If you are looking to brainstorm a college essay using the popular "College Essay Guy" (Ethan Sawyer) methods, the key is to focus on and vulnerability rather than just listing achievements. Quick Brainstorming Exercises
To find your topic, try these signature College Essay Guy exercises: If you are looking to brainstorm a college
: Look at a list of core values (like curiosity, community, or humor) and pick your top 10, then top 3. Your essay should "show" these values through stories. Once you have your ideas, you can use
Once you have your ideas, you can use one of these two main frameworks: Brainstorm: 21 Details - College Essay Guy Once you have your ideas
: Write down 21 random, specific details about your life that aren't on your resume (e.g., "I love doing silly voices," "I learned math by playing Monopoly"). Choosing a Structure
: List 20 objects that represent different sides of you (e.g., a worn-out map, a specific kitchen tool, a lucky coin). Each object can be a "window" into a different part of your personality.