College Essay Brainstorming Stations

Station 1

1. Make a list of 25 things you love, love to do, and/or interest you.
2. Now go back to this list, and sort your items into categories (i.e.- sports, music, etc...)

Station 2

You have been asked to write an autobiography of your life thus far. What will it be titled? The publisher also needs a list of chapter titles and descriptions of each. Create as many as you can (at least 5) in the next few minutes.

Station 3

1. Make a list of 25 burning questions you have or things you are curious about.
2. Look over your list and SORT your items into topics or question types.
(i.e.- ?'s about: life, love, friends, etc... or thought provoking ?'s, literal questions, etc...)

Station 4

List 3 experiences that had an impact on you or taught you a lesson. Describe each one in at least 7 lines.

Station 5

If you were told that everything you owned was going to be destroyed and that you could only keep 10 things, what would they be? Describe what each one of these items means to you. What does it show about your personality? Why is it special?

Station 6

You’re going to spend the next 10 years in a space station travelling to Mars. You may bring 5 CD’s, 5 Books, and 5 DVD’s. Which do you choose? Why? Be specific and descriptive.