College Essay Update: Which Topics Are Off Limits in 2025?

I love listening and learning new things. I am endlessly curious. Lately, I’ve had lots of
conversations with colleagues on the same topic: How will the current political environment
affect students as they apply to college? Can students write about race, gender, politics,
and other hot-button topics?
 
For better or worse, we won’t know how changes on campuses will affect our students till
they apply, weigh their options, and enter college.
 
When it comes to college essays, however, one thing hasn’t changed: Students really can
write about anything, if they focus on theme, not topic.
 
By theme I mean this: 1) What happened? (the anchor story) and 2) Why does it
matter (characteristics/what do we learn about the student from this anchor story).
 
Recruited athletes spend most of their time on athletics. Talented singers, chess wizards
and star debaters spend most of their time on those activities. That’s where their most
meaningful experiences occur. A student whose racial, gender, political, or cultural identity
is central to who they are might choose to write an essay that reflects on that identity. 
 
As long as the essay is genuine, shows some reflection, and responds to the prompt, it can
be effective.
 
No, a tennis player should not use the essay to brag about winning a tournament, but they
can use the essay to demonstrate their creativity while helping a less skilled player improve
their backhand.
 
No, a student should not use the essay to sneak in demographic information, but that
information is certainly not off limits. It’s part of who they are.
 
When the student understands the prompt and understands why they are writing about a
particular topic (it shows how resilient I am; it illustrates my creativity; etc.) any topic can
work.
Free College Essay Webinar

Join Me for a Free Webinar Wednesday, June 11 at 1 pm Eastern, when we’ll talk about
another hot topic: AI and college essays. Should students use it? Should counselors use it
to help generate topics and review essays? What are the ethical and practical issues we
should consider? Register here for free: https://wowwritingworkshop.com/register-pro-chat/

Susan Knoppow is CEO of Wow Writing Workshop. You can reach her at
Susan@wowwritingworkshop.com