Beginning your college application essay can be a daunting step: the prompt will most likely be open-ended, leaving you to choose what to write about out of an infinite number of topics. Keep in mind that whatever the question asks, the fundamental purpose of the admissions essay is for a college to learn more about you as a person. Aside from the perspective gleaned from your grades, recommendations, and extracurricular interests, the essay gives you the chance to reflect on and express yourself. Think of it not as an assignment but as an opportunity to showcase your most important personal qualities.
The key to writing a successful essay is to be as introspective as possible. The process of writing begins with the process of self-discovery, which will not only inspire your topic choice, but will also furnish the shape and structure of the essay you write.
The best way to begin this process is by brainstorming: quickly generating many potential topics without fully fleshing them out. You can brainstorm with a friend or by yourself, creating a visual list or map. It may help to begin by identifying the personal characteristics that describe you, which you may choose to reveal through your essay. How do you think of yourself, and how might your friends, family, or teachers describe you? Take a look through this list of adjectives (link) and identify 5 to 10 that best represent you as a person. You could also begin with free association. Clear your mind and create a visual timeline of important events in your life. Or create a list of the people, books, movies, artists, and musicians that have been important to you. Can you remember the last time you had an impassioned conversation or argument with a friend? These lists can provide starting points for college essay topics that will reveal who you are as an individual. Try these brainstorming exercises to generate ideas: (link)

Warm-Up Writing Exercises
A. If Steven Spielberg came to you and wanted to make a movie of your life, what would be five to ten events or things that would have to be included? It may be helpful to think of your life in a timeline, from earliest to latest events.
B. Your friends want to make a video about your teenage years. What scenes should be included? Don’t limit yourself to school accomplishments or ignore those for which you have not gained formal recognition. Sometimes the most interesting essays are based on events that seem insignificant, but which have great importance in your life.

C. The New York Times has asked you to list three to five things about which you could speak or write in some depth. What are they?

D. List five people (real, fictional, dead, or alive) whom you respect and admire.

E. What movie or book most deeply affected you?

F. Who is your favorite musical artist?

G. Four of your favorite and four of your least favorite places, objects, virtues, etc.

H. List two of your most miserable failures and two of your greatest successes in life.