What is the most challenging obstacle or setback you ever faced? Write a reflective essay explaining the steps you took to surmount the challenge and how it changed you as a person.
Sometimes you don't overcome all the challenges you face. That's OK--failed attempts can make a great reflective essay. Write about what you learned from that failure and how you will use what you learned to ensure your success next time.
Think of a time when you sacrificed or gave up on something that meant a lot to you. Write about what led you to make that decision and whether or not you think it was worth it.
Think of someone you admire or someone who has had an important impact on your life. He could be a public figure such as a political activist or an author. Or, he could be your religious leader or your next-door neighbor. It doesn't matter who he is--what matters is that you explain how this individual influenced who you are today.
Which class that you have taken (throughout high school or college) do you believe you learned the most from or will best help you in achieving your career or personal goals? Analyze and explain the relationship between this class and your future plans.
Whether it was your mother's favorite saying, a bit of wisdom shared by a favorite teacher or even a great literary quote, choose the words you want to live by and explain what they mean to you.
Everybody has some unique experience that many of their peers have not shared. Maybe you've traveled to an exotic country or worked an interesting or unusual job while your friends were clocking in at a fast food restaurant. Choose a unique experience that you have lived and explain how that experience sets you apart from your peers.