Module Content

Before you move forward I would highly recommend brainstorming a second topic—and maybe even a third. Why?

Four Reasons You Should Probably Brainstorm 1-2 More Topics

1. Your first idea may not work, and I want you to have other options in your back pocket so that, if your first one doesn't work, you won't get discouraged.

2. You might come up with a better idea.

3. You may be able to combine your second or third idea with your first, creating a more interesting personal statement (raising your likelihood of standing out).

4. This is your homework assignment before moving on to the next module.

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Action Item #1: Create at least two outlines.

I'd recommend creating either:

• One Narrative Structure outline + One Montage Structure outline, or

• Two Montage Structure outlines

Ideally, I'd recommend creating three outlines—either three Montage, or two Montage and one Narrative. But if that sounds like too much, two is okay.

Reminder: Your outlines can be very simple. The "Food" essay outlined in the "I Love/I Know" Montage path, for example, is:

• "Finish your ribs" story → determination

• Family notes on the tablecloth → vulnerability

• Gefilte fish → experimenting/trying new things

• Otter Pops → rest/taking time to enjoy the fruits of my labor

• Cooking → family + environmental impact

At this point you just need the examples and the values they represent.

You can create these 1-2 outlines by simply going back through the tool and choosing a path you didn't choose the first time.

• Go to the 7 Montage Paths

• Stay on the Narrative Path

It's important to note that you are not creating back-up topics. Instead, think of this as generating 1-2 more ideas that will be as good as or maybe even better than your first idea.

In short, I'm asking you not to get too attached to your first idea.

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Action Item #2: Either get your topic approved by someone else (recommended) OR approve your own topic.

Why do this? So many students launch into writing a first draft on a topic that a) is very common (like an extracurricular activity), or b) doesn't help them show many sides of themselves (like a challenge that feels kind of forced). As a result, they end up wasting time or feeling frustrated. Getting a little outside feedback on your topic is a great way to avoid that frustration and increase the likelihood of writing an essay that's more likely to stand out.

Whom should you ask?

Option A: Ask your counselor or another expert (most reliable).

Do you know someone—your counselor, perhaps—who has a lot of experience reading college essays? If so, email them with something like this:

Hi (name of person)!

I'm hoping to write a personal statement that will help me stand out AND show many parts of who I am.

Would you mind letting me know which of these outlines seems like it might be the most likely to help me stand out?

If this is unclear, click this 2-minute video for an explanation.

And if none of these ideas seem promising, would you please let me know if you think I should go back and brainstorm new ideas? Thank you!

Note: that last bullet point will give them permission to be honest with you.

Don't forget to include your 2-3 outlines.

If you don't have a counselor...

Option B: Ask someone who knows you really well (somewhat reliable).

Email that person with your 2-3 outlines and something like:

Hi (name of person)!

I'm hoping to write a personal statement that will help me stand out AND show many parts of who I am.

Would you mind letting me know which of these outlines seems like it might be the most likely to help me stand out?

If this is unclear, click this 2-minute video for an explanation.

And if none of these ideas seem promising, would you please let me know if you think I should go back and brainstorm new ideas? Thank you!

Again, that last part will give them permission to be honest with you.

Don't forget to include your 2-3 outlines.

If you don't have a counselor, or don't have someone who knows you really well and can give you feedback...

Option C: Decide for yourself (a bit less reliable).

To do that, ask yourself:

• Which of my topics is likely to be the most uncommon or unexpected?

  • Common topics include extracurricular activities, sports, musical instruments, and trips abroad

• Which of my topics will allow me to show the most sides of myself?

  • You can test this by looking at this Values List and seeing how many different values you can connect to your topic

• Am I excited to write about this topic?

What if my reviewer doesn't like either of my topics? Or what if I don't?

Don't worry. Right now is the best time to try new ideas—before you're super invested in an idea that ultimately may not work. If you're concerned your topic is too common, may not show many sides of you, or you're just not all that excited to write about it, I'd recommend:

1. Spending at least 30 minutes completing these additional exercises, then

2. Using an alternate Montage path to create 1-2 new outlines.