Key Takeaway: Most college applications include an essay requirement—some have specific prompts, while others leave it more open-ended. Either way, infusing creativity into your essay is a great way to showcase your skills and personality. Read on for a list of 20 creative topics to use or be inspired by.
The essay is an important component of your college application. This is your opportunity to show the admissions committee the part of your personality that cannot be discerned from your transcripts and grades. The key to being able to do this successfully is in choosing the right topics for your college essay.
Before getting started on your college essay, always check the list of prompts. Many schools will either give you a list of topics to choose from or a single question you need to answer. If the college provides you specific topics or prompts, stick to that. Creativity is usually welcomed, but you don’t want to stray far or talk about things they’re not asking for. Having someone review your work can help you avoid this common mistake.
On the other hand, some colleges will actually give you an open-ended question. The Common App, for instance, always has seven prompts to choose from. While the first six are specific, there is one that is open-ended and the student can choose what to talk about. When it’s open-ended like this, coming up with what to write about can be tough! To get you started, we’ve put together a list of 20 creative college essay topics.
20 Creative College Essay Topics
As you go through these topic ideas, think about whether or not it relates to you. After you’ve shortlisted a few, spend time brainstorming how you can relate that topic to your circumstances.
1. Write about an extracurricular activity that changed you.
Extracurriculars are an important part of your college application, so writing about a specific one in-depth can help your application stand out. Whether it was the first time you picked up a tennis racket or when you got the final call back to be the lead in the play, use this essay as a chance to speak directly to that special extracurricular.
2. Share the best piece of advice you’ve ever received.
Why do you rate it as the best? Maybe it was a tip from a grandparent or a quote from a teacher that really stuck with you. Explain why it’s so meaningful and how it’s guided you in life.
3. If you could change just one event in world history, which would you choose to change? Why?
Get creative here and show your knowledge of history. Would you prevent a famous battle or alter a key invention? Explain what you’d change and how it might make the world different today.
4. Reflect on an idea or concept you find so intriguing, that it often causes you to lose track of time.
Talk about what fascinates you and why you can spend hours diving into it. You can share how you stumbled upon that idea or concept, how it may relate to your future career, or how you plan to continue exploring it.
5. Describe some of your most noteworthy accomplishments that have no connection to academics.
The admission officers will see your transcript and your list of academic accomplishments. Share something with them that your application can’t tell them. Did you help organize a charity event or build something for your community? Share your unique accomplishments and why you’re proud of them.
6. Choose one quote that defines who you are.
Choose a quote that you really resonate with. Avoid choosing a quote that is cliché (e.g. “Everything happens for a reason.”—pick something meaningful to you.) Explain why you chose that particular quote and how you think it defines you.
7. If you have some notable plans for after you graduate, talk about them.
If you have specific plans for after graduation, share those. Do you have unconventional plans, like volunteering, working as a camp counselor, or studying abroad for the summer? Discuss how the idea came about and how you intend to execute it.
8. Reflect on what you see as the biggest challenge to teenagers today.
It’s important to explain your reasoning. For instance, maybe you are passionate about how much harm social media can cause. Explain your thoughts behind this. You can strengthen your argument by including research or personal examples.
9. Can you think of someone who deserves the Nobel Prize in a particular category?
If you were on the Nobel Prize board, who would you nominate and why? Maybe it’s someone you know personally or someone whose work you admire. Explain what makes them worthy of such an honor.
10. Reflect on your unique personality trait or special skill that allows you to stand out in a crowd.
Get creative! Rather than just saying you’re a leader, describe how your talent for problem-solving has helped you to overcome challenges and inspire others in ways that make a difference. Talk about how this special quality helps you stand out among others.
11. Discuss a volunteering experience.
Highlight the impression these experiences left on you. Don’t just re-list what is on your application—detail the specific roles you took on, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes of your efforts. How was this experience transformative for you?
12. Share a memorable travel experience.
Traveling can be a touchy subject, as many students write essays on this. But instead of going the traditional, cliché, “Traveling changed me” type of way, write about a specific traveling instance. Maybe you were traveling cross country with your parents when your car broke down in the desert. Talk about how you helped in the situation. Or maybe you got lost when traveling abroad in a new city. Use these travel experiences to share how you used your own skill set to problem solve.
13. If you had the chance to have a one-on-one conversation with any individual living or dead, who would that be?
Explain why you chose that person and what you would like to speak to them about. Seriously, choose anyone for this—whether a historical figure, a famous personality, or someone from your personal life. Admissions officers want to understand what you value and what interests you, so be genuine in your choice.
14. Reflect on how your family in general or one person in your family shaped you into who you are.
Reflect on how your family or a specific family member has influenced your values, perspectives, or character. Was there a particular event or experience that was pivotal in shaping who you are today?
15. Talk about that one teacher or mentor who encouraged and motivated you or maybe said something that guided your actions.
Who has made a significant impact on your life? How did their guidance affect your decisions, ambitions, or personal growth? Share a specific moment or lesson that stands out and discuss how it shaped your path.
16. Write about overcoming fear.
Fear can be powerful, but overcoming it often leads to growth and transformation. Can you think of a specific instance where you had to face a fear and what did you learn about yourself in the process?
17. Talk about a time when you challenged or questioned an idea or a belief.
What caused you to question the idea or belief? What was the outcome? Maybe you questioned a societal norm or widely accepted practice. Reflect on how this experience has influenced your approach to critical thinking and decision-making.
18. If you could travel back in time to any period in history, which period would you choose? Why?
You can get really creative on this prompt! Choose a historical period that fascinates you and explain why you would want to experience it. What intrigues you about this period? Is it the culture, events, people, or innovations?
19. Name one book that has impacted you.
Select a book that you have a personal connection with or has had a specific impact on you. Explain why the book is important to you and connect its theme to your own experiences.
20. Write about your goals for college.
When sharing your goals, focus on how they align with the school’s mission and values. What subjects are you excited about? Are there clubs or organizations you’re interested in joining? What skills do you want to develop? Explain how this college will help support your goals.
Tips In Mind When Considering College Essay Topics
While there are no absolute right or wrong topics for writing a college essay, there are a few that are best avoided.
Avoid Controversial Topics
As much as possible, steer clear of controversial topics. If the reader’s beliefs or opinions are the complete opposite of yours, they may find it difficult to be objective.
Be Honest
Be honest in your choice of topics and the message you are trying to convey. When you choose a topic that truly means something to you, your essay will sound more sincere and convincing. Spotting a fake is easy to an experienced eye.
Don’t Talk about Sports
While sports may be central to your life, admissions departments receive heaps and heaps of essays about sports. There’s a good chance they’re sick of reading them, especially when it comes to showcasing teamwork or overcoming a challenge. This can be perceived as too “easy” of a topic. Even if you’re planning to play sports in college, it’s recommended to talk about other aspects of your personality and achievements.
Even if Provided with a Prompt, Get Creative
A provided prompt doesn’t mean you have to work within a specific box. There is absolutely room for creativity. For instance, you don’t necessarily have to choose a serious or heavy topic for your piece. You can choose something humorous that stands out among the other applicants. Be a storyteller.
Check the School’s Website
Did you know that some schools actually list standout essays they received in recent years? While you should never copy or model your essay exactly on these pieces, they can show you more about what the college is looking for. For example, here are 14 College Essay Examples from students who were accepted to Stanford, Harvard, and other elite schools. Not all colleges release essays, but you might be able to find some inspiration from others in this case!
The Importance of a College Essay
While the ultimate admission decision does not depend on the essay alone, a strong essay can sway the decision in your favor. This is particularly important when deciding between two candidates with equally strong academic credentials. Choosing a topic at random and rushing through the essay writing is a mistake. It takes time to write an essay that will stand out and help you win that prize seat in your dream college.
An essay that works for one college may not be the best option for the next. It’s always important to review the provided prompts or information and consider what’s important to this particular school. By brainstorming, you can find the perfect essay topic to write on.
Of course, if you’re going to be writing a college essay, you want to be sure the college in question is a good match for you. College Raptor’s free College Match tool does the work for you. See how it works and how you can get started here.
