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How did you figure out what to write about?

I'm a junior and, over #summer18 , I plan on working on my college apps. I wrote a Common App essay for school about how I name cars (it tells the reader about my creativity, quirkiness, and thinking), like how my car is named Ernie, but I have no idea if colleges will like it. How did you figure out the right topic to write about for #collegeapps ? I think this is what I am going with but what if there is a better topic for me?

collegeapps summer18
Thank you comment icon Hey Haley, becareful with the pattern of thought "what if there is a better BLANK for me." In this case, topic. Water is always greener where you water it, not on the other side. With that said, you enjoy naming cars, that is you, don't sell yourself out, go with that. However, find how this can translate into value for others, real world applications, how your creativity can find ways to become a solid acamdemic on their campus and also add to the college life. Speak how naming requires logic/patterns/associations/building and manipulating relationships which applies to anything really, think outside the box! Furgencio Herrera, MBA
Thank you comment icon You are creative! The college application process can be very challenging because different colleges can have different requirements for the application process. Many colleges do not require an essay. Pay special attention to what each college is requesting from you. Although Ernie may help you get to college, the college may want you to write about something else, if an essay is required. Most times the colleges want to know why you want to attend the college and what goals you have for your future. Best wishes! Ta Rus
Thank you comment icon I really sympathize with the difficulty of picking the right topic for the Common App essay. I'm a parent of two kids who are in college and I guess the best piece of advice I can give is to pick something that you are passionate about and that also has enough depth to show off your smarts. I agree with Furgencio above who encouraged you to relate naming to other topics/disciplines/skills. My final piece of advice is this: make sure that your essay is well written and well organized regardless of the topic. Have a great intro paragraph, three or more supporting points, and a conclusion that wraps it all up. John Gibson
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Luke’s Answer

Hi Haley,


The essay topic should be fully assessed in a way that demonstrates you as an applicant and the value you could bring to the school. Creativity is certainly something to be mentioned, especially if the topic lends itself to wanting you discuss this side of your character. Most college essays tend to be more open ended, allowing you to freely discuss yourself and the future that might lie ahead based on your experiences and traits; however, forming an entire essay on one creative tendency may lack in other categories that might be assessed by the reader. Introducing examples of your creativity are great, but be sure to fully grasp what the particular question is asking and possibly ask for the incite of several close friends, relatives, and teachers to ensure that you're on the right track. As such, you may brainstorm additional items of creativity that might bring the essay together or further tell the story behind your interest in cars and the deeper meaning behind your names of such.
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Nicole M.’s Answer

I think the best essays tell a story. Demonstrating your creativity is definitely a good theme, but you also need to be answer "so what" to the school (i.e., what you bring to the table or what you learned from an experience).


My college essay told the story of how I had a difficult time adjusting to a new school right when I started high school, and included first person statements and dialogue, helping to really paint the picture for the reviewer on how I felt and ultimately, how I overcame this tough part of my life.

Nicole M. recommends the following next steps:

View this site https://www.applerouth.com/blog/2014/05/27/5-college-application-essay-topics-that-always-work/ for some guidelines on what your essay could include
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Angela’s Answer

Hi Haley,


Your college essay should tell a story and emphasize who you are as a person. I would begin by making an outline. If you want to tell the story of how you name cars, create an arch of how this habit began. Why did you start naming cars? What qualities do you examine before you name each one? Then make a list of the qualities you want to emphasize about yourself; such as your creativity, etc. As you write the story pepper in elements about yourself that you want the reader to know about. Write a version and then ask teachers and counselors for feedback.


Good luck!

Angela recommends the following next steps:

Create an outline of the story you want to tell
Make a list of qualities to you want to mention about yourself and interweave it in the story
Ask teachers and counselors for feedback
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