At Admission Ignition, we start each essay coaching package with a comprehensive 2-hour brainstorming session. Why? Because finding the right topic for your personal statement is the seed from which the rest of the essay grows. Picking a common or cliche topic could cause you to start over later in the year, resulting in time pressure and stress. 

Ahead of this crucial session, we share a packet filled with brainstorming materials for students to fill out, including asking them what they want colleges to know about them and recent developments in the last two years. We also ask thought-provoking questions from “What is one topic that you are SO excited about that it's annoying to others?” to “When did you feel the most alive?”

You never know what could lead to a unique essay. As we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, not all students have a significant challenge they can write about. Sometimes this leaves students feeling stumped. However, something as small as a love of board games could become a metaphor for the student’s approach to life, including strategizing for success and dealing with setbacks. For example, building hotels in Monopoly might relate to building a service project from the ground up. 

Here are some more questions to consider: 

• Do you collect things? Why? What does each item represent? (Avoid talking about sneaker collections or skin care items. These topics have become common in recent years.)
• How have you grown in the past four years? What factors played into this growth? Are there any specific projects or people that helped you? (Remember: just don’t focus your essay on how great the person is! This essay should still be about you.)
• What are your core values? What anecdotes relate to these values?
• What’s your favorite pastime outside of athletics? Why?
• What are some unique family traditions?

Think you’ve got nothing to say? This is NEVER the case. Every student has something unique to share, they just need the right lens through which to see themselves. Starting early is key to the college essay process because you don’t want to rush the brainstorming phase; it is likely the most important part of your essay journey. 

Want help determining the perfect topic for you? Let us help your seed grow! Contact us to learn more.