How to Pick Your College Essay Topic

February 18, 2026 | Estimated Read Time: 7 Minutes

By Melissa Savignano

Writing your college essay is one of the most important steps in your application journey. Whether you’re searching for college essay examples or Common App essay examples, understanding what makes a great essay can set you apart and help avoid the dreaded writer’s block.  

This guide will walk you through how to write a college essay, offer tips for writing essays, and share college essay tips from admission counselors to help you succeed. 

What Is the Purpose of the College Essay?

The undergraduate college essay is your chance to tell a story, beyond your resume and grades. Admissions officers are looking for authenticity, reflection, and a clear sense of your voice. It’s a chance to sell yourself and to show off your communication skills. Think of it as a gift, not just another part of the application process. 

Before you start writing, it’s important to understand the difference between a personal statement essay, a personal narrative essay, and supplemental essays. Each institution you apply to may have their own specific combination to write. 

What Is a Personal Essay?

A personal essay (often called a personal statement) is a broad, reflective essay that gives admissions officers a strong sense of who you are beyond your grades and test scores. It usually focuses on your values, motivations, interests, and growth over time. This is your opportunity to show how you think, what drives you, and how your mindset aligns with an institution's message and mission. It’s not just what you’ve done but why it matters to you. 
 
If applying through the Common Application, there is usually a selection of topics to choose from.

What Is a Narrative Essay?

A narrative essay is a story-driven essay that centers on a specific moment, experience, or challenge that shaped you. Rather than covering your whole life, it zooms in on a meaningful event and walks the reader through it. A strong narrative essay often highlights curiosity, resilience, creativity, or learning through action. It shows how you respond to real-world situations and what you took away from them.

What Is a Supplemental Essay?

A supplemental essay is a shorter, school-specific essay that responds directly to a particular prompt. These essays help admissions counselors understand your fit with the college and how you would engage with its community. Supplemental essays often ask about your academic interests, career goals, values, or why a college is the right place for you. Strong responses are concrete and intentional, connecting your goals to a college’s ethos and/or programs.

What College Essay Topics Should I Choose?

The undergraduate college essay is your chance to tell a story that highlights your values in an authentic way. Choosing the right topic is crucial and will also help the writing process be smooth and thoughtful.  

If you’re unsure how to pick a topic for a college essay, reflect on moments that shaped you. Your personal statement and essay should answer the colleges essay prompts in a way that feels true to you. 

Topics you may want to explore are: 

• A mentor who helped shape you
• An experience at a part-time job, on a team, or as part of a club
• A time when you had to be an unexpected leader
• A time when you failed at something you cared about and how you redefined success afterward
• A moment when you changed your mind about something important and what that taught you about learning or humility
• A time you took a small idea and cultivated it into something meaningful
• An experience where you had to adapt quickly when a plan didn’t work
• A class, book, artist, podcast, or conversation that changed how you see the world
• A topic you explored deeply on your own, without being assigned
• An idea or concept you’re still trying to figure out about yourself or the world

When considering how to pick a topic for a college essay, avoid cliché topics that don’t reveal much about your character. The best college application essay topics are those that feel personal and meaningful. Your personal essay should focus on moments that matter to you, whether big or small.  

A strong topic isn’t about being impressive; it’s about being reflective. Admissions readers are asking:  

• What did you learn?
• How did you change?
• How do you think and act in the real world?
• What makes you curious? 

What Stands Out in a College Essay 

Admissions officers generally say what stands out in a college essay is a clear voice, emotional depth, and a compelling story. Look at college essay examples to see how others have succeeded. For example, if you’re applying to an undergraduate business school or an undergraduate business program, highlight experiences that show leadership and initiative. 

What stands out in a college essay is a unique perspective, emotional resonance, and a clear narrative arc. Memorable essays often share a story that only you could tell. Admissions officers appreciate essays that are honest, thoughtful, and well-structured. If you can make the reader feel something or see the world through your eyes, your essay will be remembered. 

What to Avoid in a College Essay 

What to avoid in a college essay includes overused topics, trying too hard to impress, and a lack of reflection. Avoid writing about subjects that don’t reveal your personality or growth. Essays that focus only on achievements without introspection may be less effective. Instead, choose topics that allow you to explore your thoughts and feelings. 

Knowing what to avoid in a college essay is just as important. Don’t try too hard to impress or choose topics that lack reflection or are sensational. Instead, focus on your journey and growth. 

Tips for Writing Application Essays 

Here are some tips for writing application essays: 

• Review college application essay help resources and lean on teachers and guidance counselors, as well as relatives and friends who have gone through the admissions process. Use trusted online resources to help you brainstorm topics. But remember, this is YOUR essay to write.  

• Research your top schools’ missions and messaging. It will help you figure out how to write a “why us” essay to tailor your response to each school. If you’re writing for an undergraduate education program specifically, show how your goals align with the program. 

• Practice how to write an essay with a prompt by answering sample questions and having family members or friends “interview” you to see what sparks inspiration. 

Final Tips for Writing a Personal Essay 

Writing a strong personal essay takes time. Draft your college application essay multiple times and seek feedback from trusted mentors. Your admissions essay should sound like you and reflect your true self. Remember, the topic you choose is just as important as how you write about it. Start early, be introspective, and don’t hesitate to ask for guidance from a counselor or mentor. 

Your personal statement essay is your chance to shine. Learn how to write a personal essay by sharing your story honestly. If you’re stuck, try brainstorming how to start an essay about yourself. For university applications, check guides on how to write university application essay. And if you get stuck, here is what to remember: 

• Start early and revise often
• Seek feedback from mentors or counselors
• Use college essay tips from experts and trusted sources 

And remember: your essay is more than words. It is your story! 

About the Author 

Melissa Savignano is a content marketing manager at Babson College.