College Essay: Why Weird Topics are Beautiful Things

A high school teacher and writing coach makes the case for why an unusual topic can make a memorable college essay.

“That’s weird.”

In conversation, some people might balk at that response. In college essay writing, “weird” can be a great start. People, especially socially conscious teenagers, try to avoid the label. However, unique interests, like playing the ukulele or collecting antique spoons, often reveal something significant, or at the very least, spark questions. That’s the key—inspir...