Choosing a Common App essay topic can feel overwhelming. After all, this is one of the few chances in your college application where you get to be completely yourself—no transcripts, no test scores, just you in 650 words.

But here’s the thing: the Common App essay is not like most other writing you’ve done. It’s not an academic paper. It’s not a persuasive essay. And it’s definitely not a cover letter where you list your accomplishments to prove you’re a perfect fit for a school.

Instead, your personal statement is a story—one that showcases your unique strengths, perspective, and personality in a way that numbers and bullet points never could.

So, how do you pick a topic that actually works? Let’s break it down.

Almost Any Topic Can Work—If It’s Personal to You

First, let’s debunk a myth: there’s no such thing as a “right” or “wrong” essay topic. Almost any topic can work if it’s something deeply important to you and allows you to reflect on who you are.

A great essay doesn’t have to be about a huge, life-changing event. Sometimes, the most memorable essays are about small moments—a quiet realization, a seemingly ordinary experience that shaped you, or even a quirky passion that reveals something deeper about how you think.

For example:

  • Did learning to bake your grandmother’s favorite recipe teach you patience and persistence?
  • Did a failed science experiment spark a love for problem-solving?
  • Did a random conversation with a stranger change how you see the world?

The key is not what you write about, but how you tell the story and what it reveals about you.

Avoid the Overdone Clichés

While almost any topic can work, some have been done so often that it’s hard to make them feel fresh.

Some of the most overused essay topics include:

  • The sports injury comeback story (Yes, perseverance is great, but this essay has been written a million times.)
  • The mission trip that changed your perspective (If you write about this, focus on your growth rather than making broad statements about another culture.)
  • The “big win” moment (Winning the championship is exciting, but what’s more interesting is what led you there.)

If you find yourself writing something that sounds too familiar, ask: What makes my story different? Your essay should be uniquely you, not something that could belong to thousands of other students.

Write in Your Own Voice

This might be the most important tip: your essay should sound like you.

Not like a thesaurus exploded on the page. Not like something an adult wrote for you. Not like what you think colleges want to hear.

Admissions officers read thousands of essays, and they can tell when a student is trying too hard to sound impressive. Instead of forcing formal, stiff writing, let your natural voice shine through. If you’re funny, let that humor show. If you’re introspective, lean into that. The best essays feel like a conversation—like the admissions officer is sitting across from you, hearing your story firsthand.

Final Thoughts: Pick a Topic That Feels Like You

At the end of the day, the best Common App essay topic is one that feels personal, meaningful, and real. It should tell a story that only you could tell, in a way that sounds like you wrote it.

So, don’t stress about finding the “perfect” topic. Instead, focus on finding your topic—the one that lets you share a piece of who you are. That’s what will make your essay stand out.

And if you’re still stuck? Start by jotting down moments that shaped you, and see where the story takes you. You might just surprise yourself.