help people. While this was true, it was also superficial. Lots of students like to help people. And what did the reader truly learn about him? Not enough.

So I asked him to write out a list of words that showed the positive results of helping people, and then choose one to focus on (he could have chosen more). He chose “potential.” In his revised draft, instead of saying he “liked to help people,” he wrote about how he came to understand how much he enjoyed helping people achieve their potential, and how tutoring helped him realize his own potential as well. Alex dug deeper for his learning experience, and found a way to differentiate his essay.

Still Not Sure This is Your Topic?
Here are Questions You Can Ask Yourself:

Did you have an experience that helped you become more compassionate or understanding?
Did you have the opportunity to teach younger students and found that you grew or matured in the process?
Did you have a life event that forced you to take on more responsibility?
Did you start your own business or volunteer program, and in the process became more understanding of your community, or your own responsibilities or actions?
Did you undertake a task, trip, or adventure that helped you mature and understand yourself better?

Example of a Successful Essay Topic

On the Flip Side

Paige was a successful competitive gymnast until she got injured and couldn’t compete. She felt lost; so much of her identity was being a gymnast. A few months later she started volunteering as a coach of the Special Olympics gymnastics team in her town. Paige made practices fun. She taught her team exercises and developed routines. But most of all, Paige taught her athletes that it didn’t matter if they won or lost, as long as they competed as a team. The team lost at state competition, but they supported each other. To Paige, that was a win.

During her experience, Paige found herself growing as a coach and mentor. She discovered that as a teacher she was capable of making sports a positive experience for others. In her essay she wrote that working with her athletes changed her; as she instilled confidence in them, they did the same thing for her. Paige also realized something fundamental about herself—it was important to her that everyone, no matter his or her differences, gets the chance to win, lose and compete. While Paige isn’t sure of her career plans, she knows she wants to continue to work with people, and support them so they can achieve their best.

Why is This Topic Successful?
All the Keywords are Addressed.

Paige became a Special Olympics coach and trained her team for state competition—an event or accomplishment.
It sparked a period of personal growth—she developed as a coach, teacher and role model for her team.
She ended with a new, more mature understanding of herself—she realized that she didn’t have to be a gymnast to feel accomplished, and that it was even more fulfilling to use her skills to help others, which is what she plans to do.
She ended with a new understanding of others—working with her Special Olympians helped her realize how important it is that everybody be given the opportunity to win, lose and compete, no matter their differences. This understanding helped shape her future.

Tip: While Paige ended up with a new understanding of herself AND others, the prompt asks for a new understanding of yourself OR others. So, if you don’t have an experience that applies to both, you’re still good.

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Next: How to Write Common App essay 6

Read the entire “How to Write” series:
How to Write Common App Prompt #1: Background, Talent, Identity, or Interest
How to Write Common App Prompt #2: The Lessons We Take From Obstacles
How to Write Common App Prompt #3: Questioned or Challenged a Belief or Idea
How to Write Common App Prompt #4: A Problem You’ve Solved or Would Like to Solve
How to Write Common App Prompt #5: An Accomplishment, Event, or Realization
How to Write Common App Prompt #6: Topic, Idea or Concept that Makes You Lose Track of Time
How to Write Common App Prompt #7: Topic of Your Choice

How to Write Common Application Essay 4 questioned belief or idea

April 26, 2018
by Sharon Epstein 7 Comments

How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 3: Questioned or Challenged a Belief or Idea

Are you wondering which Common Application essay is right for you?

Are you ready to learn what makes college essays successful, and how you can be successful, too?

The Common Application essay may be the most important college application essay you’ll have to write.

In this post you’ll learn about writing Common Application essay #3. It’s part of my series on how to write the Common Application essay.

For the entire list of 2018 Common Application essay prompts click here.

Ready for number 3? Let’s do it!

Common Application Essay Prompt #3:

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Is This Prompt for You? Look at the Keywords:

“Questioned or challenged”…”Belief or idea”…”Prompted your thinking”

Why Should You Consider This Topic?

You can show off your critical thinking skills.
It’s a chance to illustrate one or more of your personal values. (Not sure of your personal values? Click here for my personal values Worksheet.)
Colleges love to see how you think. They like to see what’s going on under the hood. It helps them envision you as a student when you get to school. Writing about what makes you think more deeply or how you’ve made some tough decisions will let the schools see what kind of independent thinker you’ll be when you get there.

Do the Keywords Apply to You?

A “belief or idea” can include:

Something you learned or were taught.
A belief or idea held by others (including friends, schoolmates and family).
A belief that’s unique to you. What if you thought your sister came from Mars? (Okay, that’s silly.) But sometimes we have our own ideas: Consider the student who thinks being loudest is the best way to gain attention, or the girl who thinks she’s happiest being alone. What if the student realized he’d rather have friends than negative attention, or the girl pushed herself out of her comfort zone to discover she enjoyed being a leader at school? Think about what you believed when you were younger, and if your ideas changed, why. If your experience is meaningful and says positive things about you (and answers the question), this prompt could be for you.

Beliefs and ideas can also be challenged on a bigger scale. Take a look at the essay example below where a student challenges the existence of an entire school event.

Pitfalls to Avoid

This question has THREE parts—make sure you answer ALL of them: The event, what prompted your thinking, and the outcome.
Don’t forget to reflect on your decision. Were you satisfied with the outcome? Did you learn something from this experience? Would you do it again? The ability to reflect demonstrates insight and maturity.
Don’t jump to the end result. Show your thought process. Thinking is a process. It goes step by step. It’s important to show how your thought process worked when you’re writing your story.

Here’s an example of how thought process works:

There’s a pebble in my shoe, so I reach down and take it out. Done deal? Wait! Let’s back up and pay attention to how my thought process worked: I feel something bothering me and I wonder what it is. I figure I should see what’s annoying me, so I reach down and realize it’s a pebble and decide to take it out of my shoe.

That’s thought process. It’s a simple example; but what if I wrote, “I had a pebble in my shoe and took it out.” No! You actually thought about it before you acted. It’s like math class when the teacher makes you show your work—jump to the end and you miss the process.

Not Sure this Question Relates to You?
Here Are Questions You Can Ask Yourself:

Were you told by an adult that you wouldn’t be successful in an activity, but you chose to pursue it anyway?
Did you challenge what a group of friends told you to do because you thought they were wrong?
Did you see someone being treated unfairly (perhaps even yourself) and attempt to rectify it?
Have you ever changed your beliefs because you learned something new?
Has someone or something ever caused you to question a strong personal value?
Have you always assumed something, but then found yourself in a position where you had to rethink that assumption?
Did you always think there was a way something should or shouldn’t be done, and then changed your perspective?

Which brings me to:

Should you write about religion? You can. I’ve had students who’ve written about different aspects of their spiritual journey, whether it was trying to conform to their parents’ religion or searching for their own truth.

But here’s the caution: You never want to offend your reader. A belief or idea you disagree with could be one that your reader accepts, so weigh your topic choice and be respectful when needed. Also consider the tone of your writing. For instance, it’s a lot different to say you felt a need to find your own spiritual path than you hated a specific religion and couldn’t wait to get out of there.

Bottom line: If you feel your topic could impact your admission, choose something different.

Tip: Some admissions officers tell me that many essays about spiritual journeys are starting to sound very similar to them. So if you want to write about your spiritual journey, find an original approach that makes your essay stands out. If it starts to feel generic, dig deeper into who you are and how this topic reflects your values, your ability to problem solve, or your goals. If you’re not sure it will stand out, switch topics.

Example of a Successful Essay Topic:

“Standing up for Autism”

Sam was a student with autism. Every year, his high school held an event in support of autism awareness. Students wore blue t-shirts, participated in programs, and raised money for a prominent charity devoted to autism. But Sam had become aware that many people in the autistic community were upset with this charity—they felt the charity didn’t recognize the full value or contributions of the autistic community and had made some very negative statements. After researching the charity Sam agreed, and decided he wanted the school to end its support. But he knew he’d have to handle it carefully and respectfully. So he collected evidence and videos and presented them to his vice principal. Then he wrote a formal letter to the Board of Education. After discussing Sam’s material, the Board agreed with Sam and decided that future events would no longer include the charity. Sam was both surprised and delighted. In his essay he wrote that he learned if he communicated his views in a clear and mature way, people in authority would respectfully listen and consider his viewpoint. In this case he was successful, and he felt he had made a positive difference.

Why This Topic Succeeds

All the keywords are addressed. Sam described the situation, discussed his thought process, and told the outcome.
He demonstrated critical thinking skills. He researched the charity to come to his own decision and then decided on the correct way to approach the school.
He included a learning experience. Sam learned that if he presented his views in a clear and respectful way that adults in authority would listen. He saw how he could make a positive change.
He illustrated some of his personal values: Community, Fairness, Responsibility.
He gave colleges excellent reasons to admit him: He took on a leadership role, communicated well with adults, and worked to create change. Even if he hadn’t been successful these qualities would have stood out.

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Next: How to Write Common App Prompt #4: A Problem You’ve Solved or Would Like to Solve

Sharon Epstein is a Writers Guild Award-winner and two-time Emmy Award nominee, teaching students around the world how to master interview skills, write resumes, and transform their goals, dreams and experiences into creative and memorable college application essays. She works with students everywhere: in-person, by phone, FaceTime, Skype and email. Visit my website for more info. Connect on Google+, Pinterest and Twitter.

Read the entire series:
How to Write Common App Prompt #1: Background, Talent, Identity, or Interest
How to Write Common App Prompt #2: The Lessons We Take From Obstacles
How to Write Common App Prompt #3: Challenged a Belief or Idea
How to Write Common App Prompt #4: A Problem You’ve Solved or Would Like to Solve
How to Write Common App Prompt #5: An Accomplishment, Event, or Realization
How to Write Common App Prompt #6: Topic, Idea or Concept that Makes You Lose Track of Time
How to Write Common App Prompt #7: Topic of Your Choice

How to Write Common Application Essay 2 lessons we take from obstacles

April 21, 2018
by Sharon Epstein 7 Comments

How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 2: Lessons We Take From Obstacles

Have you ever faced an obstacle and had to figure out how to get through it? Did you succeed—or maybe not?

Have you ever failed at something? I mean really tanked.

Did you learn from your experience?

Then Common Application Essay prompt #2 may be for you.

This is the second in my series on how to write the 2018 Common Application essay prompts. In this post, you’ll discover how to approach Common Application Essay prompt 2 and decide if it’s right for you.

Are you ready? Here we go…

Common Application Essay Prompt #2:

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Is This Prompt for You? Look at the Keywords:

“Obstacles”…”Lessons”…”Challenge”…”Setback”…
“Failure”…”Affect you”…”Learn”

Do the Keywords Apply to You?

Answer yes IF

You tried something and failed, took a risk that didn’t pay off, made a decision that turned out to be faulty, achieved something you weren’t sure you could do, figured out a way to succeed without enough resources, persevered in the face of difficult circumstances.
AND you learned from your experience.
AND you can reflect on how it affected you.

Pitfalls to Avoid:

This question has three parts—make sure you answer ALL of them: Your experience, how it affected you, and what positive lessons you learned.
Don’t wallow in the obstacle. It’s not the obstacle that’s important. Colleges are looking for how you responded and what you learned. Don’t spend too much space on what happened. Mention it and move on.
Avoid writing about a bad grade or marking period. Lots of students have a bad grade or marking period. If you write about it, the risk is that your essay will sound like a lot of others. (“I worked hard and learned that I could persevere.”) Remember: If your gut says it’s a common topic, sounds boring, or doesn’t differentiate you from other applicants, then choose something else to write about.

Tip: Failure isn’t the only option. Some students think this question is only about failure. It’s not. That’s why the prompt includes the keywords “obstacle,” “challenge,” and “setback.” Your experience doesn’t have to rise to the level of failure for you to write about it. And you certainly don’t have to try and manipulate a setback or challenge to make it sound like one.

Successful Essay Topic Example:

“Snowbound Night”

When he was 15, Andrew started a snowplow business using an ATV he had purchased. But the ATV wasn’t good at plowing deep snow. Andrew knew that, and would plow out his customers two or three times during a big snowfall. But one night his alarm didn’t wake him up, and by morning there were eight inches of snow on the ground. When Andrew started to move the ATV, it got stuck in his driveway. He knew his customers were counting on him, so he worked all night to shovel out the ATV, and plowed out his customers just in time for them to get to work.

After that experience, Andrew realized he needed to upgrade his equipment so he could serve his customers better. Eventually, Andrew traded his ATV for a truck with a plow, which in turn made his business more successful. Now he would like to pursue a business career.

Why this Topic Succeeds:

• All the keywords are addressed. Andrew told his story, examined how his failure affected him, and then wrote about the positive lessons he learned.
• It also shows he has good character. He didn’t leave his customers hanging.

But should you really write about a failure?

Absolutely. It’s a character-building experience.

Colleges wonder whether or not you can succeed in college by handling a bad grade, a difficult roommate or another frustration. When they see you’ve already been able to handle a significant challenge, you’ve given them that answer. They start to envision the kind of person you’ll be after college, too.

Are You Uncomfortable Discussing Failure?

DON’T BE. Remember, colleges look for character-building stories and problem solving skills.

In fact, Christine Hamilton, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission at Babson College, tells me she sees a lot of failure essays and that’s okay with her. She learns a lot about the character of incoming students by hearing how they’ve coped with failure.

CAUTION: Never write about failures that include very risky behavior or anything illegal (like hanging off a cliff or being caught drinking and driving).

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Next: How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 3 – A Time You Questioned or Challenged a Belief or Idea

Sharon Epstein is a Writers Guild Award-winner and two-time Emmy Award nominee, teaching students around the world how to master interview skills, write resumes, and transform their goals, dreams and experiences into creative and memorable college application essays. She works with students everywhere: in-person, by phone, FaceTime, Skype and email. Visit my website for more info. Connect on Google+, Pinterest and Twitter.

Other posts in Sharon’s “How to Write” series:
How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 1 – Background, Identity or Interest
How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 2 – Lessons We Take From Obstacles
How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 3 – A Time You Questioned or Challenged a Belief or Idea
How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 4 – Problem You’ve Solved or Would Like to Solve
How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 5 – Accomplishment, Event, or Realization
How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 6: What Makes You Lose All Track of Time
How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 7: Topic of Your Choice

How to Write Common Application Essay 1 Background Identity Interest Talent

April 3, 2018
by Sharon Epstein 6 Comments

How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 1: Background, Identity, Interest, or Talent

Writing a Common App essay? You may have heard there are some do’s and don’ts. You may feel ready to write, or a little bit panicky. Or you may just be looking for some extra help.

Welcome! This is your guide to the Common Application essay prompts. It’s the first of a seven-part series that will cover all the prompts. In it, you’ll discover advice and information to help you write your best Common Application essay.

You’ll learn what schools look for in a Common Application essay, how to choose an essay prompt, Common App do’s and don’ts, and how to avoid college essay pitfalls. I’ll give you essay examples, too.

Let’s Start with Common Application Essay Basics:

The 2018 Common Application has seven prompts. You answer one of them.
The Common App essay must be between 250-650 words.
You can’t upload more than 650 words.
Not every school accepts the Common Application, so check every college on your list for its essay requirements.
Click here for the entire list of 2018 Common App essay prompts.

What Do Schools Look for in a Common Application Essay?

Your writing skills.
Your ability to communicate your ideas.
Your personality on the page. (What do you care about? What makes you laugh, wonder, hope, dream, reflect, set goals, challenge yourself, want to change something? And why.)
A learning or growth experience.

Now, for something very important: The Instructions.

The instructions are important not just to know what to do, but to understand why you’re doing this. What’s the purpose of this thing called The Common Application essay?

Common Application Essay Instructions

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response.

You’re essay’s got a purpose! Your essay tells the schools something positive you want them to know about you. It lets the schools get to know you in a way they can’t from the rest of your application. By making a personal connection, you help your application stand out. This is why you’re writing.

Okay, ready for the first prompt? Here we go…

Common Application Essay Prompt #1:

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Is this Prompt for You? Look at the Keywords:

Background — Identity — Interest — Talent — Meaningful — Incomplete without it.

Do these Keywords Apply to You?

“Background, identity, interest, talent.” These words are meant to spark your imagination. Take a minute and think about what’s shaped your life. Is it who you are…where you’re from…what you love…how you think…a cause you advocate…a hobby you just learned? You can write about almost anything as long as it’s important to the person you’ve grown to be.

“Meaningful” means that this experience has shaped you in a fundamental way—it has influenced your choices, outlook, perspective and/or goals.

Your application would be “incomplete without it.” You need to tell this story in order for people to fully understand you. You also haven’t told it anywhere else in your application.

Choose this Prompt IF:

1. This experience helped shape you in a positive way.
2. If you didn’t tell this story, the admissions committee wouldn’t fully understand you.

Pitfalls to Avoid:

It has to mean something. Sure, you may like to swim or travel, but unless it’s a meaningful experience that helped define you in some way, it doesn’t qualify. You have to satisfy the keywords.

Don’t omit what you learned. Even though the prompt doesn’t specify it, make sure the reader sees what you’ve learned or how you’ve grown from your experience. This is essential for a complete answer.

Don’t sound like anyone else. Avoid writing about sports or mission trips—they’ve been written about so much most of them sound stale to admissions officers. It’s better to think about what else makes you stand out. If you’ve got the best recipe for chocolate cake or like to hunt for fossils, and you can link that to who you are, that’s going to be a more original topic.

Examples of Successful Essay Topics:

#1 – “Road Trip”

My student, Jeff, was the youngest of three brothers, both of whom were a lot older. (One was a teacher and one was in the Marine Corps.) Jeff was proud that the example his brothers set had helped him become responsible and mature, and he wanted to write about it. So he chose the summer they invited him on their cross-country trip, and the night they found themselves heading into a dangerous storm.

The two older brothers began arguing: One wanted to be safe and stop for the night and the other wanted to make it to their destination on time. Jeff recognized his brothers were at an impasse, so he checked the forecast and radar maps and figured out they could avoid the storm by taking a less direct route to their destination. When they stopped for gas, Jeff got out of the car and presented his solution. When they voiced their concerns, he calmly answered all of their questions. Eventually, his brothers agreed to continue using the longer route. When they got back in the car they asked Jeff to navigate.

By keeping a level head and finding the right way to communicate with his brothers, Jeff was able to facilitate a solution that satisfied everyone. He was proud that he helped lead them safely to their destination, and even prouder that he lived up to the examples of responsibility and maturity that his brothers had taught him.

Why Does this College Essay Topic Succeed?

All the keywords are addressed. Jeff couldn’t talk about his identity without writing about his family. The example his brothers set for him made him expect a lot of himself and become a responsible leader in many of his daily activities. It was central to who he was.
He learned from his experience. By being mature and thoughtful he found that he could make a positive difference in a difficult situation.

#2 – “Sharks”

Nina loved animals – the sweet, non-threatening kind. She volunteered with animals at the local zoo, but had always avoided the bigger, “dangerous” ones. But then she watched the movie “Jaws.” And, oddly, Nina fell in love with sharks. As an animal lover, she became interested in their preservation, and concerned about what she felt were inaccurate, overly negative portrayals.

Then Nina’s teacher assigned student presentations on a subject of their choice. Nina knew what she would do. Even though she was shy, she created a PowerPoint presentation designed to offer facts and to sway opinions. The class favorite was that humans have a greater chance of death by vending machines than by sharks.

Nina writes that while she might not have changed how all her friends think, the person who’s changed the most is Nina. Now when she volunteers with animals, Nina educates visitors about the more “dangerous” animals as well. And she will always argue for shark conservation.

Why Does this College Essay Topic Succeed?

All the keywords are addressed. Nina couldn’t tell her story without writing about her love of animals. It was central to her identity and her application would be incomplete without it.
She learned from her experience. As she acquired more information, her perspective about animals grew, as did her perspective on what she wanted her role to be. She learned to be an advocate and discovered a passion she didn’t know she had.

Example of a Poor Essay Topic:

“Friends”

David enjoyed hanging out with his friends. He was a good friend and liked to spend time talking with his friends while they all hung out together. David felt he was a loyal friend and that friends would always be important in his life.

Why Does this College Essay Topic Fail?

The keywords are not addressed. It’s not clear why this topic is meaningful to David or why his application would be incomplete without it.
There’s no learning or growth experience.
Boring. Nothing about this idea stands out or feels original.

If David had thought more about this idea, then it might have become an interesting topic. Perhaps he had made a difficult decision regarding a friendship, or had a made a choice that failed and had to figure out how to make it right. Then this could very well have become a more successful essay.

How Do I Find Topic Ideas for My Common Application Essay?

1. Start by brainstorming. The trick is to make this fun! Scroll through your photos and take a look at your videos. Poll your parents and friends and ask them how they’d describe you. (But don’t let them make the decision for you — their memories and ideas aren’t necessarily yours.) Here’s a fun idea: listen to yourself think. It may sound silly, but how often do we think about something interesting, and then – poof – it’s forgotten. Pay attention to your thoughts. You may find you come up with an interesting insight or two.

2. Don’t stop at the obvious answers. After you think of an idea or two, think of one or two more. It gets harder, but it also forces you to really investigate what lies below the surface. Most important – don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. We all have fears and failures. None of us makes decisions that are right all the time. It’s how you deal with them that’s important. That’s what the colleges like to see.

Tip: For more help, read my post on how to start writing your college essay.

Next: How to Write Prompt #2: The Lessons We Take From Obstacles

If you enjoyed this post, I hope you’ll like my Facebook page

Sharon Epstein is a Writers Guild Award-winner and two-time Emmy Award nominee, teaching students around the world how to master interview skills, write resumes, and transform their goals, dreams and experiences into memorable college application essays. She works with students everywhere: in-person, by phone, FaceTime, Skype and email. Visit my website for more info. Connect on Google+, Pinterest and Twitter.

May 2, 2017
by Sharon Epstein Leave a comment

How to Write 2017 Common Application Essay Prompts 1-7

Here it is, all in one place—My 2017 series on How to Write the Common Application Essays.

In it, I tell you what the prompts mean and discuss their important keywords, plus let you know why you should choose (or not choose) a specific prompt, and how to find your best topic. I also give you successful examples and ones that aren’t so successful, so you can understand why.

My goal is to help you find and tell YOUR story. Because everyone has a story to tell.

If you need more help, I hope you’ll contact me for a one-on-one session or for an essay review. You can reach me through the contact form at the end or at my website.

Thanks!

Here are the links to posts in the series:

How to Write Common App Essay #1: Background, Identity, Interest or Talent
How to Write Common App Essay #2: The Lessons We Take from Obstacles
How to Write Common App Essay #3: A Time When You Questioned or Challenged a Belief or Idea
How to Write Common App Essay #4: A Problem You’ve Solved or Would Like to Solve
How to Write Common App Essay #5: Accomplishment, Event or Realization
How to Write Common App Essay #6: What Makes You Lose All Track of Time
How to Write Common App Essay #7: Topic of Your Choice

Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting in Redding, Connecticut. She is a Writers Guild Award-winner and two-time Emmy Award nominee. First Impressions College Consulting teaches students how to master interview skills, write killer resumes, and transform their goals, dreams and experiences into memorable college application essays. Our tutors are award-winning writers and published authors who work with students everywhere: in-person, by phone, video and email. Visit my website for more info. Connect on Google+, Pinterest and Twitter.

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April 10, 2017
by Sharon Epstein 1 Comment

How to Write Common Application Essay 7: Topic of Your Choice

Which Common Application prompt should you choose? In this seven-part series I help you answer that question.

This is the last prompt. Hooray! (My fingers are tired!)

For the complete list of 2017 Common Application essay questions click here.

Ready for #7? Let’s do it!

Common Application Essay Prompt #7

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Is this Prompt for You? Answer Yes IF:

The other prompts don’t speak to you
You’re inspired by another school’s prompt
You want to ask and answer your own question
You’ve already written an essay that showcases you as an excellent college candidate

Pitfalls to Avoid

Don’t Stress Over this Prompt. This prompt is meant to reduce your stress, not add to it, says Scott Anderson at The Common Application. Anderson adds, “Topic of your choice doesn’t mean default choice.” If the prompt feels too unstructured use one of the other prompts.

Don’t Submit Less Than Your Best. If you’re submitting an essay you’ve already written, make sure it’s well written and showcases you as an excellent potential college student.

Don’t Forget the Fundamentals. Prompt #7 doesn’t provide as much guidance as some of the other prompts. So this a good time to recap what schools look for in a Common Application essay:
- Your writing skills
- Your ability to communicate your ideas.
- Your personality – what makes you laugh, think, hope, dream, care. In other words, what’s meaningful to you and why.
- Schools like to see how you think, so show them that process.
- Most of the best essays don’t have nice, easy stories. They’ve got an obstacle thrown in your path, a problem you have to solve, a decision you have to make, a realization you came to, or some other circumstance that’s helped shape you into who you are.
- Essays include reflection—you need to be able to take a step back from your experience to understand how it’s shaped you and/or your goals.

A word in support of some of my favorite prompts from the University of Chicago.

If you’re still looking for essay inspiration, check out UChicago’s essay prompts. UChicago prides itself on uncommon, fun essay questions. Even if the questions don’t speak to you, read the ones I’ve listed below to see how, with a little imagination, you can create your own question and let your imagination and personality fly.

A Sampling of UChicago prompts:

Joan of Arkansas. Queen Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Babe Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Mash up a historical figure with a new time period, environment, location, or occupation, and tell us their story.
History and art are full of heroes and their enemies. Tell us about the relationship between you and your arch-nemesis (either real or imagined).
How did you get caught? (Or not caught, as the case may be.)
Chicago author Nelson Algren said, “A writer does well if in his whole life he can tell the story of one street.”…Tell us the story of a street, path, road—real or imagined or metaphorical.
“Don’t play what’s there, play what’s not there.”—Miles Davis (1926–91)
Susan Sontag said, “The only interesting answers are those that destroy the questions.” We all have heard serious questions, absurd questions, and seriously absurd questions, some of which cannot be answered without obliterating the very question. Destroy a question with your answer.
Click here to read more UChicago prompts.

#7 is a new prompt this year. I’m excited to see what students write for their college essays!

Sharon Epstein is a Writers Guild Award-winner and two-time Emmy Award nominee, teaching students around the world how to master interview skills, write resumes, and transform their goals, dreams and experiences into memorable college application essays. She works with students everywhere: in-person, by phone, FaceTime, Skype and email. Visit my website for more info. Connect on Google+, Pinterest and Twitter.

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March 31, 2017
by Sharon Epstein 7 Comments

How to Write Common Application Essay 5: Accomplishment, Event, or Realization that Sparked a Period of Personal Growth

The Common Application essay prompts are out.

How do you choose which essay to write?

In this 7-part series I help you figure out which question on the 2017 Common Application is right for you.

For the complete list of 2017 Common App essay questions click here.

Ready for #5? Let’s do it!

Common Application Essay Prompt #5

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Is this Prompt for You? Look at the Keywords

“Accomplishment, Event, or Realization”…”Personal Growth”…”New Understanding of Yourself or Others”

Do The Keywords Apply To You?

“Accomplishment, event or realization” is a broad phrase. That’s good! It means you can choose almost anything, large or small, that you experienced, accomplished or realized.

“A Period of Personal Growth” is when you’re changing—what’s happening as you become more responsible or mature. This can take place over a long period of time or a very short period of time.

“A new understanding of yourself or others” is your learning experience. It’s what you learned and how your perspective changed—How did your experience shape your attitude, outlook or actions? How did it help you become the person you are today?

What Can Colleges Learn About You From This Question?

How you’ve matured
Your ability to develop important relationships within your family or community
Your ability to reflect on how an important experience has shaped you

Pitfalls to Avoid

This Question has 3 Parts—Don’t Leave One Out. Include 1. Your accomplishment, event or realization; 2. Your period of personal growth; 3. Your new understanding of yourself and others.

Still Not Sure This is Your Topic?

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself: Did you set a goal for yourself that you achieved? Did you have an experience that helped you become more compassionate or understanding? Did you teach younger students what you were taught and saw yourself grow in the process? Did you have a life event that forced you to take on more responsibility? Did you start your own business or volunteer program? These are just a few ideas—make sure to keep thinking!

Successful Essay Topic Example

“On the Flip Side”

Paige was a successful competitive gymnast when injuries ended her career. She felt lost until she began volunteering as coach of the Special Olympics gymnastics team. Paige made practices fun. She demonstrated exercises and developed routines. Most of all, she taught her athletes that it didn’t matter if they won or lost, as long as they competed as a team. And that’s exactly what they did at state competition.

During her experience, Paige found herself growing as a coach and mentor. She discovered that as a teacher she was capable of making sports a positive experience for others. She wrote in her essay that working with her athletes changed her; as she instilled confidence in her athletes, they did the same for her. Paige also realized something fundamental about herself: It was very important to her that everyone gets the chance to win, lose and compete, no matter his or her differences. While she isn’t sure of her career plans, Paige plans to use it to help people.

Why is this Example Successful?

All the keywords are addressed.

Paige became a Special Olympics coach and trained her team for state competition—an event or accomplishment.
It sparked a period of personal growth—she developed as a coach, teacher and role model for her team.
She ended with a new and more mature understanding of herself—she realized that she didn’t have to be a gymnast to feel accomplished, and that it was even more fulfilling to use her skills to help others, which is what she plans to do.
She ended with a new understanding of others—working with her Special Olympians helped her realize how important it is that everybody be given the opportunity to win, lose and compete, no matter their differences. This understanding helped shape her future.

How to write Common Application essays

Hot Tip: No matter which essay prompt you choose, make sure it’s a story only you can tell. Tell the schools what you care about, what you think about, what bothers you and why. Show them the world through your eyes. Help them get to know what makes you you. That’s how you’ll write a great college application essay.

Read the entire series:
How to Write Common App Prompt #1: Background, Talent, Identity, or Interest
How to Write Common App Prompt #2: The Lessons We Take From Obstacles
How to Write Common App Prompt #3: Challenged a Belief or Idea
How to Write Common App Prompt #4: A Problem You’ve Solved or Would Like to Solve
How to Write Common App Prompt #5: An Accomplishment, Event, or Realization
Coming Soon:
How to Write Common App Prompt #6: Topic, Idea or Concept that Makes You Lose Track of Time
How to Write Common App Prompt #7: Topic of Your Choice

Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting in Redding, Connecticut. She is a Writers Guild Award-winner and two-time Emmy Award nominee, teaching students how to master interview skills, write killer resumes, and transform their goals, dreams and experiences into memorable college application essays. Our tutors are award-winning writers and published authors who work with students everywhere: in-person, by phone, video and email. Visit our website for more info. Connect on Google+, Pinterest and Twitter.

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Tag Archives: how to choose a college essay topic

You Don’t Need a “Big” Story to Write a Great College Essay

How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 7: Topic of Your Choice

Common Application Essay Prompt #7

Is this Prompt for You? Answer Yes IF:

Pitfalls to Avoid

How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 6: Makes You Lose All Track of Time

How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 5: Accomplishment, Event or Realization

How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 3: Questioned or Challenged a Belief or Idea

How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 2: Lessons We Take From Obstacles

Successful Essay Topic Example:

Why this Topic Succeeds:

Are You Uncomfortable Discussing Failure?

How to Write 2018 Common Application Essay 1: Background, Identity, Interest, or Talent

How to Write 2017 Common Application Essay Prompts 1-7

How to Write Common Application Essay 5: Accomplishment, Event, or Realization that Sparked a Period of Personal Growth

Common Application Essay Prompt #5

Is this Prompt for You? Look at the Keywords

Do The Keywords Apply To You?

What Can Colleges Learn About You From This Question?

Pitfalls to Avoid

Still Not Sure This is Your Topic?

Successful Essay Topic Example

Why is this Example Successful?

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Common Application Essay Prompt #7

Is this Prompt for You? Answer Yes IF:

Pitfalls to Avoid

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Successful Essay Topic Example:

Why this Topic Succeeds:

Are You Uncomfortable Discussing Failure?

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Common Application Essay Prompt #7

Is this Prompt for You? Answer Yes IF:

Pitfalls to Avoid

Share this:

Common Application Essay Prompt #5

Is this Prompt for You? Look at the Keywords

Do The Keywords Apply To You?

What Can Colleges Learn About You From This Question?

Pitfalls to Avoid

Still Not Sure This is Your Topic?

Successful Essay Topic Example

Why is this Example Successful?

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