College Application Essay Brainstorm Exercise

Many college admissions representatives have shared that in a college application essay they are trying to learn something about the applicant that they haven't seen in the rest of the application. It may mean they learn more about what interests you, what your passion is, your writing skill and style, how you spend your time, or how you see yourself. Ultimately, all questions lead back to "tell me more about yourself." Keeping this in mind, here is an exercise that may help stimulate the gray matter and get you ready for getting YOU down on paper.

REMEMBER: THIS IS A BRAINSTORM SESSION! Write down the first answers that come to your mind for each exercise. There are no right or wrong answers!

1. Set a timer for 3 minutes: Write down at least 10 things that you love spending time doing.
2. Set a timer for 3 minutes: Write down 3-5 political/international issues that intrigue you. Review your list. Rate those issues in order of importance to you 1-5, 1 being most important.
3. Set a timer for 3 minutes: Write down the names of five people you would like to talk with. Choose one of those people and put a star by their name.
4. Set a timer for 3 minutes: Write down 3 questions you would ask the person you marked with a star. (Pretend you will have only 15 minutes with that person and write the three most burning questions that you would want to know.)
5. Set a timer for 5 minutes: Write 10 two- word descriptions of how you would like to be known when you are 75 ( jazz musician, brilliant scientist, phenomenal teacher...)

OK, now look over your lists. What do you see about yourself? Did you discover any new insights? These lists may help jump-start your essays. Use them! The admissions application essays are waiting!