How Do You Brainstorm?
It’s one of the most important questions to ask as you begin thinking about your college essay: Does my creativity thrive in a group, or am I more productive on my own?
As a writing teacher, I have seen students transform essays through the collaborative processes of workshopping, peer review, and group discussions; I have also worked with students who do their best thinking on long hikes, in solitary spaces, and even—in one case—while he was asleep!
For most of us, however, where we find our creative best is not always so cut and dried. You might love your group of friends, for example, but sometimes feel that you think so much alike that you need a little distance when you brainstorm. You might be someone who deeply enjoys being alone, but find that the company of others can help you “get out of your head” in ways that help clarify your ideas. No two people do their best work in exactly the same way, which is one reason the tailored college essay writing support we offer at Marks Education helps students get outstanding results.
Brainstorming thoroughly and with an open mind is essential to a strong college essay. And being aware of the settings in which you are at your creative best will help you make the most of the writing process—where thinking outside the box can make the difference between an essay that is read and soon forgotten and an essay that sets your application apart.
Understanding how to start your college essay begins with effective brainstorming, a step that can’t be overstated in its importance. College essay brainstorming techniques allow you to unearth rich stories, unique insights, and personal experiences that set the foundation for writing a compelling essay. It’s during this initial phase where the most authentic and impactful essay topics are discovered. This crucial step ensures that your essay is not just a recount of events but a reflection as to how those events have shaped who you are and showcase your growth, character, and potential as a prospective student.
Exploring personal statement brainstorming ideas is a crucial step in the college essay writing process, one that can sometimes feel as daunting as the writing itself It’s essential to discover a brainstorming method that not only ignites your creativity but also aids in surfacing valuable insights and stories you might not have initially considered.
Whether your ideas flow best in the quiet of your own space or gain momentum through lively discussions in a group, pinpointing the ideal setting for your brainstorming efforts is key. This strategy not only makes your brainstorming sessions more fruitful but also adds an element of joy to crafting your essay.
Wondering how to navigate these personal statement brainstorming ideas and find the setting that best suits you?Try this short quiz:
- When you go out on the weekends, are you usually with a large group of friends? If you answered “yes”, you might thrive in a group setting.
- When you have a problem, do you typically prefer to solve it on your own? If you answered “yes”, you might prefer one-on-one essay support.
- Would you consider yourself a very talkative person? If this is a “yes”, the group might be for you!
- Do you enjoy spending time alone with your thoughts? If “yes”, you might thrive in a one-on-one setting.
Great! Now that you know what kind of brainstormer you are, consider trying these college essay brainstorming techniques to learn how to start your college essay:
- The Object Exercise: Choose an object that has significance to you and write about its history, what it represents about you, or a memory associated with it. This exercise helps unearth personal stories and values that might not be immediately obvious.
- The Values Exercise: Make a list of your top 5 values and write a short story or scene that illustrates each one. This can help clarify what’s most important to you, which can be a great starting point for an essay.
- The “What If?” Scenario: Imagine alternate endings to significant events in your life. “What if I hadn’t moved cities in my junior year?” or “What if I chose a different project for the science fair?”Reflect on how these scenarios could have changed your perspective or path. This can help you explore the impact of choices and circumstances in your life.
- The Six-Word Memoir: Challenge yourself to write a memoir in just six words. This exercise forces you to distill your identity and experiences into a succinct, impactful statement, which can be a powerful brainstorming tool for your essay.
- The Letter to Your Future Self: Write a letter to yourself five years from now. What hopes, dreams, and questions do you have? This can help you articulate your goals and aspirations, providing a great backdrop for your essay.
- The Mind Map: Start with a central idea or theme you’re considering for your essay and create a mind map of related ideas, memories, people, and emotions. This visual brainstorming tool can help you see connections and themes you might not have noticed before.
- The Dialogue Exercise: Write a dialogue between you and someone who has influenced you (it could be someone you know personally or a historical figure). This can help you articulate the influence others have had on your development and potentially uncover a unique angle for your essay.
- The “Day in the Life” Snapshot: Describe a day in your life from an outsider’s perspective, including the mundane details. Sometimes, the most compelling narratives are found in everyday moments.
You can read more about the various ways we can help you through the college application process with guided college essay writing support here, whether you are interested in one-on-one or group support, we’re here to help! Our gifted educational advisors are here to help you simplify the process: from essay writing to best-fit strategy, Marks Education has your back.
Contact us now to learn more!
