Nothing is more intimidating than a blank piece of paper – and when you’re preparing to write your college application essay, you may be tempted to just plow ahead and quickly fill that paper with words. Like many college applicants, you may feel an overwhelming desire simply to be done with this part of the process. But stop and think before you start writing about whatever idea has been lurking in the corners of your mind since freshman year. There may be another topic that will do a better job of introducing you to the college admissions committee. So take a few steps back, breathe deeply and calm yourself; then it’s time to brainstorm!

Put simply, brainstorming is the process of coming up with ideas to write about. There are a number of ways to accomplish this but remember: no matter what the topic is, a good essay is always about you. So brainstorming should help you think of different ways to identify the experiences and character qualities you want to communicate in your essay.

You can accomplish this by talking to a friend or family member about the characteristics he or she sees in you, or by making a list of the qualities that most clearly define you as an individual. Think about the people who have had the strongest impact on your life and the events that have shaped your character. If you’re stuck, try free-associating and just write down the people, events and movies that come to mind – one of them may spark an essay idea.

It may be helpful to get advice from a parent or teacher but remember: when the topic is you, you’re the expert. So choose a topic that you like!