Getting started

The hardest part of the essay process is picking a topic. For most students, it’s the first time they’ve had to be introspective about who they are and what they bring to the world. (It’s not easy for most adults to do, either.)

Complicating things is the ongoing debate about what makes a great essay theme. Share a sob story; absolutely do not share a sob story. Avoid sports stories; winning moments are great. Write about a person you admire; do not talk about someone else. It goes on and on.

Yes, the topic matters. But equally important is how you write about it. If a sports moment was meaningful — and you can write about it well — it could be perfect. Likewise, if you’ve had immense struggles, don’t avoid talking about them for fear of being clichéd. I believe it’s most important that your essay topic is one where you can dig deep, tell a story, and illustrate you.

There are many wonderful and free resources online for brainstorming the ideal topic. Check out the College Essay Guy for video advice or this list of questions to ponder. The New York Public Library has a great worksheet you can use.

If you are stretching to do an exercise or answer a question, chances are it’s not guiding you to the right choice. Go with your gut and choose what resonates the most. Remember, the answers to your brainstorming may not be your final topic, but they’ll give you direction. A few questions I like to ask students:

• What’s the toughest decision you ever made?

• What activity do you do that makes you feel most like yourself?

• What’s the best thing that ever happened to you?

• What is your superpower?

• What are you terrible at but love anyway?

An essay coach can be invaluable for helping you dig deep, find the topic within, and pressure test your selection.

Every student has a story. What’s yours?