Create College Essay Topic Ideas Using ChatGPT

In ChatGPT or your favorite AI Chatbot, cut and paste the following prompt to generate topic ideas for writing the essay portion of your college application. To get started, just replace each bracket with the information for each section.

College Essay Topic Prompt

I am a [grade level] student preparing to apply to college. Create [number] essay topics for me to write my college essay on as part of [application information]. The essay topics should allow me to show a college admissions board what makes me unique. Some things I care about are [topics].

Example Prompt

I am a junior high school student preparing to apply to college. Create 10 essay topics for me to write my college essay on as part of the Common Application. The essay topics should allow me to show a college admissions board what makes me unique. Some things I care about are conservation, basketball, and my family.

Make the Prompt Work for You

  • Utilize ChatGPT as a thought partner. Use the response as a brainstorm to get you thinking about good essay topics that will work for you. For example, if the response includes a topic about a specific strength or fear that doesn't apply to you (like your love for rock climbing, or your fear of snakes), think of examples that fit (your piano expertise or social anxiety). You can use ChatGPT again to refine the wording once you've identified the topic.

  • Use a more specific prompt if you know the general topic you want to write about but are not sure what angle to take. For example, you want to talk about your love of painting but are not sure how.

  • Have ChatGPT help you with the fundamentals of writing an essay. Ask for writing tips. Submit an outline and ask for feedback.

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