Start by looking at yourself as a person rather than a student desperately trying to look good for an admissions board. Nobody wants a laundry list of achievements and awards in an essay?save that for your resume.

Next, the important thing is to get something down on paper, anything that might blossom into a full-fledged topic. Pointers and ideas for brainstorming:

• Think smaller rather than larger. Unless you believe yourself to be more creative and insightful than the huge majority of applicants, stay away from topics like trips abroad, deaths, current events, life-altering epiphanies, and other similarly broad or commonly used topics. Anecdotes and smaller events are where essays are usually the most successful.
• Make a list of things that set you apart from everyone else, and see if you can kick-start your brain for a topic that way.
• Try coming up with a metaphor for yourself, staying away from trite objects. You might be able to come up with a fresh and interesting essay that will allow you to reveal a lot about yourself without boring the reader.
• If you¡¯re still stuck, look at your resume. You¡¯ll probably see certain strengths?maybe a sport, a musical instrument, or a certain subject you enjoy and excel in. Look along those lines for an idea.

Other Topics

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