Brainstorming & Topic Development

One of the most difficult part of the college essay experience is deciding what to write about! Here are some strategies to help you brainstorm that might help you generate an interesting essay topic. Remember, an essential element of brainstorming not editing yourself! Set aside a concentrated period of time (at least 15 minutes) and get down as much as you can without stopping.

• Create a web of characteristics that describe you -- family members, important family traditions (big or small!), interests & hobbies, objects of sentimental value, memories and defining moments, people you admire, etc.
• Similar to the above, create a mental "essence box" containing objects that represent your fundamental qualities. See here for more examples. This can be helpful if you find the "web of characteristics" too broad or unhelpful.
• List things that you'd like the college to know about you that don't show up elsewhere in your application. Do you have any anecdotes that will illustrate these gaps?

If this still isn't sparking any ideas, try the New York Times's 650 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing. Each links to a related article and includes a series of follow-up questions. Pick the questions that most inspire you to tell an interesting story, describe a memorable event, observe the details in your world, imagine a possibility, or reflect on who you are and what you believe.