TOPICS THAT WORK ◆ Academic interests (if you are passionate about them), such as why you love
calculus, the works of Stephen Crane, studying about the Civil War, etc.
◆ Anything personal that steers away from a “common mistake” (see box on
page 77). Write about an emotional reaction to an event, a work of art, or
another person.
◆ Success out of failure: what problem did you face that helped you learn a great
lesson, and grow as a person? How did you turn an obstacle into an attribute
or achievement? (But keep it positive; you don’t want your essay to sound like
a sob story or an excuse.)
◆ Small is fine. Most students in their late teens have not experienced a traumatic,
life-changing event. Write about something you know, of great significance to
you, while seemingly mundane or routine to everyone else.
◆ Something that gets you excited, something you are passionate about.
