Brainstorm Common App essay

Overview

Starting to brainstorm essay topics now gives you a head start on senior year applications. No pressure to write yet — just explore ideas!

Common App Essay Prompts

The prompts ask about:

1. Background, identity, interest, or talent
2. Lessons from challenges, setbacks, or failures
3. Beliefs or ideas you've questioned or challenged
4. Problems you've solved or want to solve
5. Personal growth and new understanding
6. A topic that captivates you
7. Topic of your choice

Brainstorming Approaches

Free Writing

Set a timer for 15 minutes and write continuously about:

• Moments that changed you
• Things you care deeply about
• Experiences only you have had
• Challenges you've faced
• What makes you, YOU

Question Prompts

• What would you talk about for hours?
• What would your best friend say makes you unique?
• What experience shaped your perspective?
• When have you grown the most?

Looking at Your Life

• Family traditions or background
• Formative experiences
• Moments of realization
• Things you've created or changed

What Makes a Good Topic?

• Specific: A particular moment or experience
• Personal: Something that reveals who YOU are
• Reflective: Shows growth or learning
• Authentic: Your genuine voice

What to Avoid

• Topics everyone writes about (sports injury, mission trips)
• Summarizing your resume
• Writing about someone else instead of yourself
• Trying to sound impressive instead of real

No Writing Required Yet!

Just collect ideas. You'll have time to write later!