From Ordinary to Extraordinary
Write your essay about an experience that you’re passionate about.

Everyday experiences
A best friend moves away.
A person you look up to.
A summer job.

Don’t try to write on too broad a category:
Focus on one day or one encounter.
Give proof – describe this experience in detail.
Make it fresh, honest.
Show off your talents: Can you see it, hear it, touch it?

How Not to Panic If You Haven’t Finished Your College Essays
Your deadlines are approaching to apply for early action or early acceptance. You are nervous and even panicked about getting your essay finished on time. Stop right there! Take a deep breath and know that you can do this. If you have a rough draft, ask someone to read it – a family member, teacher, coach. Ask them for constructive criticism. Do you need to narrow your topic, add more detail, make the introduction stronger, etc? Make the changes/additions. Now put it away for a day or two. You need the test of time. Take it out a few days later, and read it out loud. How does it sound? If there are “issues”, you will be able to find them this way. You can do it!

Brainstorming or Free Association
Ever try brainstorming ideas for your college essay topic?

How To Pick an Essay Topic
Ask yourself these questions before picking a topic:
Is it about your experiences, passions, interests?
Is it a subject that’s important to you?
Is it a topic that shaped how you think?

Have you narrowed down the topic?
Can you prove it?
Does it show your personality?
Does it reveal your strengths?
Is it memorable?