How to Brainstorm a Great College Essay Topic

In this video, I share a few tips on how to brainstorm a great personal statement topic. We'll talk about what makes a great topic in the first place, as well as how to figure out whether your college essay topic is likely to work or not. Oh, and I talk a bit about you should ignore the Common App prompts when just starting out.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:56 - Why you should ignore Common App prompts
01:40 - What makes a great topic?
01:54 - How to figure out if your topic stands out
02:29 - Types of structure (Narrative vs Montage)
02:51 - Montage essay structure & qualities
04:32 - Narrative essay structure & qualities
05:50 - Common topics you might want to avoid
06:49 - How to find a great personal statement topic
07:03 - The "Five Things" exercise
08:45 - The "21 Details" exercise
11:20 - The "I Love" exercise
13:13 - Don't overthink this (too much)
✌️WHO AM I? ✌️
I’m Ethan (College Essay Guy) and my goal is to bring more ease, joy, purpose, and access to the college admission process. I wrote two Amazon bestsellers on college essays and each year my team and I reach more than 1MM students and counselors via www.collegeessayguy.com.
🧠 MY UPCOMING + ONDEMAND *PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN COURSES 🧠
Student Courses: www.collegeessayguy.com/colle...
Counselor Courses: www.collegeessayguy.com/colle...
*All my courses are pay-what-you-can.
💯 WORK WITH ME & MY TEAM 💯
One-on-one: www.collegeessayguy.com/colle...
Free 1-on-1 for low income students: www.collegeessayguy.com/match...
✍ RESOURCES ✍
📖 Free Personal Statement Guide: bit.ly/ps-free-guide
🎙 Podcast: bit.ly/CEGPodcast
📘 College Admission Essentials: bit.ly/3qdEklN
📙 College Essay Essentials: bit.ly/3vIjtbs
🌍 SOCIAL 🌍
📸 Instagram: / collegeessayguy
🐦 Twitter: / collegeessayguy
👍 Facebook: / collegeessayguy
✋ QUESTIONS? ✋
Leave a comment on one of my KZbin videos or follow me on Instagram.
👍🏻 Your likes & comments tell KZbin this is quality content and help me grow the channel. Clicking the notification bell 🔔will ping you when a new video comes out. And please feel free to share with friends. Thanks, y’all. Stay curious.

[@ScootTooner]

even after this i cant think of anything

[@puspalohani4280]

Exactly😢

[@j.l.n3295]

@@puspalohani4280 i wish their was like a grup chat where people could bounce ideas off of one another😣

[@Collegeessayguy]

We have a students-only Discord server for just that reason! Join here: discord.gg/DVBPXhkScH

[@anik_afk]

us

[@Shire_Martinez1]

Real😭

[@miaalexander5271]

love this!! ur account is so helpful

[@mirandaaralyn]

this is so helpful! i appreciate this so much

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're so welcome!

[@vh2980]

Don't overthink: So if you got a couple of ideas already, try them out and see if you can use those ideas/details and connect or talk about different aspects of your life. Need to be able to find ideas or topics you have a lot to say about (in other words elastic). If you find there's not much you can write about relating to those details, probably not as elastic. You need to try to make a simple outline out first before you will know whether or not your topic is going to work (like if you have much to say about it).

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for chiming in!

[@jenbrown1362]

These are fantastic brainstorm/outline ideas

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@thebeginningchq9689]

Oh wow, thank you for this! I found this video very helpful. 🙏 I'm going to start my "21 things" list first. Wish me luck 🍀🤞

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this!

[@Christian_Dietrich]

I am on my fourth personal essay this summer, thank you so much for this :)

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're so welcome!

[@FSM_Reviews]

I was wondering if my proposed personal essay topic is going to be unique enough in the eyes of admissions readers. I want to write about the time I was 2 inches away from getting electrocuted while fixing our central AC system (I did get a sustained shock though), and how that changed my philosophies and outlook on life. Thanks for making these videos! I've been binging your videos lately as I gear up to start my CommonApp applications.

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@lucassthazra94416]

Hi Ethan! Firstly Love your videos man!!!!!!! Secondly, I am confused about some topic ideas. I have a topic where I will explain an album composed entirely by me which is "Me, Myself and" where each song will fill up the blank after and indicate how that song represents me and my journey. It is also leaned towards the ups and downs of life where it begins with songs on a sad note and eventually leads to happy songs holding on to the moral of life will always start on lows and then rocket up to highs. i'm really confused and stressed

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@moiss9022]

Thank you!

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're welcome!

[@ludielizsilaya7207]

Hi can you create video for students procrastinating? Like what if someone waited the week before? How would you tackle this?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Hi there! I have a blog post about this here: www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/write-your-college-essay-in-just-one-night and a video about this here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGnJlZp4gdeMnpY Hope this helps!

[@anushkakapoor4231]

Hi Essay Guy! Love your videos and how you’re helping so many people! I wanted to ask if writing about being a middle child is too common of a topic, and if it has elasticity

[@Collegeessayguy]

Hi there! That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@eugeniaenchill6207]

Your videos are helpful and informative. I would love for you to talk about if you can share about a medical condition as topic and how it’s shaped your world and overcoming this obstacle for college essay. Your thoughts will be appreciated. Thanks

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@hibasoobaaii8928]

Great video thank you that was so helpful. I actually have a questions concerning international students,we are fluent in english but writing the story of our lives and talking about ourselves is hard when it is not your mother tongue and also when English is your 4th language (my case) and I heard an admission officer talking about this where he said that American's write outstanding essays compared to international students.please can you share with us more tips and advices.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Focus on the content i.e. the "what" that you are writing about. Colleges will know to expect your voice will reflect your English written abilities, which they may actually be less interested in than the "who/what/why" of you and your story.

[@russelniedermayer]

I'm in my thirties and applying to finally finish my degree. Being geriatric applicant is immensely stressful. This not only helped me brainstorm the perfect essay topic(which I still haven't written yet, so indefinitely remain on the edge of your seat for the upcoming epic conclusion), but led to a rather profound moment of self-actualization. Love your videos. You're an unsung hero of the internet.

[@Collegeessayguy]

WOW. So glad to hear this. Happy writing @russelniedermayer

[@wardalafef5705]

nice color change edit xd

[@saif6913]

thank yous o muchh

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're welcome!

[@saif6913]

@@Collegeessayguyi forgot i ever saw this video i just started reading ur article on the activities section after seeing it on reddit what a coincidence😭

[@hellgod5562]

I really liked the idea of the five things essay topic, and I have many thoughts about it. I write about five shoes I have that refer to different personalities, but I just don't know how to insert them into the story, any recommendations?

[@Collegeessayguy]

It sounds like the Essence Objects exercise might help! www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/2016/8/18/the-objects-exercise-video-walkthrough

[@ryanni27]

I'm thinking of writing my personal statement on the first time I went to a dormitory because of my grades sinking during COVID, and how I worked hard to build myself back up at that dorm. Would that be too common/boring of a topic?

[@Collegeessayguy]

It depends how you write about it! I recommend outlining this topic so you can get a better idea of the insights or values you'll bring out in your essay.

[@ethan767]

Hey fellow Ethan! What do you think about this topic: My brother who I don't know very well because he is 8 years older and lives in another country gives me a jacket that he loved but was hesitant to give. I learn about sacrifices and what it takes to be a leader/helpful figure.

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@fruitcake184]

Hello! Would a good essay topic be about chapped lips and how though I despise chapped lips with my being, and even though I have about 20 different chapsticks, I always seem to have them. My plan was to tie this into my relationship with my parents and how even though I argue with them and at times despise them they are always there for me. I also don’t just want to make it about my relationship with them, I want to expand more about myself any ideas on how I can?

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could maybe work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" Your essay should be primarily about you. If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@KeanMusila]

Wow

[@shafkatkhalekkhan3446]

Hey, I have watched a lot of your videos and I absolutely love them. I needed some more help and guidance is there any possible way I could reach out to you personally?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Hi there! Thanks for writing in. If you're interested in working one-on-one with me/my team, you can learn more here: www.collegeessayguy.com/college-essay-review-services There is a form you can fill out, and then Devon will reach out within a couple days to share more info!

[@zainabshah3101]

Hi! Would you say that writing about how my entire life I didn’t like my name until my grandmother told me about the story of how I got it, (from my aunt who passed away and I looked just like her) made me realize the importance of my name ? Do a lot of students write about their name? Thank you!

[@helili]

i feel like that would be a very interesting/somewhat uncommon topic, I suggest you try it out!

[@Collegeessayguy]

This sort of topic can be fairly common, but as long as you're drawing uncommon connections throughout your essay, it could work!

[@user-jc1mq7kl3r]

Hello Ethan, I wanted to write my personal essay about my father and how he was far away from me everytime due to his job and my experience/reflection towards it. Since, personal essay should be more about me, I don't want as though I'm writing only about him. So, do you have any suggestions? Btw, I loove your videos:)

[@Collegeessayguy]

Hi there! You're on the right track. Your personal statement should totally be about you! Sounds like you're going to be writing about a challenge (which I like to call a Narrative essay). My Feelings & Needs Exercise may help you get some more creative juices flowing on how to talk about your challenge. Link here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5ynqodnqqufba8

[@jahnaviprabhu5813]

what to do you suggest i write as the introduction of the 5 places essay

[@Collegeessayguy]

That's up to you! Some students like to open with a "hook" to engage the reader quickly, and other students might use their introduction to summarize what's to come in the rest of the essay. Play around with a few opening ideas and see where you end up!

[@moondemonsubs551]

Hello I was wondering if this was a good topic. I really love sudoku puzzles and I’ve been playing them for a long time. Some skills or values I have that it helped with was perseverance, self growth, problem solving, patience, and mental health I can’t pin point specific things sudoku like the grid is connected to self development. The whole puzzle itself just helped me with a lot. So I was wondering if that’s ok or what I should change.

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@chaoticstupidwarlock8635]

So, I'm considering writing about my ADHD and the struggles I've had to overcome, but I'm not entirely sure if it would be a good topic or not. I really don't want it to become a pity party, and I'm also worried that mental struggles are a really common essay topic. Any tips?

[@Collegeessayguy]

It's up to you. A good question to ask yourself in regards to picking a good topic is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, vales, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining your topic. If no, do some more brainstorming!

[@chaoticstupidwarlock8635]

@@Collegeessayguy Alright! I'll keep that in mind. Thank you!

[@emilycarter8922]

You might want to check this out kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3Slp5SCg7CYiNk

[@charlottehackney6400]

I’m considering writing about the same thing, so I’m curious, did you end up submitting an essay about this to a college? If so, how’d it work out for you?

[@chaoticstupidwarlock8635]

@@charlottehackney6400 I did not turn in this essay, unfortunately. I found out that I didn't have enough foreign language credits to get into the colleges that I was aiming for, and that trying would've likely ended in many rejections and lost money, so now I'm enrolled in community college. Sorry I can't help more, it just didn't quite work out the way I planned. I do think it would've been a nice topic to write about though.

[@ShamiraStibbins]

my junior year of high school i moved across the country. I was thinking of talking ab the challenges i faced during that time, by comparing it to my favorite month autumn. do you think that would be a good topic?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Moving is a somewhat common topic, but you can still stand out with a common topic if you're making less common connections or insights.

[@hibabelhaj8278]

Hi, great video! Keep it up . I wanted to ask if writing about my experience as an international student in a international boarding school in the US is interesting and unique enough. Thank you!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Go for it!

[@devran.t]

I had a topic about being forced to move across the world to America with my 3 family members. I wanted to connect how biking helped distract me from leaving the others behind and how it helped me improve my English by connecting with the neighborhood kids. This does not relate to the field I want to study, which is computer science. Is it ok if my essay topic is not connected to my major?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Yes, it's OK if your topic is not connected to your major.

[@Luvly742]

Hello essay guy would writing about karate be an uncommon topic ?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Martial arts can be somewhat common as a college essay topic. The topic could still work though! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@libby8218]

Can you write about travelling in college essays? I’ve read that some admissions officers don’t like it but if I execute it well it should be okay?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Up to you! That topic could work. A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@katrinaishioka4647]

Is the polaroid example a montage ?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Yes, it is!

[@camrenloritts8458]

Is creativity or curiosity a better essay topic

[@Collegeessayguy]

Either of those topics could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@professorplatypus4586]

Is a topic of overcoming the fear of needles a good idea

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@thedon1429]

Is writing about a shift in your thought process a gud topic Like perception on religion, death, humanity?

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@hartlepoolmono8178]

Bro day 3 of trying and i kinda backtracked😭 i did the guide even tho i had a decent plan and now im even more confused💀💀💀

[@Collegeessayguy]

That's OK! Take a break from it if you can. Whenever you're feeling stuck, it's usually a good idea to do some more brainstorming and outlining. You got this!

[@vitalisndu6787]

Hello Uncle Ethan @collegeessayguy, awesome vidoes you gat here. So my question is; I will be writing about my parent's background, their challenges and how it has affected me . Do you see it a good fit for the common app essay prompt 7?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Hi there! I think your personal statement should be about you rather than your parents. It's OK to write about a challenge, but try to relate it back to your own actions and experiences as much as possible. Hope this helps!

[@ChandanYadav-my8kn]

Is it okey to write about something i did around when i was in my 7th standard?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Potentially! Tough to say without more context.

[@ChandanYadav-my8kn]

@@Collegeessayguy okey.... thank you

[@liltammy]

Hi Essay Guy! I'm an international student and I was wondering if there was any way for u to review my personal statement for free 😭

[@Collegeessayguy]

Hi there! Unfortunately, I do not offer free essay reviews. You can join one of my pay-what-you-can online courses for more help! www.collegeessayguy.com/college-essay-courses

[@JA-iu8bo]

can you read my essay ?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Unfortunately I can't because I get so many requests each week (and my daughter would never see me emerge from my College Essay Cave), but I've got TONS of videos to help.

[@marilyn75]

It’s a joke comment, so I apologise, if I may sound unserious, but when he mentioned 5 things that connects with your life, I thought of one stand up show, that talked about 5 ex-boyfriends 😂

[@Collegeessayguy]

🤣

[@johnsy4306]

Why does it look like you are talking from a sauna? 😆