Ten Questions to Help You Brainstorm a Topic

Knowing what to write about is as important as knowing how to write it. And while I've told you your essay should be "authentic" and be centered around "a life pivot" some students still aren't sure where in the world to start...

When I have a student who's really stumped, I ask these ten questions:

1. When was the last time you laughed out loud? Over what? Why?

2. When was the last time you were embarrassed? Over what? Why?

3. When was the last time you cried in frustration? Over what? Why?

4. When does your family make you happiest? Describe a scenario.

5. Do you have differing beliefs in some ways than your family? In what way?

6. If you could change one thing about your life right now, what would it be?

7. Have you ever succeed--or failed--wildly? When? How?

8. What would your best friend say about you?

9. What mistake have you made that you'd correct if you could? Tell me about that.

10. If you could switch bodies with any celebrity, who would it be and why?

Remember, the prompts offered by colleges are really just to get you going on your thought pattern. Many essays are terribly boring simply because the authors are trying too hard to answer the questions.

Instead, offer up something about yourself that shows them where you are on your life's journey. Be funny, sad, serious--whatever your personality dictates.

You're a complicated person who has walked the Earth for 18 years--you've actually got a lot to say.