I fully admit that I have a lot of rules when it comes to essay topics. My list of topics to avoid is long.
In fact, I once had a parent point out to me that my list of topics to avoid was longer than the list of topics I would approve. They were right. But after reading hundreds of thousands of essays in my almost 30 year career, I know a good essay topic when I see it.
In just a few weeks, I will be sharing my list of topics to avoid and topics to consider with my Application Nation - Class of 2027 group. The lists rarely change from year to year. Topics to avoid are often things that are already listed or mentioned in the application: academic interests, activities, themes of hard work or perseverance, meaningful honors or awards, etc. Topics I approve are about things I want to know about a student that would never show up on their application if they didn't write their essay about it. And, if it's a topic that I have never seen before, it's even better.
RELATED READING: 5 Overused College Essay Topics to Avoid
Last week, a blast from the past popped up on my Instagram feed. It was a post from one of my former students who made her decision to enroll at a law school that was perfect for her. I loved seeing this update. I never forgot her or her brother for one simple reason: Their essay topics were so memorable. She wrote her essay about a secret talent she had. Her brother wrote about a habit of his that had deeper meaning about who he was.
Recently, I met with a student whose older brother worked with me many years before. When I mentioned I remembered the student's brother's essay topic, she couldn't believe it. But I could.
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That's the thing about a student's essay. Admissions officers don't remember how perfect the student's grammar was in their essay. Contrary to what most people think, they don't care as much about perfect grammar. But admissions officers often remember the topic of a student's essay, especially when it is so special.
As AI threatens to perfect our imperfect grammar and replace human creativity, I double-down on essay topics because they can be the purest representation of a young person's identity and individuality. I hope AI never takes that away from us.
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