It is difficult to predict what topic you may be asked to write on for your college admission essay as there are numerous possible topics. You may be asked to write about yourself, to reflect on current events or to interpret a quotation. Despite the topic you may have, make sure that you understand the question. If you need help, ask a teacher to review it with you.
In general, these essays are a way for the admissions board to get to know you better. According to those at collegeboard.com, they are looking to see your:
- Preferences
- Thought Processes
- Values
To effectively reveal these attributes, you will need to write a clearly organized and persuasive essay. If your essay is well organized, it shows a positive reflection of your thought process. If you have more than one essay topic to choose from, the essay topic that you choose provides an example of your personal preferences. Regardless of the topic you choose, the actual content of your essay reveals your personal values.
If you are given the freedom to choose your own topic, the topic you choose must exhibit these certain characteristics. It must show how you think - are you a free spirit, or someone who always goes 'by the book'? Your essay topic also reveals your personality's behavior. Admission officers determine your outlook by looking at your topic.
When writing your essay, understand that there is no one correct response. You aren't in the school yet, so you won't be graded. However, a careless, unfocused or offensive essay can give a false impression of you and damage your rapport with the school.
Some of the best and most memorable essays are written about very simple topics. They are considered well-written essays because they are focused. The following topics offer the opportunity to reveal your personality:
- Athletic Experiences
- Family
- Holiday Memories
- Parents' Divorce
- Siblings
- Summer Jobs
- Trips/Vacations
- Unusual Culinary Experiences
Just remember to stay focused, organized and have your audience (the admissions board) firmly in mind.
