Brainstorm!

Here’s an awesome tip: Write two or three times more than what you’ll use.

This goes for brainstorming ideas… perhaps you have one or two already. It also goes for how much your write once you have a first draft.

Why do a minute’s more work than you need to? After all, you already have a good idea!

Here’s why: Your mind is lazy.

News flash: Mine is too. This is normal and natural. Our brains always work to conserve maximum energy. This is one time that 5 minutes of extra effort can SAVE you 30 minutes, 1 hour, and even 3 hours or more. Imagine how much time it will take to rewrite your essay if you later decide it’s not your deepest story! Save all that wasted effort by slowing down on the front end and considering loads of other options.

Brainstorm first. Before you start writing on your chosen topic — stop. And even if you’ve already got a first draft - stop. Do this step. Write down 6 - 10 OTHER essay topics. Who knows, you might just come up with something you never even considered! And even if you keep your original idea, these topics will become some of your supplemental essay topics.

From this list, what are the 3 strongest ideas … the ones that you have the most to say about, or which might reveal something unique about you or how you roll?