personal life essay topics

Personal Essay Topics

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A personal essay is an essay about your life, thoughts, or experiences. This type of essay will give readers a glimpse into your most intimate life experiences and life lessons. There are many reasons you may need to write a personal essay , from a simple class assignment to a college application requirement . You can use the list below for inspiration. Consider each statement a starting point, and write about a memorable moment that the prompt brings to mind.

Your bravest moment
How you met your best friend
What makes your mom or dad special
How you overcame a fear
Why you will succeed
Why you made a difficult choice
A special place
A place you try to avoid
When a friend let you down
An event that changed your life
A special encounter with an animal
A time when you felt out of place
An odd experience that didn't make sense at the time
Words of wisdom that hit home and changed your way of thinking
A person that you do not like
A time when you disappointed someone
Your fondest memory
A time when you saw your parent cry
The moment when you knew you were grown up
Your earliest memory of holiday celebrations in your home
Times when you should have made a better choice
A time when you dodged a dangerous situation
A person you will think about at the end of your life
Your favorite time period
A failure you've experienced
A disappointment you've experienced
A surprising turn of events
What you would do with power
What superpower you would choose
If you could switch lives with someone
How money matters in your life
Your biggest loss
A time when you felt you did the wrong thing
A proud moment when you did the right thing
An experience that you've never shared with another person
A special place that you shared with a childhood friend
A first encounter with a stranger
Your first handshake
Where you go to hide
If you had a do-over
A book that changed your life
Words that stung
When you had the desire to run
When you had the urge to crawl into a hole
Words that prompted hope
When a child taught you a lesson
Your proudest moment
If your dog could talk
Your favorite time with family
If you could live in another country
If you could invent something
The world a hundred years from now
If you had lived a hundred years earlier
The animal you'd like to be
One thing you'd change at your school
The greatest movie moment
The type of teacher you would be
If you could be a building
A statue you'd like to see
If you could live anywhere
The greatest discovery
If you could change one thing about yourself
An animal that could be in charge
Something you can do that robots could never do
Your most unfortunate day
Your secret talent
Your secret love
The most beautiful thing you've ever seen
The ugliest thing you've seen
Something you've witnessed
An accident that changed everything
A wrong choice
A right choice
If you were a food
How you'd spend a million dollars
If you could start a charity
The meaning of color
A close call
Your favorite gift
A chore you'd do away with
A secret place
Something you can't resist
A hard lesson
A visitor you'll never forget
An unexplained event
Your longest minute
An awkward social moment
An experience with death
Why you'll never tell a lie
If your mom knew, she'd kill you
A kiss that meant a lot
When you needed a hug
The hardest news you've had to deliver
A special morning
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110 Personal Essay Topics

Though written from a lived experience, personal essay topics can be tricky to come up with because they have to be universal enough for other people to relate to.

Since the skill of writing a good essay is being able to paint an image with words, students must choose a topic that will get others interested in the story and what it has to say about life, society, or themselves.

In essence, personal essays are written from a personal point of view and express a writer’s own insights, opinions, and feelings on a particular topic. Additionally, these types of essays lead to an overall point, lesson, realization, or revelation.

Most commonly, personal essays are written by high school students as part of their college applications. However, there are many other reasons that a personal essay may be assigned or written, including:

Scholarship applications
Job interview
Writing contest
Grad school admission

Students and others struggling with a valuable personal essay topic can choose from any of the 110 personal essay topics on this list to help them get started.

How to Write a Personal Essay

Writing a personal essay will require you to follow a traditional essay’s guidelines, structure, and format. However, you will also need to ensure that your essay is personal or tells a story about yourself rather than being entirely academic.

For example, you might want to explain an experience that changed how you saw the world or share an opinion on something important to you – even if the rest of the world doesn’t agree with it.

It often helps to make a list of experiences that you may want to share before starting with the writing aspect of the personal essay.

Introduction

The introduction to your personal essay will set the scene for the reader. Therefore, your personal essay needs to start with a compelling hook that will draw the reader in and make them want to read more.

This hook statement could be a humorous or poignant anecdote related to your topic or a line of questioning that the reader will be interested in following. For example, some possible opening lines for a personal essay could start with:

“I remember exactly where I was when I first realized …”
“What would you do if you knew the world was going to end tomorrow?
“So, I once had this problem …”

These beginning lines will often create questions in the reader’s mind, which is an excellent way to capture their interest and keep them reading. Following this initial opening sentence, you can introduce other details as you build up the main point of the story.

Your introduction should end with a thesis statement that verbalizes the general direction the story will go.

Body Paragraphs

Generally, a personal essay will have no less than three body paragraphs that detail your experience in chronological order. Each section should discuss one part of the story, including the events leading up to it, what happened during the experience, and what you learned from it.

Body paragraphs may also include examples of feelings, emotions, or arguments that support your experience. The goal of a personal essay is to share a compelling story and teach the reader something about life or themselves by using specific details and language.

Consider this formatting when creating the body paragraphs of your personal essay:

1st Paragraph

Beginning of the story that answers questions related to “Who?” and “Where?”
Initial attitudes, moods, feelings, and assumptions about the event or experience about to take place

2nd Paragraph

Middle of the story
Details that show how the situation evolved over time, including any changes in mood or assumption on your part

3rd Paragraph

Ending of the story/resolution
The final analysis on overall feelings, emotions, and mood

By sticking to this formatting for the body paragraphs, students can ensure that they are telling the story correctly and including every key detail as it happens.

Conclusion Paragraph

The conclusion of a personal essay is optional and depends on what you want to accomplish with the telling of your story. If you want to leave the reader feeling inspired or emotionally moved, then focus on summarizing the main points in a short paragraph that ends on a positive note.

However, if this was a darker story, you may want to use the concluding paragraph to sum up your feelings after the experience has ended or explore any unanswered questions that remain.

In any event, your conclusion does need to include an overall moral or lesson of how the writer:

overcame hardship
rose to the occasion
identified new traits or abilities that they never realized existed
turned defeat into success
followed their instincts and made the right choice
came to appreciate something about life after the experience took place

Any of these statements can stand alone as a powerful lesson learned. However, when combined in one concluding paragraph, you will leave your reader with a profound impression.

Using any of these 110 personal essay topics will ensure that you have a strong and interesting story to tell.

Personal Essay Topics About Relationships

What was a time when you made a friend?
What would your worst enemy say about you?
Talk about the death of a friend.
How did it feel to be bullied in school?
The time when you had to get along with a sibling despite being different ages
What you learned from your first relationship
Why marriage isn’t important to you
How you discovered polyamory, and how it changed your view of relationships
How your best friend made you a better person
The lesson you learned from being catfished
The first time you experienced heartbreak
A funny story about how technology ruined a relationship.
How did you learn to recognize love?
Who would you consider your soulmate? What makes them that person specifically for you?
What was your most embarrassing moment as a boyfriend or girlfriend, and what did you learn from it?

Personal Essay Topics About Hardships

The worst thing that ever happened to me
The roughest time in my family’s life
The hardest challenge I’ve ever had to overcome
How did you deal with the stress of moving?
What was your most embarrassing moment as a kid?
What are some reasons that I am grateful for my disability/illness/condition?
When have you had an “Aha!” moment in life?
What’s something terrible that happened to you that turned into something good?
What’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned from my failures?
The time when it almost felt like the world was against me
How did I handle/recover from a severe illness/injury/accident?
When was the first time I realized that life isn’t fair?
What was the biggest struggle I went through in my teens?
The most challenging situation I faced in high school
When was a time when I made a negative impact on someone else?
The first time I got caught stealing
The most embarrassing mistake I ever made with money
What was the most challenging thing about getting sober/clean/overcoming addiction?
When did I realize that life is short and that nobody is promised tomorrow?
How did you learn to persevere through tough times?

Personal Essay Topics About Success & Achievements

Best moment in my sports career
My greatest success story
The time I overcame my fear and found strength I didn’t know I had.
What’s the happiest day of my life?
How did I learn to overcome failure?
The time I knew that dreams really do come true
My greatest triumph over adversity – and what it taught me about myself.
What made you realize that you have to work hard in order to achieve something meaningful in life?
When did I know that I had made it in life?
When was the first time you were acknowledged for your achievements?
The night when my hard work truly paid off
My most powerful moment after overcoming a setback
How did I become successful?
What are some defining moments in my career?
How did I make it through a difficult time in college/university?
What motivated me to become the person I am today?

Personal Essay Topics About Personal Growth & Self-Reflection

Whose lifelong encouragement helped make me who I am today
The first time I took responsibility for my own actions
What gave me the courage to be myself?
The most valuable life lesson I’ve ever received. Who taught it to me, and what was the context?
How did I get through a difficult childhood/adolescence/teenage years?
What did I learn from becoming a yoga master?
How has meditation helped me overcome anger issues?
How did I recover from using drugs and alcohol?
What’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned from quitting my job?
When did I realize that life is too short to hate someone?
The moment when I knew it was time for a change
I made a mistake – and this is how I bounced back
How did I overcome depression/anxiety/mental illness?

Personal Essay Topics About Passions & Hobbies

How did learning a skill change my life?
Why exercise makes me a better person
My passion for writing
What’s the best advice I’ve ever received? Who gave it to me, and in what situation?
The moment when I realized my true calling in life
The importance of keeping a journal and how it has helped me become a better person
My biggest bucket list dream and why it’s so important to me
What is my vision for the future?
How did I find peace, contentment, and happiness?
The time when I truly lived outside of my comfort zone
When was the moment when I felt like I “got” meditation?
My journey towards becoming vegan. What inspired me to make this change, and what were the challenges I faced?
What lessons have been easy for me to learn, and which ones have been harder?
The time when travel changed my life

Personal Essay Topics About Challenges & Failures

The low point of my life and how I got through it
How did an illness/injury/death in the family affect me?
Why did I decide to stop going on blind dates?
What were the consequences of losing my temper, and how did I make amends?
The time when I was broken. What happened, who got hurt, and how did it affect me? How did I overcome this experience?
When was the moment when I realized that my words carry weight?

Personal Essay Topics About Family & Childhood Memories

The time when my family showed me what unconditional love means
My most vivid childhood memory and how it has affected me as an adult
How did I learn to be patient and kind?
What was the moment that sparked a change in my life? What caused this change, and what happened after the changes took place?
The moment when I realized the true meaning of friendship
What lessons did growing up teach me about life?
My childhood dream and what it taught me about myself
How do I feel about my hometown after living in three different places?
Why is it important to visit your birthplace/hometown during holidays/vacations?
My family’s most influential life lesson and how it has affected me
What was the moment when I realized that my parents had their own struggles?
The time when I learned about my family history. What happened, why did this happen, and how did it affect me? How did things change after this event?
What do I know about family traditions now that I didn’t understand as a child?
Why are your family memories vital to you?

Personal Essay Topics About Cultural Heritage & Identity

What does being bilingual/multilingual mean to me? Why is it unique?
My first interaction with someone from another culture
What’s wrong with cultural appropriation, and how did I learn to stop?
The moment when I became aware of my race/ethnicity
My culture’s most influential life lesson and how it has affected me
How I learned to not be afraid of my cultural differences
Why is diversity important in my community? In what ways do I contribute?
The moment I realized that I am proud of my culture
How has the immigrant/refugee experience shaped who you are today?
How traditions have changed the way I view my family

Personal Essay Topics About Childhood Dreams & Aspirations

What were my childhood dreams, and how have they changed over the years?
How did I make peace with the fear of growing up?

Any of these 110 personal essay topics are perfect for students struggling to find a topic that will impress a college admission officer or any other person with whom you’re trying to connect with on a personal level through storytelling.

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100+ Personal Essay Topics For College And Writing Tips

Table of Contents

70 Great Personal Essay Topics for College

Looking for interesting personal essay writing ideas? We’ve got a bunch…

A personal essay is a typical assignment for high-school and college students. It’s a type of non-fiction that incorporates a variety of writing styles. Personal essay topics usually include real stories, experiences, and opinions of people.

Writers need to give an account of their own experience and express their thoughts on the subject of a paper. The key to success is to make an attempt to combine narration and opinion together. In this article, you will find a short writing guide and 100+ engaging personal essay topic ideas.

How to write personal essays?

Keep in mind that personal writing is always subjective. It is based on the writer’s observation, feelings, opinion, and experience. You are the speaker, so it’s quite natural to use such pronouns as I, my, me, we, and our.

First of all, most essay writing websites will say that you need to find a compelling topic. College personal essay topics include a lot of things.

Students may be asked to

state their opinion about an issue
document what they observed
share a story
give a description of an object, event, place, person
relate a specific subject to their own life

Whatever theme you choose, it’s crucial to start an introduction of your paper with a strong hook to capture the audience’s attention. Introduce the subject in the first paragraph. Think about the main idea you want to communicate.

In the body of your paper, inform readers about the subject. It’s better to create an outline before to start writing. It will help you organize your thoughts, stay focused, and write clearly and concisely. Start each paragraph with a new idea. Show, don’t tell. Use strong verbs and include a lot of sensory details.

End with a thought-provoking conclusion. You need to explain what lesson you have learned, how your experience contributed to your development as a person and shaped your personality.

Why choose personal persuasive essay topics for writing

When writing on personal persuasive essay topics, writers must state their position or opinion on an issue and try to persuade people to accept their point of view, telling stories and appealing to their feelings and emotions.

That differs from elaborating on personal argumentative essay topics, when students have to support their point of view with strong arguments, reasons, relevant examples, appropriate illustrations, etc.

These types of papers are not easy to write as well as papers on personal cause and effect essay topics.

But there are important reasons why you may want to do that.

You’ll improve communication and critical thinking skills .
Challenging themes can help you stand out from the crowd.
You will be able to demonstrate your creativity and ability to apply persuasive techniques.

… Can’t decide what idea to choose?

Here we have gathered a wide variety of moving ideas for your inspiration. Whether you need personal experience essay topics or personal narrative essay topics, we’ve got you covered.

Personal essay topics: what are they about?

You may write on any subject. Popular themes include hobbies, nature, childhood, illness, travel, making a difficult choice, learning something new, friends, family, and relationships.

You may use some personal challenge essay ideas and tell about overcoming an obstacle. Or you can buy argumentative essay if you don’t have time to work on college tasks tonight.

Actually, the subject is not as important as you think. Readers want to see your point of view that reveals your unique personality.

How you met a special person in your life?
A person you admire most.
The best place in the local area.
A place where you would like to live your whole life.
Works of art you admire.
The job of your dream.
Your biggest disappointment.
Books that made a great impression on you.
What annoys you?
Your family traditions.
Are you addicted to technology?
What modern songs inspire you?
Could you live without money?
Do you like commercials?
What is your best method of studying?

Personal narrative essay topics

Tell about your first trip abroad.
The most unfortunate event ever happened to you.
What happened during your first day at school?
What is your first childhood memory?
What is your most memorable family event?
Did you experience failure?
What games did you play when you were a child?
The biggest challenge you have overcome.
Do you remember your first birthday party?
Tell how you learn something new.
Have you ever encountered a wild animal?
Tell about the first time you were home alone.
How you cooked a meal for the first time?
Tell how you helped someone.
How you overcame fear?

Personal experience essay topics

What things make you feel happy?
How you came to healthy eating habits?
How did you celebrate Christmas?
Did you bring a stray animal home?
How did you learn to drive?
How you met a famous person?
How did you learn something from enemies?
Describe the accidents you witnessed.
How you got hurt?
Describe disastrous trips or vacations.
Fantastic concerts you attended.
Describe terrifying nightmares.
Your reaction when provoked.
Experience of being a leader.
A friendship breakup experience.

Personal argumentative essay topics

What could you live without?
Why are you concerned about environmental issues?
How much money do you need for happiness?
What does your ethnic identity mean to you?
Significance of personal growth.
Male and female roles in your family.
Your attitude to feminism.
Explain what does it mean to be a Human.
Most precious moments of your life.
What is more critical: wealth or happiness?
Your attitude to getting a tattoo.
Is it important to be crazy about fashion?
Your opinion on cosmetics surgery.
Significance of healthy lifestyle choices.
Your favourite holiday destinations.

College personal essay topics

Have you been in love with someone?
What is your life’s goal?
What does success mean to you?
How freedom matters in your life?
How you leave the comfort zone?
Things you appreciate in life.
What things do you hate?
How you met college roommates?
Your plans on spending a gap year.
How you got your first job?
Describe intellectual challenges you would like to solve.
What did you learn from failures?
Outdoor activities you like most.
Explain your commitments.
What motivates you?

Personal persuasive essay topics

Your opinion of distant learning and online education.
Can listening to music help complete your homework faster?
Can hobbies help in a future career?
Is it ethical to buy products tested on animals?
Why is volunteering important?
Should drugs be banned?
Your favourite restaurant everyone should visit.
Things to do to help our world survive.
How can we make the world a better place?
Is it possible to avoid stress?
Should zoos be forbidden?
How online shopping makes me spend more money?
Why I don’t smoke.
Things I want to be doing when I become 85.
Why do I recommend students to study abroad?

Personal cause and effect essay topics

Why I don’t watch TV.
Reasons I go in for sports.
Effects of social media on the daily routine.
How my failures make me stronger?
Books that changed my world view.
Reasons why I study computer science.
Influence of my parents on my life choices.
Importance of learning math for my future career.
Effect of being a single child.
How my pets make me a better person?
Influence of regular exercise on my health and wellbeing.
What makes me rebel against my parents?
How did my parents help me to study?
Why going to college made me an independent person?
What caused my burn out?

Feel free to use our good personal essay topics for creating amazing pieces that will make a powerful impression on your readers and get you high grades.

Can’t grab your thoughts together and come up with a perfect personal essay? No worries! Our writers will do all the writing, while you enjoy your free time. Psst, it takes a few clicks only…

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Colleges and high schools require students to complete personal essays. Basically, personal memoirs aim to stimulate readers to act in a specific way. In this case, writers can use unique examples of personal essay topics for starting, organizing, and writing their papers. Personal papers include real stories, involvements, and individual opinions. Besides, authors should give an account of their responsibilities and express thoughts on assigned subjects. Further on, there are two types of personal essay topics, which include secret lives and defining moment narratives. In particular, the first type focuses on essential but mysterious experiences where learners give stories that concentrate on infrequent life tracking down. Moreover, the second type of individual essay theme focuses on a critical moment in a person’s life. In turn, one should follow specific schemes to write personal papers by considering two types of topics. As a result, such aspects make essays outstanding for readers.

General Guidelines on Personal Essay Topics

A personal essay topic refers to a typical assignment for high school and college students, while they can use many examples of personal essay topics for their writing assignments provided in this article. Basically, personal memoirs exist as two major types. The first type focuses on secret lives, where learners provide stories that focus on unusual life pursuits. For example, this composition takes writers behind specific scenes of their unique experiences in odd jobs. Then, the second type of personal essay focuses on defining moments in a person’s life. Hence, personal essay topics resemble not only some secrets of life but also focus on one crucial moment that explains how authors think about their occupation or a unique situation. However, people should not limit their ideas and themes to these two types since other topics also work with writing interesting papers.

Best Personal Essay Topics

The journey to mastering my favorite hobby.
Overcoming a fear that changed my life.
An unforgettable encounter with a stranger.
Travel experiences that changed my perspective.
Realizing the importance of mental health.
My most significant failure and what I learned.
Living through a natural disaster: My story.
Memories of my first best friend.
Growing up in a multicultural household.
How has volunteering shaped my character?
Conquering the fear of public speaking.
Adapting to life after moving to a new city.
The time I confronted my biggest critic.
Experiences that taught me the value of time.
A passion that’s not popular among my peers.
Lessons learned from an unexpected source.
The moment I stood up for what was right.
How I cope with stress: My personal methods.
Going against societal norms: A personal account.
Balancing dreams with reality: My experience.
The importance of self-care in my life.

Easy Personal Essay Topics

Experiences that shaped my political views.
The journey to accepting my sexuality.
Unraveling my unique talent.
Achieving my most ambitious goal.
My favorite childhood memory and its impact.
The role of spirituality in my life.
Navigating through a major life transition.
Learning to appreciate my heritage.
The influence of art on my personal growth.
Overcoming a personal health challenge.
An event that triggered personal growth.
How I managed a personal conflict?
A time when I had to forgive someone.
Finding happiness in the little things.
My journey toward body positivity.
Experiencing a unique cultural event.
Lessons I learned from my first job.
A hobby that helps me relax.
Reflections on my time in high school.
The impact of technology on my life.
A trip that ignited a newfound passion.
Handling a financial crisis: A personal tale.

Interesting Personal Essay Topics

Perspectives on global citizenship.
My journey with mental health.
Overcoming the fear of failure.
The impact of family traditions.
Being an introvert in an extroverted world.
How minimalism simplified my life.
Reading books versus eBooks: A personal preference.
The role of music in my life.
Unusual habits that keep me sane.
Body positivity and self-love.
Finding courage in vulnerability.
The influence of a favorite teacher.
Digital detox: My experience and insights.
Reflecting on a childhood ambition.
Coping with loss: A personal journey.
Living a sustainable lifestyle.
Pets and their effect on our well-being.
My experience with a unique hobby.
Choosing passion over a paycheck.
Embracing change: My personal experience.
The importance of setting boundaries.
How have my parents shaped my worldview?
Volunteering and the act of giving back.

Personal Essay Topics About You

Discovering my hidden talents: A journey of self-exploration.
How has adopting a pet changed my life?
Overcoming personal fears: My story of growth.
The role of music in my personal development.
A significant moment of failure that shaped me.
My experience with cultural diversity and what I learned.
Navigating through life with a rare medical condition.
Dealing with loss: How has grief transformed my perspective?
Lessons learned from my first job experience.
My lifelong passion for cooking and how it is influenced me.
Confronting my anxieties: The path toward mental well-being.
Balancing academics and sports: My high school experience.
Embracing solitude: The importance of being alone.
How has volunteering shaped my worldview?
Reflections on a family tradition that means a lot to me.
Making a difference: My journey into activism.
How has moving to a new city opened my mind?
My evolution as an artist: From doodles to masterpieces.
Personal growth through the lens of travel experiences.

Personal Essay Topics About Your Experiences

Unraveling the knots: The toughest challenge I faced in my past relationship.
How has my first vacation with my ex shaped my understanding of compatibility?
The subtle art of compromise: Learning to balance my needs with my ex’s.
Discovering personal growth: What breaking up taught me about myself?
The day we adopted a pet: Learning about responsibility and care in a relationship.
When culture clashed: Navigating differences in our backgrounds.
Chasing dreams: Supporting my ex in their professional journey.
Navigating long-distance: The trials and triumphs of our virtual relationship.
Managing conflict: How have we tackled our first major disagreement?
In pursuit of trust: Mending our relationship after a breach of faith.
Lessons learned from cooking together on Sundays.
Cherished holidays: Creating traditions in our shared life.
Rebuilding bridges: Reconciling after a painful breakup.
A shared love of music: How have concerts become our refuge?
Exploring fitness together: How has working out affected our relationship?
Meeting the parents: The fear, excitement, and aftermath.
Understanding sacrifice: The most significant compromise I made.
The joy of shared hobbies: Learning to sail together.
Fostering independence: Finding personal space in a committed relationship.
Adapting to change: When my ex’s career shift uprooted our life.

Personal Essay Topics About Relationships

Discovering love in the unlikeliest places.
When do friendships turn into romantic relationships?
Balancing individuality and unity in a relationship.
Healing after a devastating breakup.
The silent language of long-term relationships.
Navigating the challenges of long-distance love.
The beauty and hardship of platonic love.
Mending broken bridges: Reconciliation in familial relationships.
Lessons learned from failed relationships.
The role of vulnerability in strengthening bonds.
Being single: A journey of self-love and exploration.
Age differences and their impact on relationships.
Integrating cultural backgrounds in relationships.
Living with your partner: A test of compatibility.
The intricacies of dating in adulthood.
Childhood friendships that have stood the test of time.
The emotional roller coaster of unrequited love.
Understanding the role of trust in relationships.
Adapting to change: The evolution of relationships over time.

Personal Essay Topics About Dreams

Exploring the world through my dreams.
How do my dreams influence my creative process?
A specific dream that changed my perspective on life.
The connection between dreams and subconscious thoughts.
Lessons I have learned from my recurring dreams.
Overcoming fears: The role dreams play.
Nightmares and what they teach us about ourselves.
Can dreams predict the future? My experience.
Analyzing the symbolism in my dreams.
The role of dreams in different cultures: A personal perspective.
Discovering personal growth through dream journaling.
How has lucid dreaming expanded my self-awareness?
Dreams and their impact on my mental health.
My journey with dream interpretation: Successes and challenges.
Unforgettable dream experiences that have left lasting impressions.
The relationship between my dreams and my waking life.
Dealing with loss and grief through dreams.
Diving into the science of dreams: A personal inquiry.
My personal endeavors in dream incubation: Seeking solutions in sleep.
Revisiting childhood through dreams: A voyage of self-discovery.

Personal Narrative Essay Topics

My journey through learning a new language.
Overcoming the biggest challenge in my life.
The day I stood up for what was right.
An unforgettable experience with a stranger.
Exploring my heritage during a visit to my ancestral homeland.
A life-changing experience on my first solo trip.
Memories from my favorite childhood place.
My perspective on life after a near-death experience.
How has my favorite book shaped my personality?
Understanding the meaning of friendship from a surprising source.
My transformative experience while volunteering at a shelter.
The incident that made me a more compassionate person.
Becoming a pet parent: Joy and responsibilities.
Experiencing a culture shock on my exchange program.
Navigating through life with a unique hobby.
Lessons learned from a devastating failure.
Discovering my passion in an unlikely way.
How has a single book shaped my worldview?
The role of a mentor in my personal growth.
The unforgettable journey to my ancestral home.
Discovering strength in my weakest moment.

Personal Persuasive Essay Topics

Online education is superior to traditional schooling.
Mandatory voting will improve democratic participation.
Self-driving cars should replace human-operated vehicles.
Adoption of plant-based diets is necessary for global sustainability.
Privacy concerns outweigh the benefits of surveillance technologies.
Animal testing is unacceptable in modern scientific research.
Artificial intelligence poses more threats than benefits to society.
Corporations should have stricter regulations to prevent climate change.
Countries should open their borders to all immigrants.
All schools should implement mental health education in their curriculum.
Society benefits more from arts education than from sports programs.
Public spaces should always offer free Wi-Fi.
Parental consent is necessary for minors to access social media.
Health insurance should be a fundamental right, not a privilege.
Single-use plastic items must be banned globally.
Personal finance courses should be a mandatory part of high school education.
Social media platforms need stricter measures against cyberbullying.
Humanity should prioritize colonizing other planets.
Excessive screen time is detrimental to children’s development.

Personal Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Volunteering at a local shelter and its impact on my worldview.
The effect of social media detox on my mental health.
Experiencing failure and its role in shaping my resilience.
The consequences of procrastination on my academic performance.
Moving to a new city and the unexpected outcomes.
Practicing mindfulness and its effect on my stress levels.
The implications of becoming a vegetarian on my health and lifestyle.
Embracing minimalism and its transformative impact on my life.
How has learning a new language influenced my cultural understanding?
A significant childhood event and its long-lasting effects.
The repercussions of taking a gap year after high school.
Committing to regular exercise and its impact on my self-esteem.
Cultivating a hobby and how it altered my leisure time.
Learning to play a musical instrument and its influence on my cognitive abilities.
A health scare and its effect on my life priorities.
Pursuing a passion and the subsequent changes in my career path.
Joining a book club and its impact on my intellectual growth.
Undertaking a solo travel adventure and the resulting self-discovery.
Coping with a significant loss and its effect on my emotional growth.
Incorporating meditation into my daily routine and its influence on my concentration.
Deciding to live abroad and the resulting changes in my worldview.

Personal Argumentative Essay Topics

Impacts of social media on personal relationships.
Remote work is more efficient than traditional office work.
The necessity of financial literacy in the modern world.
Veganism: A healthier choice or a passing trend?
Online dating: Are the risks worth the rewards?
Is maintaining personal privacy possible in the digital age?
Standardized tests do not accurately reflect a student’s abilities.
Living abroad can broaden your perspective on life.
Fast fashion and its effect on individual purchasing behavior.
Personal growth: Is it essential to experience failure?
Meditation as a powerful tool for stress relief.
Self-driving cars: Safer or riskier than human drivers?
Online influencers: Are they shaping or harming our society?
The role of pets in enhancing mental health.
Renewable energy at home: Is it a practical choice?
How important is physical exercise for mental health?
Continuous learning: A key to success or a source of stress?
The effectiveness of mindfulness practices in daily life.
Decluttering: A path to mental clarity or a trendy illusion?
Gap years: Are they beneficial for personal growth?

Examples of Personal Essay Topics

One can write about different personal essay topics for two types of personal memoirs identified above. Hence, some unique types of personal essay topics are:

Personal Essay Topics on Secrets of Life

The confession of a failed help mission.
The disclosure of searching for a soul mate.
The secret life of a rescue volunteer.
A detailed account of obesity caused me to develop joint problems.
Secrets of a successful learner.
Unveiling the beauty of everyday moments.
The healing power of laughter in life’s journey.
Nature’s wisdom: How do the outdoors teach us to live?
Lessons learned from unexpected friendships.
Adapting to change: Life’s only constant.
The transformative power of love and kindness.
Harnessing the strength within: Self-discovery in times of turmoil.
Serenity in solitude: A journey toward self-love.
Perseverance and hope: A tale of personal growth.
Mysteries of the subconscious mind: Dream interpretations and their impact on life.
Simplicity, minimalism, and the quest for a meaningful existence.
Understanding the role of failure in the pursuit of success.
Life’s hidden messages in seemingly mundane routines.
Endurance and resilience: Learning to dance in the rain.
Reflections on wisdom: What have elders taught me about life?
Connections and coincidences: A contemplation on fate and destiny.
Cherishing the transient: An essay on life’s fleeting moments.

Personal essay topics above may vary from one discipline to another, depending on the writer’s focus and life experiences. In turn, possible topics for different subjects that one may consider when writing a personal essay about a secret life are:

Examples of Personal Topics on Art and Culture

An account of a failed social media relationship.
The confession of my experience with native communities.
The impact of street art on urban development.
My first experience with classical music.
The evolution of pop art and its impact on my artistic vision.
How do different cultures influence contemporary fashion?
My personal connection with abstract expressionism.
The cultural significance of traditional folk music in my life.
Understanding the power of photography: Capturing moments that matter.
The intersection of technology and art: My experience with digital art.
The role of theatre in shaping cultural perspectives.
How has anime influenced my appreciation of Japanese culture?
My journey with literature: The books that have changed my perspective on life.
The confession of how I used to copy a colleague’s work.
An account of how my choice of college promoted learning skills.
My confession with a haunting artwork.
Why graffiti is more than just vandalism: My personal perspective.
My account of how I faced the law due to throw-away culture.
Cultural celebrations: A deeper look at their artistic components.
My secret account with a haunting experience with my cultural identity.

Samples of Personal Topics on Economics

Effects of global financial influence on my life.
Impacts of consumerism on my economic status.
Balancing a personal budget: A journey to financial independence.
The influence of global economic events on local economies.
Lessons learned from the 2008 financial crisis.
Microfinance: Transforming lives and communities.
Effects of Hurricane Katrina on my school life.
Influence of tariffs on my consumption behaviors.
How does politics influence my relationship with natives?
Exploring the concept of “money” in the digital age.
How does my understanding of supply and demand influence daily decisions?
Sustainability and economics: Can they coexist harmoniously?
Unraveling the impact of inflation on my purchasing power.
Capitalism vs. socialism: My personal perspective.
How do economic policies influence my poverty levels?
The role of government in my economic life.
Demystifying the complex world of stock markets.
Evaluating the pros and cons of consumerism.
How did my father’s choices influence my behavior?
My experience with cryptocurrency: A gamble or a wise investment?
Effects of monetary policies undermined my business.

Examples of Personal Essay Topics on Education

An account of how standardized testing influenced my high school performance.
The role of technology in modern education.
My journey toward understanding the value of inclusive education.
An account of how my indigo identity ruined my life.
Navigating the educational system as a first-generation student.
Benefits of extracurricular activities for holistic development.
ADHD and dyslexia damaged my education.
An account of how internal and external factors make my learning experience boring.
How has homeschooling changed my perspective on learning?
The importance of language learning in global citizenship.
Parent involvement: A critical aspect of educational success.
Lessons learned from my first teaching experience.
An account of how technologies weakened my learning abilities
My horrific account with e-books and collaborative boards in class
An account of how homeschooling caused social distress
My experience with student-led learning initiatives.
Emotional intelligence: An overlooked aspect in classrooms.
Benefits and challenges of studying abroad.
Experiencing cultural diversity in the school environment.
My horrific experience in charter schools

Sample Topics for Personal Papers on Ethics

My negative perception of genetic engineering.
Exploring the role of personal integrity in decision-making.
My journey toward understanding the essence of truthfulness.
Altruism and its impact on my life choices.
My negative perception towards the legalization of marijuana.
How marijuana legalization increased my juvenile delinquency.
A personal account of cultural imperialism.
The ethical dilemma I faced in the digital age.
Personal reflections on the ethics of non-violence.
The influence of empathy on my ethical framework.
Standing up against groupthink: A story of moral courage.
An account of how cultural imperialism ruined my life.
An account of globalization influenced my lifestyle.
Living green: The ethical considerations of environmental responsibility.
My experience with ethical consumerism and its impact.
The morality of forgiveness: Lessons from my personal life.
How has practicing fairness reshaped my outlook on life?
Understanding the significance of justice in everyday situations.
Balancing personal gain and ethical responsibility.
Uniquely personal experience as a global citizen.
An account of how traditions affected my ethics.

Examples of Personal Topics on Government and Politics

The United States’ invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan affected my family life.
An account of how the Community Reinvestment Act (RCA) influenced my lifestyle.
How has the increasing homeownership in the United States affected my life as a low-income earner?
The balance between freedom and security in modern society.
Why trust in government is essential for social progress?
The role of media in shaping political views.
Influences of political ideologies on personal lives.
Ethical dilemmas in government surveillance.
How has the growing debt in the United States impacted my life?
Our evolving understanding of democracy in the digital age.
Deciphering the complexity of immigration policies.
How is my life affected by international politics?
How the tariffs made by President Trump impacted my life?
Impacts of decreased military activity in my family life.
An account of how historical injustices undermines my family life.
Decoding political propaganda in the 21st century.
Understanding the link between politics and education reform.
My journey into grassroots activism.
A personal account of how the constitution undermines my employability.

Sample Personal Topics on Health

An account of how emotional problems lowers my body’s immunity.
Exploring my journey through recovery from addiction.
How has adopting a vegan diet transformed my health?
Navigating the complex world of mental health stigmatization.
Life lessons learned from my experience with chronic pain.
My personal insights into battling and overcoming obesity.
Unraveling the mystery of my rare genetic disorder.
An account of the excessive consumption of junk food increases my body’s energy levels.
Self-care: My key to managing stress effectively.
An account of how emotional eating causes indigestion.
The struggle and victory: My tale of beating cancer.
Walking the tightrope: Balancing health and career ambitions.
An account of how a lack of moral support causes anorexia and bulimia.
Reflections on my experience with gender dysphoria and mental health.
An account of how positive life changes stressed me.
Embracing the unexpected: How has yoga changed my perspective on health?
An account of how I discovered that ozone in the air leads to respiratory diseases.
My adventure into the realm of holistic healing.
An account of how high blood pressure caused me to develop cardiovascular disease.
Decoding the enigma of sleep disorders: A personal perspective.
An account of how social media increases my psychological challenges.

Examples of Personal Essay Topics on History

How has World War I separated my family?
How did the continued effects of slavery affect my family life?
An account of how my interest in women’s movement affects my thoughts on racism.
How has my family weathered the Great Depression?
Personal reflections on the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Discovering my roots: Tracing my lineage to the American Revolution.
Living in a post-9/11 world: My perspective.
Interpreting the French Revolution through my ancestor’s letters.
An account of how World War II influenced my family.
Visiting historic sites: My journey through the Civil Rights Movement landmarks.
The legacy of the Vietnam War in my family.
How has studying the Holocaust shaped my worldview?
An account of how the Holocaust affected my education and career path.
How religion influences my delinquency levels?
Personal experiences in the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s collapse.
My pilgrimage to the landmarks of the Women’s Suffrage Movement.
Historical epidemics and their relevance to modern-day pandemics.
A reflection on the Rwandan Genocide through the lens of a humanitarian worker.
The Arab Spring and its significance in my life.
British imperialism and its negative impacts on my life.

Sample Topics for Personal Essays on Science

Effects of global warming on my health and social well-being.
Results of excessive temperature on metabolism.
Discovering the beauty of fractals in nature.
Life under a microscope: The unseen world.
How does the study of genetics shape our self-perception?
Results of sunlight on my skin.
From science fiction to reality: The progress of artificial intelligence.
The lure of space exploration: A personal perspective.
Journey toward sustainable living through science.
Evolutionary biology and its impact on my worldview.
Effects of ambient temperature on my pet’s feeding habits.
How does temperature influence my daily routine?
Human interaction with technology: A blessing or a curse?
Grappling with the ethical dilemmas of genetic engineering.
Neuroscience and the mystery of human consciousness.
How do scientific findings affect my food consumption?
How do research methods influence my health outcomes?
Impacts of my scientific knowledge on my social behavior.

Examples of Personal Essay Topics on Sports

Workouts enhance my immunity.
Regular workouts strengthened my bones.
An account of how physical exercise relieves my stress.
Participating in sports lowered my juvenile delinquency.
How has paying college athletes promoted my talent development?
A narrative of how workouts boost my memory, yield, and intelligence.
Overcoming obstacles in sports: A journey of perseverance.
The role of sports in shaping my character.
Lessons learned from teamwork in sports.
The psychology of sports: Understanding the mindset of athletes.
The importance of sportsmanship in competitive athletics.
A narrative of how children who take part in sports developed my peer relationships.
How have sports taught me the value of discipline?
The joys of playing sports: Finding happiness on the field.
A sports injury and its impact on my life.
The relationship between sports and academic success.
Sports as a medium for cultural exchange.
Exploring the connection between sports and leadership.
The evolution of sports: From ancient times to modern day.
The intersection of sports and technology.
An account of how regular exercise enhanced my communication skills.

Personal Essay Topic Samples on Technology

An account of how increased internet accessibility increased my cyber-bullying.
My cyber-bullying increased my rate of juvenile delinquency.
A narrative of how the state control of the internet pushed me into cyber-bullying.
Ethical dilemmas of genetic engineering.
Roles of technology in enhancing communication.
How has technology revolutionized the music industry?
Future of robotics and its implications.
Influence of social media on personal relationships.
An account of how social networking influences my ways of life.
Social networks influence my collective behaviors.
An account of how social media affects my overall well-being.
My personal beliefs that facial recognition technologies undermine human rights.
Benefits and drawbacks of cryptocurrency.
Power of big data analytics in business.
Roles of technology in improving healthcare.
Exploring the ethics of biometric technology.
Evolution of e-commerce and its effect on traditional retail.
Impacts of augmented reality in education.
Roles of technology in addressing climate change.
Advantages and disadvantages of 3D printing.
My views on how artificial intelligence enhances active learning.

Personal Essay Ideas on Defining Moments

I was a police officer for thirty years, which is an experience that continues to haunt me.
Every individual has a moment that changes his or her life.
How has a trip to New York changed my family life forever?
Obesity has led to joint problems.
Influence of adults on my life choice.
Discovering my true passion in a hidden hobby.
The unexpected encounter that altered my perspective on life.
A turning point: Embracing vulnerability in a moment of strength.
Embracing failure experiences as a stepping stone to success.
A single moment of kindness that changed everything.
Finding beauty in the midst of chaos.
The bittersweet taste of saying goodbye for the last time.
Lessons from a near-death experience.
How have I found hope in the darkest hour?
Transformation through a moment of silence.
The day I chose to break free from societal norms.
Healing through unexpected friendships.
Lessons learned from my first heartbreak.
Navigating through life after a life-changing diagnosis.
Understanding the importance of mental health after a personal crisis.

Personal essay topics above may vary from one discipline to another, depending on the writer’s focus and life experiences. Hence, examples of possible topics for different subjects that one may consider when writing a personal essay about a secret life are:

Examples of Personal Essay Ideas on Art and Culture

How have social media relationships influenced my social behavior?
My experience with native communities influenced social behaviors.
From viewer to creator: My personal journey into filmmaking.
The power of poetry: How did it allow me to express myself?
Art as a tool for activism and peace: How do artists reflect social issues in their works?
The influence of hip-hop culture on contemporary society.
The artistic beauty of architectural landmarks: How do they reflect a city’s culture?
How has reading graphic novels expanded my perspective on storytelling and culture?
My experience of learning a foreign language was momentous.
Copy a colleague’s work changed my attitude towards education.
My choice of college transformed my career goals.
Exploring body art: A personal narrative on tattoos and piercings.
The art of cooking: How has cultural cuisine shaped my culinary skill?
The emotional power of music and sound: How does it shape our mood and behavior?
The influence of indigenous art on modern design trends.
An interaction with a haunting artwork changed my attitude toward employment.
The increased levels of throw-away culture motivated me to become an environmental activist.
A haunting experience with my cultural identity encouraged me to become an activist.

Sample Ideas for Writing Personal Papers on Economics

The global financial crisis influenced me to embrace a saving culture.
Consumerism encouraged me to embrace financial savings.
Effects of Hurricane Katrina influenced my thoughts about humanity.
The current tariffs in the United States forced me to change my business strategies.
Transition from a traditional economy: A personal story.
From scarcity to abundance: Understanding the economic principle in personal life.
Implementing cost-benefit analysis in everyday life decisions.
How does a deeper understanding of economics affect voting choices?
Reflections on wealth distribution and income inequality.
The domino effect of oil price fluctuations on my living expenses.
Facing the student loan crisis: My personal story.
The current politics influence me to develop a positive relationship with natives.
Economic policies imposed in 2023 contributed to my poverty.
My father’s choices motivated my delinquent levels.
Navigating through the gig economy: Opportunities and challenges.
A personal account of living through a recession.
Encountering and overcoming wage stagnation in the 21st century.
The power of compound interest: A pathway to financial freedom.
Various monetary policies forced me to make the wrong choices.

Examples of Personal Essay Ideas on Education

Standardized testing changed my high school performance.
My indigo identity changed my attitude toward other aboriginals.
ADHD and dyslexia changed my education perception.
Experiencing internal and external factors encouraged me to adopt a negative attitude toward education.
Interacting with technologies weakened my learning abilities.
The use of e-books and collaborative boards affected my attitude toward education.
The transformation of education through online learning.
Vocational education: A path less traveled.
Attaining equality in education: My personal experience.
Lifelong learning: The key to personal and professional growth.
My unforgettable experience with collaborative learning.
Bullying in schools: A personal encounter.
My encounter with the arts in education.
Grappling with the reality of educational disparities.
Integrating environmental education into the curriculum: A personal perspective.
The influence of positive reinforcement on academic performance.
How do study habits shape academic success?
The adoption of homeschooling caused me social distress.
Joining charter schools caused a negative attitude toward education.

Sample Ideas for Personal Essays on Ethics

Experience with genetic engineering changed my attitude toward ethics.
Legalization of marijuana forced me into drugs.
Marijuana legalization was the cause of my juvenile delinquency.
Corporate social responsibility: A personal perspective.
The intersection of culture and ethics in my life.
Reflecting on the ethical aspects of animal rights.
Dealing with biases: My journey towards ethical awareness.
Grappling with the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
Transparency and honesty in the era of fake news.
Learning to respect diversity: An ethical obligation.
Cultural imperialism led to negative attitudes toward other people.
Globalization motivated me to live abroad.
Being a global citizen influenced my charity levels.
Cultural traditions affected my attitude toward ethics.
My ethical stance on wealth inequality and poverty.
How has ethics shaped my perspective on privacy in the digital age?
The struggle with ethical choices in a globally interconnected world.
Balancing the scales: A personal tale of justice and mercy.

Examples of Personal Ideas on Government and Politics

The impact of political polarization on friendships and family.
Navigating through the maze of bureaucracy.
Climate change policy: A personal perspective.
Reflections on the current state of political discourse.
Gun control and the politics of fear.
From apathy to advocacy: My political awakening.
Money, power, and politics: A critical look.
The psychology of voting behavior.
The United States’ invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan encouraged me to join the armed forces.
The Community Reinvestment Act (RCA) changed my attitude toward communal unity.
Increasing homeownership in the United States forced me to move from my motherland.
The increasing debt in the United States ruined my economic progress.
The tariffs made by President Trump ruined my business.
Health care reform: A personal journey through the political maze.
Observations on political activism in the social media era.
Living under the shadow of nuclear diplomacy.
The impact of gender politics on my worldview.
Human rights in foreign policy: A personal narrative.
Navigating partisan politics in a divided nation.
The decreased military activity led to a stabilized life in my family.
Historical injustices separated me from my family.
The constitutional amendments undermined my employability as an illegal immigrant.

Samples of Personal Essay Ideas on Health

The beginning of emotional problems lowered my body’s immunity.
The excessive consumption of junk food affected my sugar level balance.
Emotional eating led to indigestion.
My lack of moral support led to Anorexia and bulimia.
Trapped in my own body: The trials and triumphs of living with paralysis.
Experiencing life through the lens of color blindness.
The silent fight: My personal struggle with an invisible illness.
Aging gracefully: Accepting and embracing the golden years.
The long road to acceptance: My personal struggle with body image.
A new lease on life: Surviving a near-death experience.
Learning to fly: How has disability shaped my worldview?
Making positive life changes was the source of my distress.
My discovery of the importance of the ozone layer increased my interest in respiratory problems.
The promise of tomorrow: Living with a terminal illness.
When food became my enemy: My battle with an eating disorder.
Living in the shadows: My journey with depression.
From victim to victor: Overcoming the trauma of domestic abuse.
Dance as therapy: How has movement healed my soul?
My high blood pressure led to cardiovascular disease.
Using social media increased my psychological challenges.

Examples of Personal Ideas on History

The emergence of World War I led to my family’s separation.
A journey back in time: My visit to the historic Underground Railroad sites.
My experience researching the Arab Spring for a school project.
Indian partition: Stories passed down through generations.
Unearthing my family’s connection to the Spanish Civil War.
A reflection on my ancestral ties to the transatlantic slave trade.
The development of slavery affects my family life.
My interest in the women’s movement led to my activism against racism.
The emergence of World War II led to my family’s breakup.
Tracing my heritage back to the Irish Potato Famine.
Learning about my family’s involvement in the Korean War.
Interpreting the impact of the Industrial Revolution on my hometown.
South African apartheid: Understanding its impact through my parents’ eyes.
Artifacts of history: My personal collection of World War I memorabilia.
The lasting effect of the Cuban Missile Crisis on my community.
The emergence of the Holocaust ruined my education and career path.
Joining religion reduced my delinquency levels.
The Arab Spring improved my quality of life.
British imperialism reduced my employment opportunities.

Samples of Personal Essay Ideas on Science

Global warming undermined my social well-being.
Excessive temperature reduced my digestion strategies.
The art and science of brewing coffee: A personal journey.
Why am I fascinated by the science of sleep?
My journey toward understanding the interconnectedness in ecology.
The personal impacts of living in the Anthropocene era.
Experiencing awe: The cosmos through an amateur astronomer’s lens.
The inspiration behind my interest in forensic science.
Exposure to excessive sunlight was the cause of my skin cancer.
Ambient temperature threatened my pet’s feeding habits.
High temperature threatens my daily routine.
Scientific findings undermined my food consumption.
Reflections on my first science experiment failure.
The deep sea: A realm of science still largely unknown.
Balancing faith and science: A personal exploration.
The fascinating world of microbiomes and their impact on health.
Appreciating the subtle science in everyday life.
Various research methods undermined my health outcomes.
My scientific knowledge promoted my social behavior.

Examples of Personal Essay Ideas on Sports

Embracing workouts enhanced my immunity.
Exploring the mental and emotional challenges of sports.
Sports and identity: How do they shape who we are?
The cultural significance of sports in different societies.
Ethics of sports: Fair play and integrity.
Embracing regular workouts strengthened my bones.
The role of sports in reducing stress and promoting well-being.
Sports and the pursuit of excellence: Striving for greatness.
The legacy of sports heroes: Their impact on society.
The intersection of art and sports: Capturing the beauty of movement.
Embracing physical exercise relieved my stress.
Sports and empowerment: How do athletics inspire confidence?
Sports and social change: Breaking barriers and challenging norms.
The impact of sports on mental health and well-being.
Sports and time management: Balancing athletics and responsibilities.
Embracing sports lowered my juvenile delinquency.
Participating in college athletes led to talent development.
Engaging in workouts boost my memory.
Taking an active part in sports improved my peer relationships.
Embracing regular exercise enhanced my communication skills.

Samples of Personal Ideas on Technology

Internet accessibility increased my cyberbullying.
Increased cyberbullying increases juvenile delinquency.
Effects of technology on mental health.
Impacts of technology on sustainable energy solutions.
Evolution of wearable technology.
Benefits and drawbacks of internet censorship.
Roles of technology in enhancing personal productivity.
Influence of technology on travel and tourism.
Challenges and opportunities of 5G technology.
Pros and cons of biometric identification systems.
Future of work: Automation and job displacement.
Influence of technology on the entertainment industry.
Roles of virtual assistants in modern living.
Implications of quantum computing on society.
The emergence of state control of the internet pushed me into cyberbullying.
Embracing social networking influences my ways of life.
Embracing social media influenced my overall well-being.
The emergence of facial recognition technologies undermined my human rights.
Adoption of artificial intelligence that enhanced my active learning.
Roles of technology in promoting accessibility and inclusion.

Creating a Topic for a Personal Essay

Writers identify essential and exciting life experiences. In this case, they create exciting topics about their thought-provoking essay topics. Also, one must create a topic that interests readers. However, authors must ensure that they use real-life experiences. Hence, a scheme template to develop a unique item for a personal essay is:

For essays on secrets of life, one should use a scheme: “secret events and its consequences.”
For papers on defining moments, one should use a format: “momentous events and their influence on one’s life.”

Summing Up on Personal Essay Topics

Personal essay topics refer to a typical assignment that high school and college students must develop. Basically, the primary goal of writing personal papers is to stimulate readers to act in a specific way. In this case, authors can use different writing styles to complete this type of arrangement. Then, personal writing includes real stories, involvements, and individual opinions. Besides, authors should give an account of their involvement and express thoughts on subjects. In turn, there are two types of personal essay topics. The first type focuses on some secrets of life, whereas learners represent stories that focus on unusual life pursuits. The second type of personal paper focuses on defining moments in a person’s life. Hence, one should follow examples of template schemes for two types of personal essay topics:

Secret events and their consequences.
Momentous events and their influence on one’s life.

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242 Personal Persuasive Essay Topics and Ideas

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Personal Persuasive Essay Topics Ideas intro image

Personal essays are some of the most diverse assignments you can receive. Whether you’re a student in middle school or university, the best personal essay will highlight an individual’s personal views and unique experience. They’re not confined by the restrictions of literary essays and give plenty of opportunity for introducing the writer’s personality. The key here is selecting the right topics to talk about in a personal essay. Usually, this is the toughest part. After all, it’s the emotional core of your text. A lot of people also struggle to write about themselves and their experience as subjects of the text. Where does one start? Essay topics in general are frustrating to formulate so if you need help with some inspiration, take a look at some more ideas here ! And if you’re wondering what some good personal essay topics are, you’ll find a lot of sample ideas here as well as a guide on how to write a persuasive text.

In this article:

How to Write Personal Essays

Personal narrative essay topics, personal experience essay topics, personal argumentative essay topics, personal cause-and-effect essay topics, personal persuasive essay topics, personal essay topics for middle school, personal essay topics for high school students and college students.

Start by taking a trip down memory lane. The most gripping stories come from personal experience, especially if you’re thinking of writing a personal narrative essay. Think about a memory from your past that includes some inciting incident. If this is the first time you come across this phrase, inciting incidents are typically the metaphorical “ hooks ” of the story that have the audience interested in your text.

You could talk about your experience working as a volunteer, for example, or if you aren’t the volunteering type, you can write about some exciting memories from your childhood and summer vacations. Have you taken a trip abroad that has really left an impression on you? Are you drawn to different cultures because of that exotic trip? Maybe you went to visit a museum of your favourite artist, and this has inspired you to become an artist yourself. Perhaps you were immersed by the sound of a different language and decided to have a go at it. What have you enjoyed the most in the process? What did you hate about it? Perhaps you tried acquiring a new skill, but it went completely the wrong way for you. The list goes on and on.

There’s something there. Just remember the golden rule: always be honest in your personal essays . Trying to change your viewpoint on a subject so that it fits the masses’ opinion won’t make your personal essay enticing. The topic you’ll talk about in your personal essay is extremely important and so is the first sentence. Writing phrases such as “ever since I was a baby, I wanted to become a doctor” isn’t convincing or truthful. Try not to stick to clichés. You want to make an impression with your text, so ask yourself: What would grab your attention if you were reading your persuasive essay? I always think of Charles Dickens’ first sentence from A Christmas Carol : “Marley was dead: to begin with.” It begs for explanation and resolve, and it’s short and simple. The same should go for the personal essay entry sentence.

Why Choose Personal Persuasive Topics for Your Essay

If you’re wondering why you should choose personal persuasive topics for your essay, the answer lies in the question. We are a narrative-oriented society, and much of our relatability comes from convincingly expressing to others our individual, personal experience. What better way to let your personality shine than through conveying your emotions and adventures in a gripping story?

Personal experience essay topics vary depending on your age, and it’s quite likely that a story that worked for a high school assignment won’t have the same effect in your university days. That’s why in the sections below, we have divided the best personal essay topics into different categories. That way, you can easily navigate across all topics (and there’s quite a lot of them – a total of 242 ), but don’t let that restrict you. If you’re confident, you can always choose a topic from any of the categories.

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Of course, there are other important takeaways from writing a great personal essay. Usually, your teacher or admissions officer will look out that you have successfully done the following:

Communicated and implemented your critical thinking skills
Spoken convincingly and from experience about challenging themes that make you stand out from the crowd
Demonstrated your creativity and unique voice all the while applying persuasive techniques in your writing

With all this in mind, you can now start by selecting the right type of personal essay topic from our categories. We have included everything from personal essay topics for middle school to personal essay topics for high school, as well as narrative essay topics and many more. Go on, what are you waiting for?

Personal narrative essays are a great way to tell your unique take on a personal story. You just have to choose a project you feel passionate about. Typically, choosing a story involving your success and personality growth is your best bet, but of course, always make sure to check that your topic is suitable for the task given by your tutors. If you’re wondering what topics are suitable for a great personal narrative essay, check out the following ideas:

Starting your first job
Volunteering for the first time
A memorable teacher that made an impact on you
A dangerous experience
Your first journey abroad/to the countryside
An experience that changed your behavior
An experience that made you gain/lose religious faith
A comedic situation based on some misunderstanding
Events from your summer vacation that changed your life
The first time you got a pet
The experience of meeting your little sibling for the first time
A time when you decided what your future job will be
The change of a relationship with some you didn’t expect you’d like
The first time you experienced a dangerous event of some kind
The first time you won something
Your experience participating in a sport/political/environmental design
A story about a teacher who inspired you
A story about a family member who is dear to you
Your experience of being in charge of something for the first time
Your experience traveling on your own for the first time
How a book you read changed your life
How the most exciting subject in school changed your life
How technology changed the way you access information
The first time you experienced an earthquake or tornado
A story about someone who has become your patron/idol
Your reaction/opinion on an event that influenced your country
A moment you caught someone in a lie
An episode that changed your relationship with your parents
An event which showed you taking responsibility and leadership
An event in which you face discrimination
An experience of successfully fighting procrastination
A time when you helped people in a crisis
The experience of creating secret places in your childhood
An experience playing your favorite game
A time you got lost
Your first time going on a trip by yourself
The influence of technology on your younger siblings vs you
What you would do if you won the lottery for the first time
Your best childhood memory
Your experience of discovering a disability for the first time
A secret talent you have
Your experience learning a musical instrument
Your experience with an inexplicable event that happened to you
A story about the greatest fear you have
How your favorite work of art inspires you
The best advice you have heard in your life
A place you would go to if you could travel in time
A story about the most beautiful place you have visited
Something you witnessed in your lifetime that you will never forget
Your favorite holiday experience
Your most awkward moment in college
Your biggest fear
The most crucial lesson in your life
Your experience of being betrayed by someone and your response to it
An advice your parents gave you that wasn’t useful
Describe your biggest moment of failure
Your biggest argument with a family member
A difficult decision you have made
The day you realized you had made a best friend
The most interesting dream you have had

Personal experience essays aren’t that much different from personal narrative essays. They still have an element of narrative storytelling within them, but this time, they focus more on a level of experience you have gained because of a certain event. Usually, personal experience essay topics are focused around the theme of personal development. Many things can be described and included in a personal narrative essay, and you not only are given the opportunity to demonstrate your personal views on a subject, but you can also have your level of determination and ambition evaluated by a professional teacher or college admissions officer. Usually, personal narrative essay papers are written when submitting a college application, but it’s also possible to receive such an essay in school. In my personal experience, some of the greatest essays presenting an intellectual challenge are in fact the personal experience essays.

Let’s get straight into some essay prompts:

How do you handle stress when attending an important exam?
Which school subject motivated you to study hard?
Did a teacher have a significant influence on your confidence in selecting a career?
Is homework a waste of time?
How would you go about doing research for an essay?
What motivates you to study and pursue your dreams?
Everyone has a plan “A” when it comes to choosing a career. What is your plan “B”?
How has your biggest failure shaped your personality today?
What is your biggest accomplishment outside of college/school, and how did you come to achieve it?
What is the difference between female and male roles in your family? In what way would you change them?
How did a book/film change your worldview?
What role have teams and clubs had in your life?
What role has television had in your life?
What is your relationship with social media?
How have moments of racial or religious discrimination affected you?

Personal argumentative essay topics are generally given to college students or sometimes to people applying for a degree in Humanitarian Sciences. Such essays are a great way for admission officers to evaluate your knowledge of current events and relevant social discussions. Personal argumentative essay topics are usually considered more difficult than narrative essays, for example. For more argumentative ideas and speech topics , check the guide! Thus, if you’re planning on taking up this challenge, make sure you have enough time to prepare. If you have a whole term to prepare for this personal argumentative essay topic, you’ll surely be able to tackle it. Also, if that sounds too engaging, don’t worry, there are plenty of other, easier essay ideas on our lists!

Check out our example personal argumentative essay prompts for argumentative essay topics:

Should prisons be abolished? If so, what is the negative and positive impact of this global decision?
How does higher education affect the merit in meritocracy?
Should artificial intelligence be applied actively in warfare?
Does revolution go hand in hand with violence?
Has the COVID-19 pandemic made us more prepared for the prevention of future epidemics occurring worldwide?
In what way has the instant gratification of social media changed our relationship to technology?
How has the digital age changed children’s relationship to empathy?
What would the impact of a potential legalization of productivity drugs look like in current society?
Is there a difference in work performance between Ivy League alumni and lower-ranking university students?
Is obesity preventable?
Is gun control a necessary method for the prevention of shootings?
Should everyone have the right to vote?
Should the right to vote be exclusively available to people with some form of education?
Does the #metoo movement yield meaningful social change?
Is knife control a necessary and sufficient method of knife crime prevention?
How can the value of digital collectible art be accurately determined?
Is fan fiction writing real writing?
Do all students need to learn a foreign language?
Should students take a gap year between high school and university?
Why should universities teach financial literacy?
Should students participate in the maintenance of school property?

Personal cause-and-effect essay topics are pretty self-explanatory. You’re aiming to express your opinion on a subject that has a cause, for example, supposedly, school uniforms are meant to cause discipline among students. Exercising and backing up your opinion on this essay idea will make it personal. Here is a detailed guide on how to write a great cause and effect essay . Think of a topic that excites you. It could be something you’re unhappy with or something you think is unjust.

Here are personal cause-and-effect essay topics we came up with:

How can video games boost people’s IQ?
Can a personal relationship in a family improve with phone use?
Can going to college make for happier marriages?
How can the involvement of a parent change a child’s education?
How have smartphones impacted general communication?
What is the effect of cookies, and does it make people shop more?
What is the effect of tablets on young children?
What is the effect of mobile usage during class?
Why can’t another popular engine be established in place of Google?
What is the effect of the financial success Disney has had in the last 30 years?
Should dating in school be banned?
Can living together before marriage make a relationship between partners stronger?
Can a couple sleeping in separate beds have a healthy relationship?
What is the effect of bullying on mental health?
What is the cause of bullying behavior?
Why shouldn’t women have to work after an abortion or miscarriage?
What is the impact of smoking on a pregnant mother ?
How can the presence of acne affect the life of a teenager? What about an adult?
Why do some people avoid vaccines?
What causes a lack of interest in sports?
How can teenagers better protect themselves against cyberbullies?
What causes certain social media apps to lose popularity?
Can continuous sporting activities cause character development?
Is “cancel culture” sparking meaningful change?
What is the root cause of racism?
Why is it essential to manage forest fires?
What are the harmful effects of antill hunting on the ecosystem?
Why is it important for everyone to conserve water?
What is the environmental impact of a single-use plastic ban?
Can a long-distance relationship work?
What are the causes and effects of cheating during exams?
Is it a necessity to have an obligatory Sex Ed class ?
How has the Internet changed the public’s sexual education?
Should there be student bars on campus?
Should work become mandatory for anyone over the age of 18?
What causes some sports to be more popular among students than others?
What are the effects of using computers and tablets in school? What about university?
Have libraries become more popular over the last few years?
What caused the General Data Protection Regulation, and why is it necessary?
What are the effects of online dating apps such as Tinder or Grindr?
What are the effects of drugs and alcohol on people?
Should people be allowed to drive after drinking a single unit of alcohol?
What are the effects of a family structure on an individual?
Does having a sibling make a person more responsible?
Are siblings better at sharing?
How has the golden child syndrome affected millennials?
How can teachers positively and negatively affect student lives?
What are the root causes of commitment phobia in men and women?
What is the effect of social media on romantic relationships?
How does eating fast food affect the energy levels of an individual?

Unlike personal cause-and-effect essay topics, personal persuasive essay topics aim to convince the reader that your opinion is right. This type of academic writing assignment explains a particular problem and uses research combined with personal experience in order to end up with a powerful persuasive conclusion. Through logic and convincing evidence, as well as always keeping in mind the goal of persuasion, you can write a powerful assignment.

Here are some personal persuasive essay ideas to choose from for your next writing assignment:

Is chess considered a sport or a game?
How is modern music not as well-composed as music from the past, such as the 1970s?
Is it important to put PG labels on music tracks or films?
Elaborate on the importance of the right education when playing professional music.
Is animal hunting an immoral hobby?
Is it a good idea to keep pets indoors?
The cruelty behind testing beauty products on animals
Is it ethical to breed animals for sale?
Schools have to reduce the amount of homework assigned to students.
SATs and ACTs are not effective ways of examining the knowledge of students.
There should be an Emotional Intelligence mandatory class for all years.
Vaccines can lead to autism.
Astrology isn’t an effective way of predicting future events.
All transport vehicles should be automatic or electric.
Can distant online learning replace traditional classes?
Working from home is better for finance but worse for mental health.
The current taxation system is unfair.
Listening to music when writing homework is an effective way of sparking productivity
Hustle culture has taxing effects on mental health.
People volunteer for their personal benefit, instead of kindness
People who have survived a near-death experience have a newfound appreciation for life.
Is “fake it until you make it” a healthy way of progressing?
Why do people lie on their resumes?
Why book reading during summer vacations should become mandatory.
Weekends should change from 2 days to 3 days.
Why we should be making selective school sports mandatory in school.
Cooking and body health classes should be mandatory subjects in school.
Can e-books and Kindles replace physical books?
Should the death penalty exist?
Why should children have chores?
Why should it be made mandatory for children to contribute to the overall maintenance, cleanliness, and gardening of schools?

When choosing a personal essay topic, it’s important to take on subjects and ideas related to your age. Some topics require a lot more research, while others can be a little too sensitive for a younger writer. Selecting the right one for you will leave you with less workload and can guarantee you a better grade. Of course, if you feel confident and knowledgeable enough, you can try your skills with a more difficult essay idea. Paper writing can be a difficult intellectual challenge, but we’re sure that with these essay ideas, you’ll be able to tell your personal story and write a great essay:

How did you make a best friend?
A special top-secret place you have.
A story of a time a friend let you down.
A time when you disappointed someone.
What is your happiest memory?
Your first time receiving a pet.
Your bravest moment.
A time you felt embarrassed.
What would you do if you were omnipotent?
What would you do if you could switch lives with someone? Who would it be?
How did a book change your life?
What would you do if your pet could talk?
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
If you could shapeshift into an animal, what would you be? What would you do?
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Would you change anything?
What’s your secret talent?
The first time you fell in love.
An accident that changed your life.
Talk about the ugliest thing you have seen.
Talk about the most influential family member.
Talk about your favorite gift.
Talk about something you can’t resist.
Talk about a guest you had in your house that you’ll never forget.
Talk about the hardest news you’ve had to deliver.
Talk about a special gift you have received.
Talk about something that if your mum knew, you’d be in a lot of trouble. A lot.
If you could volunteer anywhere, where would it be?
If you won a million dollars, how would you spend them?
What is an unexplained event that stuck with you?
The one thing you can’t resist.
If you could be a superhero, what power would you have? Why?
If you could teleport anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Personal Essay Topics for High School Students and College Students

This list of personal essay topics for high school students will definitely inspire you to practice your personal essay skills. Covering topics like communication, ethical consumption, personal experience and more, you’ll be able to gain new ideas and express your deepest thoughts within the confines of the page. These personal essay topics for high school students are also a great way of reflecting on your growth and personal opinion, while expressing your thoughts and opinions.

What inspires you?
What inanimate object best embodies you?
What’s one thing your parents don’t understand about you?
What is the one quality a good person must have?
Describe the best decision you ever made
What is one thing you would change that you know will make a great difference in your life?
How do you respond to criticism? Talk about a time you were critiqued.
Do you feel the impact of peer pressure in your life? How is it manifested?
Are you religious, an atheist, or agnostic? Why and why not?
Do you feel comfortable in your body? Do you feel pressure from the media about how you “should” look?
What are your views on ethical consumption? Does it matter to you?
What are your views on veganism?
Do you feel like your friends are honest with each other? Why and why not?
When you look back on your time in high school, what part will you remember with fondness?
If you could tell your 12-year-old self something, what would it be and why?
Do you have a dream profession? What is it?
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Do you believe in “soulmates”? Why and why not?
What is your dream goal? Do you feel like you’ll ever achieve it?
Do you believe in the concept of “best friends”? Why and why not?
Do you believe in astrology? Why and why not?
What do you think the world will look like in 100 years?
If you could bring to life any famous historical figure and spend the day with them, who would you pick, and what would you do?
If you could go back in time, would you kill Hitler?
What TV series you saw recently made an impression on you? Why?
What part of high school do you wish you could get rid of?
If you could start your own business, what would you do?
What issues truly motivate you and why?
If you were an admissions officer, what positive qualities would you look for in students?
What period of school do you think is most important?
What is your dream profession? What are it’s positives and negatives?
Do you think the world can function without money? What would that alternative universe look like?
Do you think all students should go to college? Why?

Writing essays is a great way to showcase your writing skills, as well as clearly communicate your views and ideas. Personal essay writing improves your debating, logical, and deductive skills, so it’s important that you select a topic you’re passionate about and inspired by. This will give you enough fuel to power through the most difficult essay topics while at the same time enjoy what you’re writing about. We hope you enjoyed our personal persuasive essay topics! Make sure to bookmark and come back to this personal essay ideas list in the future when you’re given an assignment! Here are some more college essay topics , check them out!

151 Interesting Narrative Essay Topics and Examples

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102 Personal Growth Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Personal growth is an essential part of life that allows individuals to become the best version of themselves. It involves self-reflection, self-improvement, and the willingness to step out of one's comfort zone. Writing personal growth essays can help individuals explore their own thoughts and experiences, and can also serve as a tool for self-discovery and growth. If you're looking for inspiration for your next personal growth essay, here are 102 topic ideas and examples to get you started:

The importance of setting and achieving personal goals
Overcoming fear of failure
Learning to embrace change
The power of positive thinking
How to cultivate a growth mindset
Dealing with setbacks and challenges
The benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone
Finding your passion and purpose in life
Building self-confidence and self-esteem
The role of self-care in personal growth
Practicing gratitude and mindfulness
Learning to forgive yourself and others
Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome
Developing healthy habits and routines
The importance of self-reflection and introspection
Cultivating resilience and perseverance
Embracing vulnerability and authenticity
Finding balance in your personal and professional life
The impact of positive relationships on personal growth
How to overcome procrastination and improve productivity
The benefits of seeking out feedback and constructive criticism
The role of mentorship and guidance in personal growth
Learning to let go of perfectionism and control
Exploring your values and beliefs
The power of self-compassion and self-acceptance
Overcoming negative self-talk and limiting beliefs
The importance of continuous learning and growth
Finding meaning and fulfillment in your work
Cultivating empathy and compassion for others
The impact of gratitude journaling on personal growth
How to overcome self-sabotaging behaviors
The benefits of practicing mindfulness meditation
Learning to set boundaries and prioritize self-care
The role of resilience in overcoming adversity
Developing emotional intelligence and self-awareness
Overcoming perfectionism and fear of failure
The importance of self-compassion in personal growth
Cultivating a growth mindset in the face of challenges
The benefits of seeking out new experiences and opportunities
Learning to embrace uncertainty and take risks
Overcoming limiting beliefs and self-imposed barriers
The power of visualization and goal-setting
Finding inspiration and motivation in your daily life
How to overcome self-doubt and build self-confidence
The impact of positive affirmations on personal growth
Learning to practice self-care and prioritize your well-being
Cultivating a sense of purpose and direction in life
The role of resilience in bouncing back from setbacks
Overcoming fear of rejection and failure
The benefits of practicing gratitude and mindfulness
How to develop a growth mindset and embrace challenges
Finding balance and harmony in your life
Learning to overcome negative self-talk and self-limiting beliefs
Embracing vulnerability and authenticity in your relationships
Building resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity
The role of positive relationships in personal growth
Overcoming perfectionism and the need for control
The impact of continuous learning and growth on personal development
Developing healthy habits and routines for success
Learning to let go of past mistakes and regrets
The power of positive thinking and visualization
How to cultivate a growth mindset and embrace change
Practicing gratitude and mindfulness in your daily life
Overcoming fear of failure and rejection
The importance of self-care and prioritizing your well-being
Cultivating resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges
Finding balance and harmony in your personal and professional life
How to overcome self-sabotaging behaviors and negative habits
The power of positive affirmations and self-talk
Cultivating a growth mindset and embracing challenges
The importance of self-compassion and self-acceptance
Overcoming negative self-talk and self-limiting beliefs
How to let go of past mistakes and regrets
Cultivating empathy and compassion for yourself and others

These are just a few examples of personal growth essay topics that you can explore. Feel free to mix and match ideas, or come up with your own unique topics based on your own experiences and interests. Remember, personal growth is a lifelong journey, and writing about it can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and transformation. Happy writing!

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Narrative Essay Topics: TOP 200 Choices for Students

Imagine yourself facing a blank page, ready to fill it with your memories and imagination. What story will you tell today?

As students, you often have to write narratives that capture people's attention. But with so many stories to choose from, where do you start? How do you find the perfect topic that will grab our readers' interest and make them think?

Join our essay service experts as we explore 200 topics for college where stories are waiting to be told, and experiences are ready to be shared. From everyday events to unforgettable moments, each topic is a chance to connect with your readers and make them feel something.

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Ideas for Narrative Essay Topics

After exploring how students write narrative paragraphs, we've put together a list of narrative essay topics designed specifically for college and school students. This list covers a wide range of subjects, so pick one that speaks to you! If you want to see how to develop a topic into a written essay, check out our narrative essay example .

Literacy Narrative Essay Topics for College Students

How about delving into captivating literacy narrative essay topics designed specifically for college-level writing? Exciting, isn't it?

How did a childhood book shape your view of the world?
What challenges did you face when learning to read in a second language?
How has storytelling within your family influenced your literacy journey?
Can you recall a pivotal moment that ignited your love for reading?
How did a specific teacher inspire your passion for literature?
Have you ever encountered a character in a book who profoundly impacted your perspective on life?
What role did writing play in helping you navigate a difficult period in your life?
How has your relationship with technology affected your reading habits?
What cultural or historical event sparked your interest in a particular genre of literature?
How has poetry shaped your understanding of language and emotion?
Have you ever experienced a breakthrough moment in your writing process?
How has reading aloud impacted your comprehension and enjoyment of literature?
Can you recall a time when a book challenged your beliefs or worldview?
How has participating in a book club enriched your reading experience?
What strategies have you developed to overcome reading difficulties or distractions?

Personal Narrative Essay Topics on Relationships

Take a moment to reflect on your past experiences and craft compelling personal narratives with these essay ideas.

How did a specific friendship shape who you are today?
Can you recount a moment that strengthened your bond with a family member?
What challenges have you faced in maintaining a long-distance relationship?
How has a mentor influenced your personal and professional development?
Have you experienced a betrayal in a relationship? How did it impact you?
Can you describe a memorable conflict resolution process within a relationship?
How has your relationship with a pet affected your emotional well-being?
What lessons have you learned from navigating a romantic relationship?
How has your relationship with a sibling evolved over time?
Can you recall a time when you had to set boundaries in a friendship?
How has volunteering or community involvement enriched your relationships?
What cultural differences have influenced your relationships with others?
Can you share a moment when you felt truly understood by someone?
How has technology affected the dynamics of your relationships?
Have you ever experienced a reconciliation that transformed a strained relationship?

Best Narrative Essay Topics on Education and Learning

Consider the beauty of sharing your personal experiences and emotions in a captivating manner through these ideas for personal narrative essays.

What was the most valuable lesson you learned outside of the classroom?
Can you recount a moment when a teacher's unconventional method transformed your understanding of a subject?
How has a field trip or experiential learning opportunity impacted your education?
What challenges have you faced in balancing extracurricular activities with academics?
Have you ever had a "Eureka!" moment while studying? Describe it.
How has learning a new skill outside of school influenced your academic performance?
Can you recall a time when a peer's perspective challenged your own understanding of a topic?
How has technology enhanced or hindered your learning experience?
What role does creativity play in your approach to learning?
Have you ever experienced a setback that ultimately propelled you forward academically?
How has your cultural background influenced your learning style?
Can you describe a time when you had to advocate for yourself within an educational setting?
How has mentorship shaped your educational journey?
What strategies have you employed to overcome academic challenges or obstacles?
Can you reflect on a time when failure taught you a valuable lesson about learning?

At this point, we think you might've already been interested in our term paper writing service that helps busy students succeed in college.

Personal Narrative Essay Ideas on Reflection on Life

Why not ignite your creativity with a range of narrative essay topics, from extraordinary moments to everyday experiences?

How has a moment of failure ultimately led to personal growth and resilience?
Can you recount a pivotal decision that significantly altered the course of your life?
What lessons have you learned from navigating a crossroads or major life transition?
How has your perspective on success evolved over time?
Can you reflect on a time when you had to confront and overcome a deeply held fear?
What role has gratitude played in shaping your outlook on life?
How have your values and beliefs been influenced by significant life experiences?
Can you describe a moment when you found clarity and purpose amidst chaos or uncertainty?
What impact has traveling to a new place had on your understanding of the world and yourself?
How has adversity strengthened your character and determination?
Can you recall a time when a random act of kindness profoundly impacted your life?
What lessons have you learned from embracing vulnerability and authenticity in relationships?
How has practicing mindfulness or self-reflection enhanced your well-being and happiness?
Can you reflect on a period of personal transformation or self-discovery?
How have you found meaning and fulfillment in pursuing your passions and interests?

Ideas for a Narrative Essay on Culture and Society

Engaging your readers with narrative essays on culture and society is a great way to spark interest, offering captivating ideas for exploration.

How has your family's unique culinary heritage influenced your cultural identity?
Can you reflect on a specific cultural artifact or heirloom that holds deep significance for your family?
What challenges have you faced in preserving traditional customs while adapting to modern societal expectations?
How has a local festival or celebration revealed the intricacies of your community's cultural tapestry?
Can you recount a moment when you navigated a cultural clash between your upbringing and the dominant culture?
How has your experience as a first-generation immigrant shaped your understanding of cultural assimilation?
What lessons have you learned from participating in intercultural exchange programs or initiatives?
Can you describe a unique cultural practice or tradition within your community that outsiders might find intriguing or misunderstood?
How has the revitalization of indigenous languages contributed to the preservation of cultural heritage in your region?
Can you reflect on a personal journey of reconnecting with your cultural roots after a period of assimilation or disconnection?
What role does storytelling play in passing down cultural wisdom and values within your family or community?
How has the portrayal of your culture in mainstream media affected your sense of belonging and self-perception?
Can you recount a moment when you challenged cultural stereotypes through creative expression or advocacy?
How has the migration of a specific cultural group enriched the social fabric and economic landscape of your community?
What initiatives or grassroots movements are currently underway to promote cross-cultural understanding and cooperation in your society?

Since you're working on essays, we think it's suitable to suggest you learn more about the case study format , which is another common college assignment.

Narrative Writing Topics on Hobbies and Interests

Wow your readers by turning your passions and hobbies into compelling narrative essay topics that will get them thinking.

How has your passion for urban gardening transformed neglected spaces in your community?
Can you recount a thrilling adventure from your hobby of urban exploration?
What lessons have you learned from restoring vintage motorcycles in your spare time?
How has your fascination with birdwatching deepened your connection to nature and conservation efforts?
Can you describe a memorable moment from your hobby of foraging wild edibles in the wilderness?
What unique skills have you developed through your hobby of beekeeping, and how have they impacted your daily life?
How has your interest in historical reenactment brought the past to life in unexpected ways?
Can you reflect on a transformative experience from your hobby of landscape photography?
What insights have you gained from practicing the art of bonsai cultivation and nurturing miniature ecosystems?
How has your passion for stargazing inspired awe and wonder in the vastness of the universe?
Can you recount a challenging project from your hobby of woodworking and the satisfaction it brought upon completion?
What cultural connections have you discovered through your hobby of traditional folk dancing?
How has your interest in sustainable fashion influenced your consumer habits and environmental awareness?
Can you describe a moment of serenity and mindfulness experienced while practicing the art of tea ceremony?
How has your hobby of letterpress printing preserved the tactile beauty of handmade craftsmanship in a digital age?

Narrative Essay Titles on Life-Changing Moments

Life is full of unexpected twists that can lead to life-changing moments. Take a look at these narrative essay titles for stories that have had a lasting impact on your life.

How did surviving a natural disaster reshape your perspective on life?
Can you recall a single conversation that drastically altered the course of your life?
What was the pivotal moment that inspired you to pursue your dreams against all odds?
How did a chance encounter lead to a life-changing friendship or partnership?
Can you reflect on the decision that transformed your career trajectory?
What profound lesson did you learn from facing a life-threatening illness or injury?
How did traveling to a new country open your eyes to new possibilities and opportunities?
Can you recount the moment when you discovered your true passion or calling in life?
What was the turning point that allowed you to break free from a toxic relationship or environment?
How did experiencing failure or rejection ultimately lead to personal growth and resilience?
Can you describe the moment when you found the strength to overcome a deep-seated fear or insecurity?
What life-changing realization did you have while experiencing a period of solitude or introspection?
How did a profound act of kindness from a stranger restore your faith in humanity?
Can you reflect on the moment when you forgave someone who had deeply hurt you, and how it changed your perspective on forgiveness?
What pivotal decision did you make that allowed you to reclaim control over your own happiness and destiny?

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Good Narrative Topics on Travel and Adventure

Consider creating intriguing titles for your narrative essay ideas by exploring thrilling travel adventures.

Can you recount a memorable encounter with wildlife during your solo hiking adventure?
How did a spontaneous decision to explore an unfamiliar city lead to unexpected discoveries?
What lessons did you learn from navigating a foreign country with only a map and your instincts?
Can you describe the exhilaration of conquering a challenging mountain peak for the first time?
How did immersing yourself in a local culture during your travels broaden your perspective on the world?
What unexpected obstacles did you encounter while embarking on a backpacking journey through rugged terrain?
Can you reflect on the transformative experience of volunteering abroad in a community-driven project?
How did getting lost in a labyrinthine city alleyway lead to serendipitous encounters and newfound friendships?
What was the most memorable meal you had while sampling street food in a bustling market abroad?
Can you recount the adrenaline rush of participating in an extreme sports activity in a foreign land?
How did witnessing a breathtaking natural phenomenon during your travels leave a lasting impression on you?
What cultural traditions or rituals did you participate in during a homestay experience with a local family?
Can you describe the sense of wonder and awe you felt while exploring ancient ruins or historical sites?
How did navigating a language barrier challenge and ultimately enrich your travel experience?
What valuable life lessons did you learn from the mishaps and misadventures encountered during your journey off the beaten path?

Narrative Essay Topic Ideas on Career and Work Experience

College students can uncover captivating narrative essay ideas by exploring potential career paths or reminiscing about past job experiences.

How did a challenging project at work showcase your problem-solving skills and resilience?
Can you reflect on a pivotal mentorship experience that guided your career trajectory?
What valuable lessons did you learn from a career setback or failure, and how did it shape your future success?
How did a workplace conflict lead to personal growth and improved communication skills?
Can you recount a moment when taking a professional risk paid off in unexpected ways?
What insights did you gain from transitioning to a new industry or career path?
How did participating in a cross-functional team project enhance your collaboration and leadership abilities?
Can you describe the satisfaction of achieving a long-term career goal after years of hard work and perseverance?
What impact did a meaningful recognition or award have on your motivation and sense of accomplishment?
How did volunteering or pro bono work contribute to your professional development and sense of purpose?
Can you reflect on the decision to leave a stable job in pursuit of passion or fulfillment?
What strategies did you employ to navigate a toxic work environment and maintain your well-being?
How did a career setback lead to unexpected opportunities for personal and professional growth?
Can you describe a moment when mentorship or sponsorship played a crucial role in advancing your career?
What lessons did you learn from a challenging client or customer interaction, and how did it shape your approach to customer service and relationship-building?

Interesting Narrative Essay Topics about Challenges and Obstacles

If you're not sure what to write about for your narrative essay, think back to the tough times you've had and how you managed to get through them.

How did you conquer a once-paralyzing fear to chase your dreams?
What new strengths did you discover while adapting to a physical challenge?
Can you recall a creative solution you used during a tough financial period?
When did you bravely stand against injustice, despite opposition?
How did overcoming a language barrier broaden your horizons?
What key lessons did you learn from a major setback in your life?
How did you manage overwhelming stress and responsibilities?
What inner reserves of resilience did you draw upon after personal loss?
Describe a time when you defied societal norms to pursue your goals.
Reflect on a moment when failure fueled your determination for success.
When did you find the courage to leave your comfort zone behind?
How did community support bolster you through a challenging time?
Share a time when self-doubt led to newfound confidence.
Can you recount a tragedy that spurred your personal growth?
What insights did overcoming a monumental obstacle reveal about life?

Best Narrative Essay Topics: How to Choose the One That Resonates

A narrative essay is a type of writing that tells a personal story, including characters, plot, setting, and the order of events. Its main goal is to connect with readers emotionally and share a specific message or insight through the retelling of a meaningful experience.

Students write narrative essays as part of their studies for several reasons. Firstly, it allows them to express themselves creatively by sharing their unique experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Secondly, it helps them develop important writing skills like organizing ideas and thoughts effectively.

Choosing good narrative essay ideas involves looking at personal experiences, interests, and the potential for engaging storytelling. Here's a simple guide to help you pick the right topic:

Think about significant moments in your life that had a lasting impact, such as personal growth or overcoming challenges.
Choose topics related to your hobbies, interests, or areas of expertise to make your story more engaging.
Consider what your audience would be interested in and choose topics that resonate with them.
Focus on a specific event or detail to make your narrative more focused and impactful.
Look for universal themes like love or personal transformation that connect with readers on a deeper level.
Brainstorm ideas and write freely to uncover compelling topics.
Decide on storytelling techniques like flashbacks or foreshadowing and choose a topic that fits.
Get feedback from friends, peers, or instructors to see if your topics are interesting and impactful.
Choose topics that evoke strong emotions for a more compelling narrative.
Select a topic that you personally connect with to make your story authentic.

Once you've chosen a topic, brainstorm ideas and create an outline for your essay. Follow your professor's instructions carefully and consider seeking help from our narrative essay writing service if needed.

Bring your stories to life with EssayPro. Select from a vast array of narrative essay topics and let our professionals help you weave your tales into captivating essays. Whether it's adventure, reflection, or imagination, we're here to assist.

Final Remarks

As we wrap up, our list of 200 narrative essay topics is here to fuel your creativity for your next writing project! Whether you're sharing a memorable event, reliving a childhood memory, or expressing a profound insight, crafting a narrative essay can be an uplifting experience that resonates deeply with readers.

And if you're gearing up for college admissions, why not check out our admission essay writing service ? We've already assisted countless students in securing their spots at their dream colleges, and we'd love to help you, too!

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Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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How to Write a Personal Essay for Your College Application

What does it take to land in the “accept” (instead of “reject”) pile?

How can you write an essay that helps advance you in the eyes of the admissions officers and makes a real impression? Here are some tips to get you started.

Start early. Do not leave it until the last minute. Give yourself time when you don’t have other homework or extracurriculars hanging over your head to work on the essay.
Keep the focus narrow. Your essay does not have to cover a massive, earth-shattering event. Some people in their teens haven’t experienced a major life event. Some people have. Either way, it’s okay.
Be yourself. Whether writing about a painful experience or a more simple experience, use the narrative to be vulnerable and honest about who you are. Use words you would normally use. Trust your voice and the fact that your story is interesting enough in that no one else has lived it.
Be creative. “Show, don’t tell,” and that applies here — to an extent. The best essays typically do both. You can help your reader see and feel what you are describing by using some figurative language throughout your piece.
Make a point. As you finish your final body paragraphs ask yourself “So what?” This will help you hone in on how to end your essay in a way that elevates it into a story about an insight or discovery you made about yourself, rather than just being about an experience you had.

Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here .

We’ve all heard about the dreaded “college essay,” the bane of every high school senior’s existence. This daunting element of the college application is something that can create angst for even the most accomplished students.

AA Amy Allen is a writer, educator, and lifelong learner. Her freelance writing business, All of the Write Words , focuses on providing high school students with one-on-one feedback to guide them through the college application process and with crafting a thoughtful personal essay. A dedicated poet, Amy’s work has also been published in several journals including Pine Row Press , Months to Years, and Atlanta Review .

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How to Write a Personal Essay: Topics, Structure, & Examples

Even though a personal essay seems like something you might need to write only for your college application, people who graduated a while ago are asked to write it. Therefore, if you are a student, you might even want to save this article for later!

A personal essay is a first-person narrative that describes a writer’s life experience and its influence . You may think that writing such an essay is easy-peasy. There is so much freedom regarding the topic, isn’t it? However, soon enough, you realize that it’s more of a curse than a blessing. Custom-writing.org experts understand it’s super confusing as you don’t know where to start. But this simple yet comprehensive guide on how to write a personal essay is here to help you out!

❔ What Is a Personal Essay?

🚦 how do you start a personal essay.

🙋 Essay Topics
📑 Personal Essay Types

🔗 References

A personal essay is just what you think it is: a piece of writing that presents some experience from your perspective . It doesn’t need to be extraordinary, but it has to show how you changed thanks to the experience you got. Such an essay also creates a feeling of intimacy.

A typical personal essay consists of a 1-paragraph introduction, a 3-paragraph body, and a 1-paragraph conclusion.

Long story short, it is a first-person narrative that describes a writer’s life experience and its influence. This type of essay allows you to use any writing style you want and usually has an informal tone. It helps the reader to gain a connection with you.

There is a wide variety of topic options: you may want your writing to be inspiring or, on the contrary, warning so that others could avoid your mistakes. However, the most important thing is sticking to the general guidelines.

The most popular personal essay outline would consist of three parts:

Start with an introduction . It should include only one paragraph
Continue with the main body . It should be at least three paragraphs long
Write a conclusion . Don’t make it too long, one paragraph is enough

Let’s also note that typically you would write a personal essay as a part of the college application process. However, it’s not rare that this type of writing can help employers understand if the candidate meets the job requirements.

👀 Personal Essay Examples

To give you some inspiration, we included a list of excellent examples ranked as the most successful personal essays by The New York Times , The New Yorker , and America’s top universities.

The first and the most important thing you need to do when you are about to write a personal essay is to determine its purpose . When you know your audience, it becomes easier to find an appropriate topic for your writing. After that, you can draft an outline, which is the foundation of your future essay!

🙋 Personal Essay Topics

By now, you might have understood the idea of the personal statement. Your goal is to show off your personality from the good side. However, there is an endless amount of options on how to do it. The most popular way is to tell the story from the past. It can be either something you achieved or an obstacle you managed to overcome. Either way, it needs to highlight the lesson you learned.

Next, you can make your writing even more inspirational by revealing your future goals, showing that you have potential and determination. But remember to focus on things that the whole community can benefit from because just getting rich is a lame objective!

Last but not least, be yourself and use creativity! Show your potential employers and college administration how much you can contribute to their development. You should convince them that it can be a mutually beneficial experience.

Here, we prepared some of the best personal essay topics for you:

How did the most significant loss of your life make you stronger?
Who would you like to switch live with, and why?
The time when you think you made the wrong choice.
How would you spend a million dollars?
Is there anything you have never shared with anyone?
A special friend that influenced your life.
One morning that has changed your life forever.
The time when you had to deliver devastating news.
A near-death experience and how it felt.
Describe the longest minute of your life.
Something you can’t resist and keep doing.
A meaningful event that is hard to explain.
Would you start a charity foundation if you could?
The most precious gift you ever received.
The wrong choice you never regret making.
A secret place that gives you peace of mind.
Something you’ve seen and wish you could forget.
A hidden talent no one knows you have.
A day when you felt like the unluckiest person in the world.
The most beautiful thing you’ve seen.
A skill you have that robots will never learn to do.
What is the one thing you want to change about yourself?
Where would you like to live?
The most important discovery you made.
What if you were a teacher?
The most fantastic movie scene that changed the world.
What would you like to change in schools?
Describe something you love about yourself and why.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Time with your family that you cherish the most.
The achievement you’re proud of.
Describe the time when you learned something from a child.
The words that made you hopeful again.
Write about the time when you were at the bottom.
A stranger that had an influence on you.
What would you do if you could go back in time?
Would you like to redo something in your life, would you?
The superpower you wish you had.
The person you would be grateful to at the end of your life.
The time when you avoided danger.
Family celebrations, and what do they mean to you?
Write about the time when you saw your mother crying.
Did you disappoint anyone?
Is there anyone you are not fond of?
A place that you try to keep away from.
How did you overcome your fear?
The most challenging choice you had to make.
The time you felt like an outsider.
When did you realize you’re not a child anymore?
Why does your hobby interest you?

📑 Personal Essay about Yourself: Main Types

Personal essays on hobbies.

Writing an essay on a hobby is not as easy as it seems. Take a look at any hobbies essay sample, and you will be likely to see a widespread thing: these essays can be boring, which is an easy way to get a low grade.

Below are some common problems with hobby essays (and their solutions).

No matter what, make sure the focus is on you. When you are writing about a personal hobby, you should aim to make yourself the star by essentially telling your reader about yourself through an interest of yours.

Life-changing Experience Essays

The purpose of a life-changing experience essay is obvious: simply put, you need to tell the reader about a specific event that changed your life . Note that it also works for a closely related type of essay, the personal narrative essay .

Three essential elements should be clear to readers of any life-changing experience writing:

The reader should understand the event — both what happened and how it made you feel at the time.
The reader should understand what the event changed about you. It is best to tell the reader about your condition before the event and after it. However, this depends on the essay’s length.
The reader should understand how you feel about the event now.

If you need personal experience essay ideas, focus on events that you can write about to meet the three above criteria. If your assignment is very free form, take a look at a list of prompts for personal writing.

Education Essays

As a student, you will be asked to write an education essay eventually. It is important to remember that personal writing is about setting yourself apart. Tell the reader what made your educational experience unique.

How can you make your educational essay stand out? First, go beyond generic stories of overcoming an academic weakness by avoiding essays that take the following form: “I was terrible at subject X, but through hard work, I became quite excellent at subject X!”

Instead, focus on an assignment or subject that captured your attention — the more unusual the situation, the better. Use storytelling to enhance your essay. The best education essays can be essays about life-changing education experiences; for example, many great educational stories focus on the teacher or class that changed the author’s life.

Biographies

Writing a short biography is easy. All you need to do is to use a very basic biography template. But first: remember that you need to keep the attention of your reader. Tell a good story about yourself ! Learning how to write a biography is about learning how to tell a good story .

A Biography Template

A solid biography is a solid story. For this reason, the biography template is essentially the template of a well-crafted story, which is typically divided into three specific parts:

Establish the characters. In this case, these are people that play important roles in your life. For example, if your autobiographical essay includes family members, you need to describe them briefly before anything exciting happens.
Build tension. If you write about your family, you can describe a problem that exists there.
Describe a resolution. Not that it is not the same thing as a problem being solved. For example, when a loved one dies, there is no solution to that problem. Instead, you grieve and learn to live without that person in your life.

If your biography manages to achieve all three of these elements, you will indeed have one of the class’s strongest essays.

Personal Statements

The last type of personal writing is probably the most important. When faced with their first college application, most students go to the web to find a personal statement format.

If you learn from examples, the best thing to do is check out several strong personal statement examples. As mentioned in the second section, many universities post essays from accepted students. Or perhaps you should read a breakdown of portions of a personal statement. The point is, read what others have done for inspiration.

Sometimes colleges offer personal statement templates. However, they often use freeform personal statements to identify focused, articulate students. Thus, the top tip for these is to write a clear thesis statement . A thesis statement for an essay without a prompt should be so clear that it sounds like it addresses a writing prompt. When there is no prompt, this is the time you should specifically use the standard 5-paragraph essay . Your discipline will impress your readers, which is exactly what you want.

However, an open-ended essay prompt is sometimes just too much to handle in time, but that is alright. It happens to everyone, and our writing experts can help, luckily. You can work with one of their expert writers or editors to create the perfect personal essay.

Personal Essays – Georgia Tech Admissions
The Personal Statement // Purdue Writing Lab
Application Essays – UNC Writing Center
How To: Write Your Personal Essay
Essays | Penn Admissions
Writing the Personal Statement | Berkeley Graduate Division
Personal Insight Questions – UCLA Undergraduate Admission
Essay Topics | Yale College Undergraduate Admissions
Complete Your Application: Indiana University Bloomington
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Why I Want to Be a Teacher Essay: Writing Guide [2024]

Some people know which profession to choose from childhood, while others decide much later in life. However, and whenever you come to it, you may have to elaborate on it in your personal statement or cover letter. This is widely known as “Why I Want to Be a Teacher” essay.

At 82, I am assuredly a ‘mature student.’ However, I wanted to thank you for being the most helpful resource I have discovered on ‘google’ to look at how I can consider writing an autobiography to perhaps leave my children.

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50 Personal Statement Topics Recommended by Experts

If you’re looking for good personal statement topics, don’t worry, you are not alone: millions of students all over the world are in the same boat. Writing such an essay is an extremely responsible task because in many ways, it determines the degree of success your application is going to have. To overcome your competition, the first thing you should do is understand what a personal essay is and why colleges and universities ask their potential students to write one. Personal statements for undergraduate admissions are a piece of writing describing personality, achievements, hobbies, and plans of students who want to join a specific educational establishment.

What makes them important? They help the committee see who a person is, what they think, what motivations they have, and how well they are capable of essay writing. Reading through academic numbers is great, but the only thing they indicate is how well a student could study. What professors want to see instead is how motivated and inspired people applying to them are, and this could be done only via an application essay. The tricky question is, where to find a great topic for it?

Tips For Choosing the Best Personal Statement Ideas

Finding a topic is always difficult. It has to resonate both with you and with people who are going to review your work, so it is vital not to make a mistake. Here are some tips you could use for solving this problem.

Think about your life. Even the most boring and monotonous lives have their small tragedies and victories. Start remembering them. Go through key moments and think about details surrounding them. The clearest memories are the best foundation for essay topic.
Focus on an interesting event. Whatever personal topics you consider, they must revolve around a prompt that evokes some genuine feelings in you. It must be something you are passionate about, something that has really affected your growth as an individual. Feel invested as you describe this situation.
Add a challenge to it. Don’t forget that such essays should somehow show your strong sides or your willingness to learn. Describing a situation that didn’t have a meaningful impact related to your growth won’t fit here, so focus on challenging memories. Topics must be unique.
Speak by yourself. Application essay is your chance to speak and present things from your perspective. If you ever felt misunderstood, betrayed, or under-evaluated, this is an opportunity to shed light on it and explain everything in a way you see it. By combining these four tips, it’ll be easier to narrow down a potential range of topics and choose a truly great one.

50 Inspiring Topics for Personal Essay

Apart from options we mentioned above, there is another alternative. When you are fruitlessly looking for possible topics and cannot find anything, it is time for using the Internet. There are many lists with suggestions people could choose from — they offer free themes and encourage students to pick them in case they find them inspiring. We present 50 top ideas that could give you a sense of direction.

Personal Statement Topics on Your Past

These topics for personal statement never get old. Look into your life; consider every relevant moment that has ever happened. Here are some ideas.

First Day at School: My Fears, Hopes, and Strength I Gained
Living with Workaholic Parents & How This Background Made Me Who I Am
Accepting a Concept of Death: Frightening Story of Loss, Recovery, and Acceptance
Overcoming Envy and Learning Self-Control
Why I Hated Risks and How I Learned to Start Taking Them
How Reading This Book Changed My Life & Goals
When I Realized Why I Want to Go to College
The Event That Brought Me to a Start & Changed Direction of My Life
The Thing You Did That You Are Still Proud Of
Which Event Made You Regain Faith in Humanity

Personal Statement Ideas About Challenges

We all have challenges, and some of them leave a deep mark on our hearts. Check these good personal statement topics examples — maybe they’ll remind you of a problem that you managed to overcome.

First Taste of Betrayal & Its Impact on Me
My Biggest Accomplishment and Challenges on Its Way
How I Stepped Out of My Safety Zone & Changed My Core Belief
How Being Academically Unsuccessful Made Me Want to Be the Best
The Biggest Embarrassment of My Life: Learning From Mistakes
Having Two Best Friends at Once Is Tough
Coping with Stereotypes Inflicted By Other People
Days When Panic Attacks Did Not Let Me Get Up From Bed
Understanding Depression and Learning to Live with It
Event That Broke My Heart & How I Healed It

Personal Statement Prompts on Academic Subjects

How about some subject-related ideas for personal statements? They are always welcome by application committees.

My Love for Seeking Truth Was Born the Day I Discovered the Role of Law in Our Lives
Visiting the Hospital for the First Time and Why It Fuelled My Interest in Medical Education
My Work Was Stolen & It Woke My Interest in Intellectual Property
Why Seemingly Impossible Career Seems Closer Now
My Thirst for Knowledge and Why It Could Make Me a Good Journalist
The Most Beautiful Building I’ve Ever Seen or the Day When My Love for Design Was Born
Spending Every Sunday in My Life Cooking: Where Does That Lead Me?
Outrageous Historical Lies and Why That Inspired Me to Study History
From Toys to Engineering Devices: I Was an Inventor Before I Could Work
Animals Are as Important as People: My Hopes For Becoming a Vet

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Personal Qualities Topics

People might have the same interests, but their personal characteristics make them different. These personal statement prompt examples could help demonstrate it.

Being the Definition of Stubbornness & Its Ups and Downs
Why My Resilience Makes Me a Good Fit For This College
How Love and Education Come Together: My Background and My Goals
Three Key Events That Boosted My Creativity
Suspiciousness Is My Second Nature: It’ll Help Excel in My Field
Passion for Politics I Carried Through Life: Then vs. Now
Loving to Argue: Childhood Screaming Matches vs. Mature Evidence-Based Discussions
Crying When Others Cry: How My Empathy Lets Me Live Complete Life
What Having Creative Mind Means For Me
I Wanted to Be a Superhero: How It Affected Who I Want to Be Now

Diversity Ideas

College personal statement topics related to diversity never lose their relevance.

Witnessing Cruelty for the First Time and What It Taught Me
The First Time I Faced Prejudice and Cried
Complex Story of Figuring Out My Sexuality: Why Things Should Have Been Easier
How My Race Affected My Social Acceptance
Understanding Racism After Making a New Friend
How I Believe Diversity Should Be Publicly Celebrated
How Being Strange Became a Norm For Me
Small Ways in Which I Intend to Change This World
Why Diversity Is Key to Achieving Peace
Racial Make-Up of My School Class and How It Shaped My Views

Write an Essay That’ll Move Everyone

As long as you’re truly invested in your chosen topics for personal statements, you have every chance of crafting a stunning essay. Basically, you’ll be retelling a meaningful experience from your life, showing how you found purpose and how it led you to select this specific college. This kind of writing is always emotional, so you could affect your readers and share your joy, pain, and determination. The more effective you are in this, the more likely it is that you’ll reach success. After you settle on personal statement essay topics, write about them with sincerity and passion, and this will definitely get you some precious points!

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Personal Life Essay Examples

My personal ethics and its influence on my life.

People have different values, and it is very important to reflect on these different values throughout life, and to know when our values change. I developed most of my values when I was younger and I continue to keep these values, but as I am...

What I Learned About Myself: My Personal Message

“My life is my message” is a quote by Mahatma Gandhi. This quote can mean anything to anyone but to me it means everything. Every single moment, thought, image, and feeling I have created is my message. Everything I helped, complimented, joked about, and smiled...

Impact of Covid-19 on Personal Life

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on personal lives around the world. From changes in daily routines to the disruption of social interactions, the effects of the virus have been far-reaching. This essay will explore the various ways in which COVID-19 has impacted...

My Hate-love Relationship with Piano

It can sounds weird, but the piano played a big role in my life. So that was the purpose to wtite an "Piano essay" where I will share my relationship story with piano. “I really regret letting you learn the piano!” my mom yelled sitting...

Life Story Example of Personal Beliefs

To start with, this is my life story example where I want share personal experience. To start my example of life story, I lost my father when I was 4 years old. For my optimum upbringing, my mother started her own business of selling female...

The Meaning of a Good Life: a Personal Journey of Discovery

What are some of the first things that would come to your mind if you were asked, “What is a good life?” If young ones were asked this question they would say something like not going to school and eating pizza with extra cheese for...

My Autobiography: a Personal Journey to Achieving Goals

Hello everyone, my name is Lina Sha and in my autobiography essay I want to share my autobiography today. My major is hospitality of management, and I am going to transfer to UNLV next year to complete my bachelor's degree. Most of my family members,...

Dear Diary - Examples of Personal Writing

Dear Diary, I have something terrible to tell you. Wait… I haven’t even introduced myself. Let me start over…. Dear Diary, My name is Anna and I have never written in a diary before, I saw dear diary examples how to start writing, but it...

How Do I Want to Live My Life: My Vision for a Meaningful Life

According to Carl Rogers every person could achieve their Goals, Wishes, and Desires in life. It might seem easy to understand at first but, what does it really mean? One must have a deeper understanding in philosophy in order to understand Carl Rogers’ statement. We...

My Life: a Challenging Experience that Changed Me

My life essay: a challenging experience that changed me. An Erie of quiet welcomed my kin and me as we went into my grandma's home one night. As we wandered further into the calm house, scanning each space for my grandma our guiltless interest covered...

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Personal Essay Topics

110 Personal Essay Topics

How to Write a Personal Essay

Introduction

Body Paragraphs

1st Paragraph

2nd Paragraph

3rd Paragraph

Conclusion Paragraph

Personal Essay Topics About Relationships

Personal Essay Topics About Hardships

Personal Essay Topics About Success & Achievements

Personal Essay Topics About Personal Growth & Self-Reflection

Personal Essay Topics About Passions & Hobbies

Personal Essay Topics About Challenges & Failures

Personal Essay Topics About Family & Childhood Memories

Personal Essay Topics About Cultural Heritage & Identity

Personal Essay Topics About Childhood Dreams & Aspirations

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