Pick a subject. The subject matter is the most important part of your essay. It should stand out to the reader and make you memorable. The only way to create a piece of writing that accomplishes this is to completely connect it to yourself. Ask, Who am I? What am I interested in most? What is my favorite thing to do? What is my favorite book, film or piece of music? Then ask yourself whether your topic is appropriate for a college essay.
Consider your past. Have you struggled for something and succeeded? Have you struggled for something and failed? Was there a moment you learned something valuable and important that has remained important to you? These topics are worth exploring in an essay.
Consider your future. You are applying to a college or university. Why is this the place you want to be for the next two to four years? Where would you like to be after that? The people who read this essay will be interested in knowing why you want to be there.
Write it all down. In the brainstorming process, do not dismiss any idea that comes to mind. Write each one down on a blank computer document or on a note pad. Even the most flighty idea might prove to be worthy when considered later.
Be wary of ideas that only lead back to yourself. Although the subject matter of your essay must be distinct and personal, a wider audience must be able to relate to it. In other words, it cannot sound like an isolated diary entry, but must tell a story that everyone can connect to.
Choose an idea from your brainstorming session that can be spun into a creative and engaging story. For example, learning about defeat the first time you decided not to study for a history exam because you thought you had the material down would be a better choice than the time the plants died because you forgot to water them and you learned to be more mindful of your responsibilities. The first scenario would make a more compelling story than the second, trite scenario.
Start your essay with the main idea. What is the reader going to learn from your essay? This should be your first sentence. After that, it's all about how you support this main idea.