good college essays on sports

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5 Great Examples On How to Start A College Application Essay on Sports

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Where do you even start when you’re brainstorming possible essay topics for your college application essays ? Some go for a walk to get inspired, and others look back on their own experiences. Here are 5 college students who decided to talk about their athletic achievements, or used sports as a metaphor:

Amherst College ‘20

The lessons I have learned in tennis can apply to everybody’s life. When someone begins learning tennis, the main focus is to keep the ball in play. Keep the ball going back and forth until you win the point. I honestly struggled keeping up my motivation in high school. However once I finally found a very steady source, it made life much easier and it kept me going much longer. Keep reading.

University of Pennsylvania ‘18

Numerous times I felt like giving up on my basketball dreams yet I didn’t want to be labeled a quitter. Instead, I wanted to one day tell a story just like Michael Jordan’s and how he was initially cut from the varsity team only to end up becoming the best player in the world; this became the driving force of my basketball obsession after I didn’t make the varsity team during my freshman year. View full profile .

Green Water

Dartmouth college ‘18.

Gliding above the liquid glass, I take deep breathes, setting a rhythm for my crew to act together with one mind. Putrid green bubbles can be seen, rising to the water’s surface to gently greet the most crimson-colored sunset found in the Sacramento Valley, only to be crushed by the blade found at the end of my Yao Ming-sized sweeping oar. Each stroke, I pull harder than I did on the one that came before it; each stroke I tear skin from the blisters found on the joints of my fingers that grasp my oar; each stroke I carry my weapon of bubble destruction with more and more confidence. In the long haul of a two-thousand meter race I remember that the pain I feel is temporary and that I am fully capable of pulling my way past the finish line. Read more .

Harvard University ‘17

It all happened within a split second.  I held the orange leather ball firmly between my hands as steaming droplets of sweat ran from my forehead to the tips of my fingers. My lungs desperately begged for oxygen as I stood right before the maroon line fifteen feet away from the basket, crouched into my shooting stance that had been perfected through the hours of repetition spent on this very spot.  Despite the meticulous preparation, my knees trembled out of fear and anxiety.  All eyes within the gymnasium were placed on me—the shortest of the ten in uniform on the hardwood floor.  Tightly shutting my eyes and stiffening my lips, I deeply meditated on the foul shot that was about to be taken.  As the cheers filled my ears, I recalled the days in the past when all of this was a brand new experience; slowly, the roar of the crowd faded to a low murmur then to an utter silence. Continue reading .

Whartonschool19

University of pennsylvania ‘19.

“The 50m freestyle is next. Swimmers, take your positions.” I stepped onto the diving platform as the announcer’s voice echoed through the natatorium and tightened my goggles, not too tight, but just right, like Goldilocks’ porridge. This was my debut since my hiatus from the U10 YMCA Sharks. Standing on the diving board, I could feel the power of the room engulf my being; energy filled my body while my fingers began to tingle. “Chariots of Fire” by Vangelis began to play in my ears. View full profile .

Have you started brainstorming what you should write for your college application essay? If you’re interested in writing about it on sports , unlock the one of the above profiles for free to read the full essay for inspiration! 

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About The Author

Frances was born in Hong Kong and received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She loves super sad drama television, cooking, and reading. Her favorite person on Earth isn’t actually a member of the AdmitSee team - it’s her dog Cooper.

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How to Write About Sports for Your College Application Essay

Yes – you can write about sports, choosing a topic, preventing the “groan” – let them get to know you, finding nemo and finding your story, personal development is key, what makes your story stand out, let’s recap: writing your college application essay.

______________________________________________ Cara Kalf is a writer, editor and teacher who coaches high-schoolers to write their best college application essays and get ready for the top-tier schools they plan to attend. For more advice on writing, admissions, and academic success, check out carakalf.com.

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Home Essay Samples

Essay Samples on Sports

When college athletes have to start with an academic writing task, they often feel lost and do not know how to start. It’s exactly the same with other academic subjects because one should take time and find inspiring information that can be used unless you already have a prompt. You can focus on the importance of sports or talk about the pros of recreational sports and spending time outside. See our sport essay example as a starting point and learn how to structure your writing correctly. Your introduction part should start with a brief introduction or statistical information that explains your writing objectives or the peculiarities of the problem that you plan to address. The majority of college essays about sports that you see below will provide you with inspiring ideas and teach you how to implement various quotes without falling into the plagiarism trap. If you want to use some source, remember that you must introduce it first and explain why it is there. When you’re talking about the use of medication in college sports, turn to some stats and explain why these are important or biased as you research. It will help you to add an author’s voice. 

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Why Football Is the Best Sport: Multifaceted Dimensions

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Overview Of The Three Ai Strategies For Chess Game

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How to Write a Sports-Related Admissions Essay

So you want to write about sports in your college essay? The bad news: you’re one of many student athletes that feel sports have had a huge impact on their lives. The good news: we’re giving you insider tips on how to write a unique admissions essay about sports. Watch below!

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College Essay Examples | What Works and What Doesn't

Published on November 8, 2021 by Kirsten Courault . Revised on August 14, 2023.

One effective method for improving your college essay is to read example essays . Here are three sample essays, each with a bad and good version to help you improve your own essay.

Table of contents

Essay 1: sharing an identity or background through a montage, essay 2: overcoming a challenge, a sports injury narrative, essay 3: showing the influence of an important person or thing, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about college application essays.

This essay uses a montage structure to show snapshots of a student’s identity and background. The writer builds her essay around the theme of the five senses, sharing memories she associates with sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste.

In the weak rough draft, there is little connection between the individual anecdotes, and they do not robustly demonstrate the student’s qualities.

In the final version, the student uses an extended metaphor of a museum to create a strong connection among her stories, each showcasing a different part of her identity. She draws a specific personal insight from each memory and uses the stories to demonstrate her qualities and values.

How My Five Senses Record My Life

Throughout my life, I have kept a record of my life’s journey with my five senses. This collection of memories matters a great deal because I experience life every day through the lens of my identity.

“Chinese! Japanese!”

My classmate pulls one eye up and the other down.

“Look what my parents did to me!”

No matter how many times he repeats it, the other kids keep laughing. I focus my almond-shaped eyes on the ground, careful not to attract attention to my discomfort, anger, and shame. How could he say such a mean thing about me? What did I do to him? Joseph’s words would engrave themselves into my memory, making me question my appearance every time I saw my eyes in the mirror.

Soaking in overflowing bubble baths with Andrew Lloyd Webber belting from the boombox.

Listening to “Cell Block Tango” with my grandparents while eating filet mignon at a dine-in show in Ashland.

Singing “The Worst Pies in London” at a Korean karaoke club while laughing hysterically with my brother, who can do an eerily spot-on rendition of Sweeney Todd.

Taking car rides with Mom in the Toyota Sequoia as we compete to hit the high note in “Think of Me” from The Phantom of the Opera . Neither of us stands a chance!

The sweet scent of vegetables, Chinese noodles, and sushi wafts through the room as we sit around the table. My grandma presents a good-smelling mixture of international cuisine for our Thanksgiving feast. My favorite is the Chinese food that she cooks. Only the family prayer stands between me and the chance to indulge in these delicious morsels, comforting me with their familiar savory scents.

I rinse a faded plastic plate decorated by my younger sister at the Waterworks Art Center. I wear yellow rubber gloves to protect my hands at Mom’s insistence, but I can still feel the warm water that offers a bit of comfort as I finish the task at hand. The crusted casserole dish with stubborn remnants from my dad’s five-layer lasagna requires extra effort, so I fill it with Dawn and scalding water, setting it aside to soak. I actually don’t mind this daily chore.

I taste sweat on my upper lip as I fight to continue pedaling on a stationary bike. Ava’s next to me and tells me to go up a level. We’re biking buddies, dieting buddies, and Saturday morning carbo-load buddies. After the bike display hits 30 minutes, we do a five-minute cool down, drink Gatorade, and put our legs up to rest.

My five senses are always gathering new memories of my identity. I’m excited to expand my collection.

Word count: 455

College essay checklist

Topic and structure

• I’ve selected a topic that’s meaningful to me.
• My essay reveals something different from the rest of my application.
• I have a clear and well-structured narrative.
• I’ve concluded with an insight or a creative ending.

Writing style and tone

• I’ve crafted an introduction containing vivid imagery or an intriguing hook that grabs the reader’s attention.
• I’ve written my essay in a way that shows instead of tells.
• I’ve used appropriate style and tone for a college essay.
• I’ve used specific, vivid personal stories that would be hard to replicate.
• I’ve demonstrated my positive traits and values in my essay.
• My essay is focused on me, not another person or thing.
• I’ve included self-reflection and insight in my essay.
• I’ve respected the word count , remaining within 10% of the upper word limit.

Making Sense of My Identity

Welcome to The Rose Arimoto Museum. You are about to enter the “Making Sense of My Identity” collection. Allow me to guide you through select exhibits, carefully curated memories from Rose’s sensory experiences.

First, the Sight Exhibit.

“Chinese! Japanese!”

“Look what my parents did to me!”

No matter how many times he repeats it, the other kids keep laughing. I focus my almond-shaped eyes on the ground, careful not to attract attention as my lip trembles and palms sweat. Joseph couldn’t have known how his words would engrave themselves into my memory, making me question my appearance every time I saw my eyes in the mirror.

Ten years later, these same eyes now fixate on an InDesign layout sheet, searching for grammar errors while my friend Selena proofreads our feature piece on racial discrimination in our hometown. As we’re the school newspaper editors, our journalism teacher Ms. Riley allows us to stay until midnight to meet tomorrow’s deadline. She commends our work ethic, which for me is fueled by writing一my new weapon of choice.

Next, you’ll encounter the Sound Exhibit.

Still, the world is my Broadway as I find my voice on stage.

Just below, enter the Smell Exhibit.

While I help my Pau Pau prepare dinner, she divulges her recipe for cha siu bau, with its soft, pillowy white exterior hiding the fragrant filling of braised barbecue pork inside. The sweet scent of candied yams, fun see , and Spam musubi wafts through the room as we gather around our Thankgsiving feast. After our family prayer, we indulge in these delicious morsels until our bellies say stop. These savory scents of my family’s cultural heritage linger long after I’ve finished the last bite.

Next up, the Touch Exhibit.

I rinse a handmade mug that I had painstakingly molded and painted in ceramics class. I wear yellow rubber gloves to protect my hands at Mom’s insistence, but I can still feel the warm water that offers a bit of comfort as I finish the task at hand. The crusted casserole dish with stubborn remnants from my dad’s five-layer lasagna requires extra effort, so I fill it with Dawn and scalding water, setting it aside to soak. For a few fleeting moments, as I continue my nightly chore, the pressure of my weekend job, tomorrow’s calculus exam, and next week’s track meet are washed away.

Finally, we end with the Taste Exhibit.

My legs fight to keep pace with the stationary bike as the salty taste of sweat seeps into corners of my mouth. Ava challenges me to take it up a level. We always train together一even keeping each other accountable on our strict protein diet of chicken breasts, broccoli, and Muscle Milk. We occasionally splurge on Saturday mornings after interval training, relishing the decadence of everything bagels smeared with raspberry walnut cream cheese. But this is Wednesday, so I push myself. I know that once the digital display hits 30:00, we’ll allow our legs to relax into a five-minute cool down, followed by the fiery tang of Fruit Punch Gatorade to rehydrate.

Thank you for your attention. This completes our tour. I invite you to rejoin us for next fall’s College Experience collection, which will exhibit Rose’s continual search for identity and learning.

Word count: 649

• I’ve crafted an essay introduction containing vivid imagery or an intriguing hook that grabs the reader’s attention.

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This essay uses a narrative structure to recount how a student overcame a challenge, specifically a sports injury. Since this topic is often overused, the essay requires vivid description, a memorable introduction and conclusion , and interesting insight.

The weak rough draft contains an interesting narrative, insight, and vivid imagery, but it has an overly formal tone that distracts the reader from the story. The student’s use of elaborate vocabulary in every sentence makes the essay sound inauthentic and stilted.

The final essay uses a more natural, conversational tone and chooses words that are vivid and specific without being pretentious. This allows the reader to focus on the narrative and appreciate the student’s unique insight.

One fateful evening some months ago, a defensive linebacker mauled me, his 212 pounds indisputably alighting upon my ankle. Ergo, an abhorrent cracking of calcified tissue. At first light the next day, I awoke cognizant of a new paradigm—one sans football—promulgated by a stabbing sensation that would continue to haunt me every morning of this semester.

It’s been an exceedingly taxing semester not being able to engage in football, but I am nonetheless excelling in school. That twist of fate never would have come to pass if I hadn’t broken my ankle. I still limp down the halls at school, but I’m feeling less maudlin these days. My friends don’t steer clear anymore, and I have a lot more of them. My teachers, emboldened by my newfound interest in learning, continually invite me to learn more and do my best. Football is still on hold, but I feel like I’m finally playing a game that matters.

Five months ago, right after my ill-fated injury, my friends’ demeanor became icy and remote, although I couldn’t fathom why. My teachers, in contrast, beckoned me close and invited me on a new learning journey. But despite their indubitably kind advances, even they recoiled when I drew near.

A few weeks later, I started to change my attitude vis-à-vis my newfound situation and determined to put my energy toward productive ends (i.e., homework). I wasn’t enamored with school. I never had been. Nevertheless, I didn’t abhor it either. I just preferred football.

My true turn of fate came when I started studying more and participating in class. I started to enjoy history class, and I grew interested in reading more. I discovered a volume of poems written by a fellow adventurer on the road of life, and I loved it. I ravenously devoured everything in the writer’s oeuvre .

As the weeks flitted past, I found myself spending my time with a group of people who were quite different from me. They participated in theater and played instruments in marching band. They raised their hands in class when the teacher posed a question. Because of their auspicious influence, I started raising my hand too. I am no longer vapid, and I now have something to say.

I am certain that your school would benefit from my miraculous academic transformation, and I entreat you to consider my application to your fine institution. Accepting me to your university would be an unequivocally righteous decision.

Word count: 408

• I’ve chosen a college essay topic that’s meaningful to me.
• I’ve respected the essay word count , remaining within 10% of the upper word limit.

As I step out of bed, the pain shoots through my foot and up my leg like it has every morning since “the game.” That night, a defensive linebacker tackled me, his 212 pounds landing decidedly on my ankle. I heard the sound before I felt it. The next morning, I awoke to a new reality—one without football—announced by a stabbing sensation that would continue to haunt me every morning of this semester.

My broken ankle broke my spirit.

My friends steered clear of me as I hobbled down the halls at school. My teachers tried to find the delicate balance between giving me space and offering me help. I was as unsure how to deal with myself as they were.

In time, I figured out how to redirect some of my frustration, anger, and pent-up energy toward my studies. I had never not liked school, but I had never really liked it either. In my mind, football practice was my real-life classroom, where I could learn all I ever needed to know.

Then there was that day in Mrs. Brady’s history class. We sang a ridiculous-sounding mnemonic song to memorize all the Chinese dynasties from Shang to Qing. I mumbled the words at first, but I got caught up in the middle of the laughter and began singing along. Starting that day, I began browsing YouTube videos about history, curious to learn more. I had started learning something new, and, to my surprise, I liked it.

With my afternoons free from burpees and scrimmages, I dared to crack open a few more of my books to see what was in them. That’s when my English poetry book, Paint Me Like I Am , caught my attention. It was full of poems written by students my age from WritersCorps. I couldn’t get enough.

I wasn’t the only one who was taken with the poems. Previously, I’d only been vaguely aware of Christina as one of the weird kids I avoided. Crammed in the margins of her high-top Chuck Taylors were scribbled lines of her own poetry and infinite doodles. Beyond her punk rock persona was a sensitive artist, puppy-lover, and environmental activist that a wide receiver like me would have never noticed before.

With Christina, I started making friends with people who once would have been invisible to me: drama geeks, teachers’ pets, band nerds. Most were college bound but not to play a sport. They were smart and talented, and they cared about people and politics and all sorts of issues that I hadn’t considered before. Strangely, they also seemed to care about me.

I still limp down the halls at school, but I don’t seem to mind as much these days. My friends don’t steer clear anymore, and I have a lot more of them. My teachers, excited by my newfound interest in learning, continually invite me to learn more and do my best. Football is still on hold, but I feel like I’m finally playing a game that matters.

My broken ankle broke my spirit. Then, it broke my ignorance.

Word count: 512

This essay uses a narrative structure to show how a pet positively influenced the student’s values and character.

In the weak draft, the student doesn’t focus on himself, instead delving into too much detail about his dog’s positive traits and his grandma’s illness. The essay’s structure is meandering, with tangents and details that don’t communicate any specific insight.

In the improved version, the student keeps the focus on himself, not his pet. He chooses the most relevant stories to demonstrate specific qualities, and the structure more clearly builds up to an insightful conclusion.

Man’s Best Friend

I desperately wanted a cat. I begged my parents for one, but once again, my sisters overruled me, so we drove up the Thompson Valley Canyon from Loveland to Estes Park to meet our newest family member. My sisters had already hatched their master plan, complete with a Finding Nemo blanket to entice the pups. The blanket was a hit with all of them, except for one—the one who walked over and sat in my lap. That was the day that Francisco became a Villanova.

Maybe I should say he was mine because I got stuck with all the chores. As expected, my dog-loving sisters were nowhere to be found! My mom was “extra” with all the doggy gear. Cisco even had to wear these silly little puppy shoes outside so that when he came back in, he wouldn’t get the carpets dirty. If it was raining, my mother insisted I dress Cisco in a ridiculous yellow raincoat, but, in my opinion, it was an unnecessary source of humiliation for poor Cisco. It didn’t take long for Cisco to decide that his outerwear could be used as toys in a game of Keep Away. As soon as I took off one of his shoes, he would run away with it, hiding under the bed where I couldn’t reach him. But, he seemed to appreciate his ensemble more when we had to walk through snowdrifts to get his job done.

When my abuela was dying from cancer, we went in the middle of the night to see her before she passed. I was sad and scared. But, my dad let me take Cisco in the car, so Cisco cuddled with me and made me feel much better. It’s like he could read my mind. Once we arrived at the hospital, the fluorescent lighting made the entire scene seem unreal, as if I was watching the scene unfold through someone else’s eyes. My grandma lay calmly on her bed, smiling at us even through her last moments of pain. I disliked seeing the tubes and machines hooked up to her. It was unnatural to see her like this一it was so unlike the way I usually saw her beautiful in her flowery dress, whistling a Billie Holiday tune and baking snickerdoodle cookies in the kitchen. The hospital didn’t usually allow dogs, but they made a special exception to respect my grandma’s last wishes that the whole family be together. Cisco remained at the foot of the bed, intently watching abuela with a silence that seemed more effective at communicating comfort and compassion than the rest of us who attempted to offer up words of comfort that just seemed hollow and insincere. It was then that I truly appreciated Cisco’s empathy for others.

As I accompanied my dad to pick up our dry cleaner’s from Ms. Chapman, a family friend asked, “How’s Cisco?” before even asking about my sisters or me. Cisco is the Villanova family mascot, a Goldendoodle better recognized by strangers throughout Loveland than the individual members of my family.

On our summer trip to Boyd Lake State Park, we stayed at the Cottonwood campground for a breathtaking view of the lake. Cisco was allowed to come, but we had to keep him on a leash at all times. After a satisfying meal of fish, our entire family walked along the beach. Cisco and I led the way while my mom and sisters shuffled behind. Cisco always stopped and refused to move, looking back to make sure the others were still following. Once satisfied that everyone was together, he would turn back around and continue prancing with his golden boy curly locks waving in the chilly wind.

On the beach, Cisco “accidentally” got let off his leash and went running maniacally around the sand, unfettered and free. His pure joy as he raced through the sand made me forget about my AP Chem exam or my student council responsibilities. He brings a smile not only to my family members but everyone around him.

Cisco won’t live forever, but without words, he has impressed upon me life lessons of responsibility, compassion, loyalty, and joy. I can’t imagine life without him.

Word count: 701

I quickly figured out that as “the chosen one,” I had been enlisted by Cisco to oversee all aspects of his “business.” I learned to put on Cisco’s doggie shoes to keep the carpet clean before taking him out一no matter the weather. Soon after, Cisco decided that his shoes could be used as toys in a game of Keep Away. As soon as I removed one of his shoes, he would run away with it, hiding under the bed where I couldn’t reach him. But, he seemed to appreciate his footwear more after I’d gear him up and we’d tread through the snow for his daily walks.

One morning, it was 7:15 a.m., and Alejandro was late again to pick me up. “Cisco, you don’t think he overslept again, do you?” Cisco barked, as if saying, “Of course he did!” A text message would never do, so I called his dad, even if it was going to get him in trouble. There was no use in both of us getting another tardy during our first-period class, especially since I was ready on time after taking Cisco for his morning outing. Alejandro was mad at me but not too much. He knew I had helped him out, even if he had to endure his dad’s lecture on punctuality.

Another early morning, I heard my sister yell, “Mom! Where are my good ballet flats? I can’t find them anywhere!” I hesitated and then confessed, “I moved them.” She shrieked at me in disbelief, but I continued, “I put them in your closet, so Cisco wouldn’t chew them up.” More disbelief. However, this time, there was silence instead of shrieking.

Last spring, Cisco and I were fast asleep when the phone rang at midnight. Abuela would not make it through the night after a long year of chemo, but she was in Pueblo, almost three hours away. Sitting next to me for that long car ride on I-25 in pitch-black darkness, Cisco knew exactly what I needed and snuggled right next to me as I petted his coat in a rhythm while tears streamed down my face. The hospital didn’t usually allow dogs, but they made a special exception to respect my grandma’s last wishes that the whole family be together. Cisco remained sitting at the foot of the hospital bed, intently watching abuela with a silence that communicated more comfort than our hollow words. Since then, whenever I sense someone is upset, I sit in silence with them or listen to their words, just like Cisco did.

The other day, one of my friends told me, “You’re a strange one, Josue. You’re not like everybody else but in a good way.” I didn’t know what he meant at first. “You know, you’re super responsible and grown-up. You look out for us instead of yourself. Nobody else does that.” I was a bit surprised because I wasn’t trying to do anything different. I was just being me. But then I realized who had taught me: a fluffy little puppy who I had wished was a cat! I didn’t choose Cisco, but he certainly chose me and, unexpectedly, became my teacher, mentor, and friend.

Word count: 617

If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Transition words
• Passive voice
• Paraphrasing

 Communication

• How to end an email
• Ms, mrs, miss
• How to start an email
• I hope this email finds you well
• Hope you are doing well

 Parts of speech

• Personal pronouns
• Conjunctions

A standout college essay has several key ingredients:

• A unique, personally meaningful topic
• A memorable introduction with vivid imagery or an intriguing hook
• Specific stories and language that show instead of telling
• Vulnerability that’s authentic but not aimed at soliciting sympathy
• Clear writing in an appropriate style and tone
• A conclusion that offers deep insight or a creative ending

There are no set rules for how to structure a college application essay , but these are two common structures that work:

• A montage structure, a series of vignettes with a common theme.
• A narrative structure, a single story that shows your personal growth or how you overcame a challenge.

Avoid the five-paragraph essay structure that you learned in high school.

Though admissions officers are interested in hearing your story, they’re also interested in how you tell it. An exceptionally written essay will differentiate you from other applicants, meaning that admissions officers will spend more time reading it.

You can use literary devices to catch your reader’s attention and enrich your storytelling; however, focus on using just a few devices well, rather than trying to use as many as possible.

Most importantly, your essay should be about you , not another person or thing. An insightful college admissions essay requires deep self-reflection, authenticity, and a balance between confidence and vulnerability.

Your essay shouldn’t be a résumé of your experiences but instead should tell a story that demonstrates your most important values and qualities.

When revising your college essay , first check for big-picture issues regarding message, flow, tone, style , and clarity. Then, focus on eliminating grammar and punctuation errors.

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250 Sports Topics: Persuasive Speech Ideas and Titles

Sports, as a universal language, encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including team sports like football and basketball, individual sports such as tennis and swimming, adventure sports like rock climbing and surfing, as well as winter sports, including skiing and ice hockey. The realm of sports topics extends far beyond mere celebration of victories or analysis of defeats; it delves into the understanding of human endeavor, resilience, teamwork, and individual brilliance. These topics offer a rich vein of content for persuasive speeches and essays, appealing to both emotions and reason, and urging audiences to consider deeper societal issues, health, education, and personal growth.

Writing about sports topics provides an opportunity to explore the impact of sports on society and the individual. It's not just about the physical aspects but also about the psychological and social benefits. Sports debate topics often highlight the role of sports in promoting mental health, fostering community spirit, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. They can also address controversies, such as doping, corruption, and the commercialization of sports, providing a platform for critical thinking and discussion.

The richness of sports as a subject matter offers endless opportunities to weave together narratives of challenge, triumph, and transformation, making essays on sports not just informative but also profoundly inspiring.

How to Choose a Good Topic on Sports

Choosing a compelling sports topic necessitates a nuanced understanding of your audience's preferences, alongside an assessment of the topic's current relevance and its capacity to incite meaningful debate or persuade effectively. It's crucial to identify subjects that not only resonate on a deeply personal level with your audience but also intersect with broader thematic elements such as ethics, advancements in technology, and the various socio-economic factors that influence the realm of sports. This balanced approach ensures the topic's universal appeal and its ability to engage a diverse readership. Particularly, the convergence of sports with pressing societal issues—like providing resources for low-income college students—opens up a rich avenue for discussion that transcends mere sports commentary. It invites a more profound exploration of how sports can serve as a microcosm for larger societal dynamics, offering insights into equity, accessibility, and the transformative power of sports as a tool for social change. In this article, we delve into 250 varied sports persuasive speech topics and sports argumentative essay topics, each carefully selected to spark interest and drive discourse across different aspects of sports, from team-based dynamics and individual feats to the broader social impact of sporting activities. Whether you're crafting an argumentative essay that tackles the ethical dilemmas in sports or preparing a persuasive speech that advocates for more inclusive policies in sports programs, these topics are designed to bolster your arguments with a rich mix of insights and perspectives.

The Best 10 Sports Topics to Write About in 2024

In 2024, sports writing is evolving, focusing on topics that blend traditional interests with pressing social issues. Consider exploring:

• The impact of technology on fair play in sports.
• Mental health awareness among professional athletes.
• The role of sports in bridging socio-economic divides.
• Gender equality in sports: Progress and challenges.
• The influence of sports scholarships on low-income students.
• The environmental footprint of major sporting events.
• The rise of e-sports and its recognition as a legitimate sport.
• The importance of sports in fostering global peace and understanding.
• Ethical considerations in sports sponsorships and advertising.
• The future of sports in a post-pandemic world.

Interesting Sports Debate Topics

When it comes to stimulating discussions and engaging audiences, few subjects can match the dynamism of sports debate topics. This section not only explores the competitive spirit and strategic intricacies inherent in various sports but also delves into how these activities intersect with larger societal questions, ethics, and personal development. By addressing these topics, speakers and writers can challenge perceptions, encourage critical thinking, and foster a deeper appreciation for the impact of sports on individuals and society alike. Below are 10 thought-provoking topics that cover a range of issues, from the moral obligations of athletes and fans to the economic and environmental considerations of hosting large-scale sporting events.

• Should performance-enhancing drugs be legalized in professional sports under medical supervision?
• The role of sports in promoting global peace and understanding: Idealistic or achievable?
• Is the commercialization of sports eroding its true essence and spirit?
• The impact of technology on traditional sports: Evolution or dilution?
• Gender equality in sports: How far have we really come?
• The ethics of using animals in sports competitions.
• Should esports be recognized and respected as traditional sports?
• The influence of media on public perception of athletes and sports.
• Mandatory retirement ages for professional athletes: For or against?
• Are the psychological pressures on young athletes justified by potential career rewards?

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics on Team Sports

When exploring persuasive speech topics sports, the emphasis on team sports opens a wide avenue for discussions that transcend mere game strategies or win-loss records. Delving into the realm of team sports, we unlock a vast potential for persuasive discourse, aiming to influence opinions, stir emotions, and inspire action on various aspects of sportsmanship, teamwork, and the societal impact of sports.

Volleyball Sports Research Topics

• The Evolution of Volleyball: From Origins to Olympic Glory
• Analyzing the Impact of Modern Training Techniques on Volleyball Performance
• Volleyball Injury Prevention Strategies: A Comprehensive Review
• The Role of Team Dynamics and Communication in Volleyball Success
• Gender Equality in Volleyball: Progress and Challenges
• The Influence of Technology on Volleyball Coaching and Performance Analysis
• Mental Toughness in Volleyball: Developing Resilience among Athletes
• The Economic Impact of Professional Volleyball Leagues Worldwide
• Volleyball and Youth Development: Lessons Beyond the Court
• The Future of Beach Volleyball: Growth, Trends, and Sustainability

Football Sports Argumentative Topics

• Should College Football Players Be Paid for Their Performance?
• The Impact of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Technology: Fairness vs. Flow of the Game
• The Role of National Identity in International Football Competitions
• Tackling Racial Discrimination: Is Football Doing Enough?
• The Ethics of Transfers and Loans in Professional Football
• Concussions in Football: Are Safety Measures Sufficient?
• The Commercialization of Football: Beneficial Evolution or Detrimental to the Sport's Essence?
• Should FIFA Implement Stricter Regulations to Combat Match Fixing?
• The Influence of Fan Culture on Football Team Performance
• Youth Development in Football: Is the Current System Benefiting Young Talents?

Baseball Persuasive Speech Topics

• The Case for Implementing Instant Replay Reviews in Baseball
• Why Baseball Needs to Address Its Pace of Play to Attract Younger Audiences
• The Importance of Preserving Historic Baseball Stadiums for Future Generations
• Enhancing Safety Measures in Baseball to Prevent Injuries from Foul Balls
• The Role of Analytics in Baseball: Revolutionizing the Game or Diminishing Tradition?
• Advocating for More International Representation in Major League Baseball
• The Economic Impact of Minor League Baseball Teams on Local Communities
• The Need for Stricter Performance-Enhancing Drug Policies in Baseball
• Encouraging Youth Participation in Baseball to Foster a Love for the Game
• Making the Case for Increasing the Visibility and Support of Women's Baseball

Basketball Argumentative Essay Topics

• The Effectiveness of the NBA's One-and-Done Rule: A Boon or Bane for Young Athletes?
• Gender Disparity in Basketball: Addressing Wage and Media Coverage Gaps
• Should the NBA Implement Stricter Policies on Player Rest Days to Prevent Injuries?
• The Impact of Social Media on Professional Basketball Players' Mental Health
• College Basketball vs. Overseas Professional Leagues: The Best Path for Emerging Talents
• The Role of Analytics in Basketball: Enhancing the Game or Diminishing Human Elements?
• The Influence of Shoe Companies on Amateur and Professional Basketball
• Basketball and Education: Balancing Athletics and Academics in College Sports
• The Case for and Against Expanding the NBA Playoffs
• Addressing Age Limits in Professional Basketball: Protecting Young Players or Restricting Opportunities?

Ice Hockey Persuasive Speech Topics

• The Importance of Implementing More Stringent Concussion Protocols in Ice Hockey
• Why Ice Hockey Needs to Expand its Reach Beyond Traditional Markets
• The Role of Fighting in Ice Hockey: Tradition vs. Player Safety
• Encouraging Diversity and Inclusion in the Predominantly White Sport of Ice Hockey
• The Economic Benefits of Hosting Major Ice Hockey Tournaments for Local Communities
• Implementing Greener Practices in Ice Hockey Arenas to Combat Climate Change
• The Impact of Youth Ice Hockey Programs on Community Development
• Addressing the Gender Gap: Promoting Women's Ice Hockey on a Global Scale
• The Need for Better Mental Health Resources for Ice Hockey Players
• Persuading Governments to Increase Funding for Ice Hockey Facilities in Underprivileged Areas

Cheerleading Persuasive Speech Topics

• Recognizing Cheerleading as a Sport: The Case for Official Recognition and Funding
• The Importance of Implementing Strict Safety Standards in Cheerleading
• Cheerleading: Beyond Pom-Poms and Smiles - Advocating for Athletic Respect
• The Role of Cheerleading in Promoting Team Spirit and School Morale
• Addressing Gender Stereotypes in Cheerleading: Breaking Down Barriers
• The Psychological Benefits of Cheerleading: Building Confidence and Teamwork
• The Need for Professional Development and Training Programs for Cheer Coaches
• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion Within Cheerleading Squads
• Advocating for Competitive Cheerleading to Be Included in the Olympic Games
• The Importance of Scholarships for Cheerleaders in Higher Education Institutions

Argumentative Essay Topics on Individual Sport

When we delve into the realm of individual sports, we're not just talking about the physical prowess required to excel solo; we're exploring a universe brimming with rich, complex topics ripe for argumentative essays. The focus on individual athletes shifts the discourse towards intense scrutiny of personal ethics, training methodologies, mental health, and the broader socio-economic impacts of their sporting endeavors. In this section, we tackle sports argumentative essay topics that provoke thought, challenge preconceived notions, and invite readers to reconsider their perspectives on what it means to compete and succeed in the arena of individual sports. Here, argumentative essay topics about sports transcend the mere spectacle of competition, engaging with the intricate weave of personal achievement against the backdrop of global sporting culture.

Sports Argumentative Topics on Swimming

• Should High Schools and Colleges Prioritize Funding for Competitive Swimming Programs?
• The Ethics of Technological Swimsuits: Enhancing Performance or Undermining Talent?
• Mandatory Water Safety and Swimming Lessons in Schools: A Necessity or Overreach?
• The Impact of Early Specialization in Competitive Swimming on Athlete Burnout
• Gender Equality in Competitive Swimming: Are We Doing Enough?
• The Role of International Bodies in Combatting Doping in Professional Swimming
• Accessibility of Competitive Swimming Training for Low-Income Families
• The Psychological Impact of Competitive Swimming on Young Athletes
• Should Transgender Athletes Compete in Gendered Swimming Competitions?
• The Environmental Impact of Maintaining Large Swimming Facilities for Competitive Events

Sports Argumentative Topics on Ski

• The Responsibility of Ski Resorts in Promoting Environmental Sustainability
• Helmet Laws in Skiing: Necessary Safety Measure or Personal Choice?
• The Economic Impact of Ski Tourism on Local Communities: Boon or Bane?
• The Influence of Climate Change on the Future of Competitive Skiing
• Should Skiing Equipment Be Standardized for All Professional Competitions?
• The Role of Artificial Snow in Ski Competitions: Ethical Considerations
• Accessibility and Inclusion: Making Skiing a Sport for Everyone
• The Debate Over Land Use for Ski Resorts vs. Conservation Efforts
• Enhancing Safety Measures for Ski Jumping: How Far Should Regulations Go?
• The Impact of Professional Skiing on Youth Participation and Interest in the Sport

Sports Argumentative Topics on Boxing

• The Ethical Dilemma of Brain Injuries in Boxing: Is the Sport Worth the Risk?
• Should There Be an Age Limit for Professional Boxers?
• The Role of Weight Classes in Boxing: Fair Competition or Unnecessary Limitation?
• The Influence of Media and Promotion in Shaping Boxing Careers
• Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Boxing: Can the Sport Ever Be Clean?
• The Impact of Boxing on Youth: Violence Promotion or Discipline Building?
• The Future of Women’s Boxing: Breaking Barriers and Challenging Stereotypes
• Should Boxing Be Banned or Further Regulated for Safety?
• The Role of Technology in Training and Judging Boxing Matches
• The Economic Divide: Does Boxing Favor the Wealthy in Terms of Training and Opportunities?

Sports Argumentative Topics on Track and Field

• The Use of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Track and Field: A Losing Battle?
• The Impact of High-Tech Equipment on Fairness in Track and Field Competitions
• Gender Equality in Track and Field: Are Prize Money and Opportunities Equal?
• The Role of Genetic Engineering: Will Designer Athletes Dominate Track and Field?
• The Ethics of Age Limits in Professional Track and Field Competitions
• The Effectiveness of Lifetime Bans for Doping in Track and Field
• The Importance of Amateur Track and Field Programs in Schools
• The Debate Over Transgender Athletes in Track and Field Competitions
• Climate Change and Outdoor Track and Field Events: Adapting to a New Reality
• The Legacy of Track and Field Icons: Role Models or Unattainable Standards?

Taekwondo Sports Argumentative Topics

• The Effectiveness of Taekwondo as a Means of Self-Defense
• The Impact of Olympic Inclusion on Taekwondo’s Popularity and Development
• Gender Stereotypes in Taekwondo: Breaking Down Barriers
• The Importance of Mental Discipline in Taekwondo Training
• The Role of Taekwondo in Promoting International Peace and Understanding
• The Debate Over Scoring Systems in Competitive Taekwondo
• The Balance Between Tradition and Modernization in Taekwondo Practice
• The Need for More Stringent Concussion Protocols in Taekwondo
• Taekwondo for All Ages: Benefits and Limitations
• The Future of Taekwondo: Technology Integration in Training and Competitions

Yoga Sports Argumentative Topics

• Yoga as Sport vs. Spiritual Practice: Losing Its Essence?
• The Commercialization of Yoga: Beneficial or Detrimental?
• The Role of Yoga in Athletes’ Mental and Physical Health
• The Standardization of Yoga Practices: Necessary or Restrictive?
• The Cultural Appropriation of Yoga: Respect or Exploitation?
• Yoga Certification: Ensuring Quality or Creating Exclusivity?
• The Impact of Online Yoga Classes on Traditional Studios
• The Inclusion of Yoga in School Physical Education Programs
• Addressing the Lack of Diversity in the Yoga Community
• The Potential for Competitive Yoga: How Would It Work?

Gym Sports Argumentative Topics

• The Role of Gyms in Promoting Public Health: Luxury or Necessity?
• The Debate Over Bodybuilding: Healthy Lifestyle or Obsessive Culture?
• The Impact of Social Media on Gym Culture: Inspiration or Intimidation?
• Should Gyms Be Required to Have Staff Trained in Mental Health First Aid?
• The Effectiveness of Personal Trainers: Worth the Investment?
• The Rise of Home Gyms: The End of Traditional Gyms?
• Gym Membership Fees: Accessibility vs. Quality of Service
• The Importance of Creating Inclusive Gym Environments for All Body Types
• The Safety of Dietary Supplements Sold in Gyms
• The Future of Fitness: Technology’s Role in Personalized Gym Experiences

Running Sports Argumentative Topics

• The Ethics of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Professional Running.
• Should Ultra-Marathon Races Have More Stringent Health and Safety Regulations?
• The Impact of High-Tech Running Shoes on Competition Fairness.
• The Role of Running in Public Health Campaigns Against Obesity.
• Addressing the Gender Gap in Sponsorship and Media Coverage of Running Events.
• The Influence of Amateur Running Clubs on Professional Running.
• Should Cross-Country Running Be Included in the Olympic Games?
• The Debate Over Age Limits for Participation in Marathon Races.
• The Environmental Impact of Large-Scale Running Events and Marathons.
• The Effectiveness of Virtual Running Competitions: A Pandemic Legacy.

Golf Sports Argumentative Topics

• The Exclusivity of Golf Clubs: Elitism vs. Tradition.
• Environmental Concerns: Should Golf Courses Be More Eco-Friendly?
• Gender Equality in Golf: Addressing the Pay Gap and Tournament Opportunities.
• The Role of Technology in Golf: Enhancing the Game or Diminishing Skill?
• Should Golf Be Considered a Physically Demanding Sport?
• The Impact of Golf Tourism on Local Economies and Environments.
• The Debate Over Slow Play in Golf and Its Impact on the Sport's Popularity.
• Youth Participation in Golf: Declining Interest and Potential Solutions.
• The Future of Golf: Adapting to Changing Demographics and Preferences.
• Golf in the Olympics: Does It Belong?

Badminton Sports Argumentative Topics

• The Global Recognition of Badminton: Is It Undervalued as a Sport?
• Addressing the Dominance of Asian Countries in International Badminton.
• The Role of Technology in Badminton Equipment: Fair Advantage or Not?
• Should Badminton Focus More on Expanding Its Reach to Western Countries?
• The Impact of Coaching Styles on Badminton Players' Performance.
• Gender Disparities in Badminton: Evaluating Equality in Prize Money and Coverage.
• The Potential of Badminton to Improve Physical Health Among the Elderly.
• The Influence of Shuttlecock Quality on Game Fairness.
• The Importance of Grassroots Programs in the Development of Elite Badminton Players.
• The Effectiveness of the Current Scoring System in Professional Badminton.

Tennis Sports Argumentative Topics

• The Debate Over Equal Prize Money for Men and Women in Tennis.
• The Impact of Youth Tennis Academies on the Sport’s Future Stars.
• Should Tennis Tournaments Reduce the Number of Sets to Prevent Injuries?
• The Role of Mental Health Support for Professional Tennis Players.
• The Evolution of Tennis Equipment: Keeping the Essence of the Game Intact.
• Addressing the Climate Impact of International Tennis Tours.
• The Influence of Wild Card Entries on the Fairness of Tennis Tournaments.
• The Effectiveness of Anti-Doping Measures in Professional Tennis.
• The Future of Davis Cup and Fed Cup: Preserving Tennis Traditions vs. Modernization.
• The Impact of Player Behavior and Sportsmanship on the Public Perception of Tennis.

Wrestling Sports Argumentative Topics

• The Ethical Considerations of Weight Cutting Practices in Wrestling.
• Should Professional Wrestling Be Recognized as an Olympic Sport?
• The Role of High School Wrestling in Promoting Discipline and Physical Fitness.
• Addressing the Risk of Concussions and Chronic Injuries in Wrestling.
• The Representation of Women in Wrestling: Progress and Challenges.
• The Influence of Media and Entertainment on Amateur Wrestling.
• The Importance of Strict Anti-Doping Regulations in Wrestling Competitions.
• The Debate Over the Use of Protective Gear in Wrestling.
• The Cultural Significance of Wrestling in Different Societies.
• The Future of Wrestling: Balancing Tradition with Innovation.

Adventure/Extreme Sports: Argumentative Essay Topics

The world of adventure and extreme sports brings to the forefront a plethora of engaging and contentious issues, ripe for exploration through argumentative essays and persuasive speeches. As participants push the boundaries of human capability and endurance, the debates surrounding these activities offer a unique lens through which we examine questions of safety, ethics, environmental impact, and the very nature of sport itself. This section delves into debate persuasive speech topics about sports and sports argumentative essay topics, specifically tailored to the adrenaline-fueled realm of extreme sports. Here, we challenge readers and speakers alike to confront their perceptions of risk, reward, and responsibility in the context of sports that defy conventional boundaries and provoke intense discussion.

Skydiving Argumentative Essay Topics

• The Ethics of Commercializing Extreme Sports: A Case Study of Skydiving.
• Should Age Restrictions for Skydiving Be More Stringent?
• The Role of Government Regulation in Ensuring Skydiving Safety.
• Skydiving and Mental Health: The Therapeutic Benefits vs. Risks.
• The Environmental Impact of Skydiving: Are We Ignoring the Carbon Footprint?
• The Debate Over Mandatory Insurance for Skydivers: Who Should Bear the Cost?
• Can Virtual Reality Skydiving Adequately Replace the Real Experience?
• The Impact of Social Media on Skydiving: Encouraging Recklessness or Promoting Safety?
• Should Skydiving be Included in Olympic Games as a New Extreme Sport?
• Addressing the Gender Gap in Skydiving: Barriers and Opportunities for Female Skydivers.

Surfing Argumentative Essay Topics

• Balancing Local Culture and Global Surfing Competitions: Preservation vs. Progress.
• The Impact of Surfing on Coastal Ecosystems: Sustainable Sport or Environmental Hazard?
• Should Surfing Spots Be Regulated to Prevent Overcrowding?
• The Commercialization of Surfing: Losing Its Soul to Sponsorships and Media.
• The Role of Artificial Wave Pools in Surfing: Innovation or Detraction from Authenticity?
• Addressing the Gender Disparity in Professional Surfing: Equality in the Water.
• The Influence of Surfing on Mental Health: A Deep Dive into Its Therapeutic Benefits.
• The Debate Over Surfing Etiquette: Unwritten Laws vs. Formal Regulation.
• Surfing in the Olympics: Does It Enhance or Diminish the Sport's Rebel Spirit?
• The Future of Surfing: Navigating the Challenges of Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels.

Winter Sports: Topics to Write About

Winter sports, with their unique blend of thrill, tradition, and environmental reliance, serve as a fascinating backdrop for a rich array of argumentative essays. The icy realms of skiing, ice skating, snowboarding, and more, are not just playgrounds for athletic prowess but also arenas for heated debates on topics ranging from climate change impacts to technological advancements and ethical considerations in competitive settings. This section explores sports argumentative essay topics and argumentative essay topics about sports, specifically zooming in on the challenges, controversies, and cultural significance of winter sports. As we lace up our boots and set out on this exploratory journey, we invite discussions that scrutinize the multifaceted aspects of these chilly pursuits, from argumentative essay topics sports that question the sustainability of snow-based activities to the socio-economic barriers that may limit access to these exhilarating but often exclusive sports.

Argumentative Sports Topics on Ski

• The Ethical Implications of Artificial Snow in Competitive Skiing.
• Climate Change and Its Impact on Traditional Ski Resorts: Adaptation Strategies.
• The Safety of Backcountry Skiing: Necessary Risks or Reckless Endeavors?
• Gender Equality in Skiing Competitions: Progress and Challenges.
• The Influence of Skiing on Local Economies: A Blessing or a Curse?
• The Role of Technology in Enhancing Ski Performance and Safety.
• The Debate on Age Limits for Professional Skiing: Protecting Young Athletes.
• The Environmental Footprint of Ski Tourism: Finding Sustainable Solutions.
• Skiing and Cultural Appropriation: Respecting Indigenous Lands and Traditions.
• Mandatory Helmet Laws in Skiing: Safety Precaution or Personal Choice?

Argumentative Sports Topics on Ice Skating

• Judging Bias in Competitive Ice Skating: The Need for Transparency and Fairness.
• The Role of Ice Skating in Promoting Physical Fitness Among Youth.
• The Impact of Climate Change on Outdoor Ice Skating Venues.
• Addressing the High Costs of Competitive Ice Skating: Barriers to Entry.
• The Psychological Pressure on Young Ice Skaters: Navigating Mental Health.
• Should Ice Skating Moves With High Injury Risks Be Banned?
• The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in Ice Skating.
• The Evolution of Ice Skates: Technology vs. Tradition.
• The Future of Synthetic Ice Rinks: Pros and Cons.
• Ice Skating and Education: Balancing Academics and Athletic Training.

Argumentative Sports Topics on Ice Hockey

• The Necessity of Fighting in Ice Hockey: Tradition vs. Player Safety.
• Addressing Concussion Issues in Ice Hockey: Are Current Protocols Sufficient?
• The Role of Women's Ice Hockey in Promoting Gender Equality in Sports.
• Climate Change: The Future of Outdoor Ice Hockey Games.
• The Economic Impact of Professional Ice Hockey Teams on Local Communities.
• Youth Ice Hockey: Preventing Injuries and Promoting Safe Play.
• The Debate Over the Use of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Ice Hockey.
• Enhancing Diversity in Ice Hockey: Strategies for Inclusivity.
• The Impact of Technology on Refereeing in Ice Hockey.
• The Tradition of College Ice Hockey: Balancing Sport and Academics.

Reflecting on the Wide World of Sports Topics

As we cross the finish line of our exploration into the diverse and dynamic world of sports topics, it's clear that the realm of athletics offers far more than just games and competitions. From the heated debates stirred by sports argumentative essay topics to the compelling narratives that fuel sports persuasive speech topics, sports serve as a mirror reflecting societal values, challenges, and aspirations. Whether dissecting the ethical implications of performance-enhancing drugs, advocating for gender equality on the playing field, or exploring the impact of technology on traditional sports, the discussions we've engaged in underscore the profound influence sports have on culture, education, and personal development. As athletes continue to push the boundaries of human potential, and fans deepen their engagement with these pursuits, the topics we've covered offer a starting point for deeper inquiry and debate. In the world of sports, every game, match, or race tells a story, and every story invites us to consider broader questions about what it means to strive, to compete, and to be part of a community bound by shared passions and pursuits.

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How and When to Talk About a Sports Injury in Your College Essay

You’ve come up with the perfect essay topic: that sports injury that changed your life. Not only is it a compelling story, but it can also serve as a great metaphor for a larger life experience.

Unfortunately, many other students have the same idea. Sports injuries—and sports in general—are hugely popular topics for college essays. Students often feel compelled to discuss a single moment or event that changed or influenced their lives in these essays, and because so many high schoolers participate in athletics, quite a few have had similar experiences that fit this bill. As young people, college applicants generally have less life experience, so they may not have experienced many other events that affected them on a grand scale.

A sports injury can evoke a lot of emotions—pain and disappointment, to name a few. Recovering from your injury, and describing that recovery, can demonstrate determination, hard work, bravery, perseverance in the face of obstacles, and many other admirable qualities. It’s a natural topic to choose.

But because so many applicants have the same idea, you may not stand out to the admissions committee if you choose to write about a sports injury—and standing out in a large pool of applicants is essential.

Why Should You Generally Avoid Sports Injuries in Essays?

It may seem counterintuitive, but your essay isn’t just a space to talk about yourself. It’s also a tool you use to present yourself to admissions committees, so you need to think strategically. You’re competing against a vast pool of candidates for admission, and many of them have stellar grades and test scores. You need to find a way to stand out . While some other parts of your application are dedicated to your stats, your essay is a place to let your personality shine.

Clichés are not going to help your case. If you use one in your essay, it puts a damper on the whole work. It’s not going to be compelling or engaging if admissions officers have read similar stories many times before.

Creativity and originality are essential for admissions committees; they want to attract students who think innovatively and will develop new ideas, not students who just dutifully follow directions. Think about it: colleges want students who will be leaders in society and ultimately make them look good. Check out Ten Skills to Highlight in Your College Applications to learn more about characteristics colleges are looking for in applicants.

Realistically, most high school athletes won’t go on to play professionally . That’s why you need to hone some skills outside of sports. ( Extracurricular Activities for Student Athletes has some ideas to help you.) It’s also why you should try to discuss topics that are more relevant to your future career or intended major.

That doesn’t mean you must avoid discussing your injury altogether. It’s fine to mention it in your essay or other parts of your application—in fact, you may need to do so to provide context or explain a change of direction—but generally, you shouldn’t use it as your main essay topic.

What if You Really, Really Want to Use this Topic?

If you feel like it’s imperative to highlight your sports injury in your essay, you MUST be creative! Using a topic that’s a bit of a cliché is a huge risk, so you’d better make sure you have something unique to say about it. You also need to be specific. An essay about a general-sounding situation filled with platitudes about life lessons you’ve learned won’t be compelling.

You’re more likely to stand out if your situation is unusual in some way. For instance, if you play a lesser-known or less popular sport such as fencing, you have a better chance of standing out. You may also have a unique spin if you were truly a world-class competitor—we’re talking national teams or Olympic-level here.

Make sure your personality really comes through, and make your essay as personal as possible. Incorporate other topics that are important to you and show who you truly are. For instance, you might discuss how the sport you played is a significant part of your family or cultural history, or how a person you met while playing that sport is important to you.

Your essay must be thoughtful, and you’ll need to demonstrate a deeper interpretation of what this injury meant to you and your life. Don’t just make it a play-by-play account of what happened.

You should also avoid topics that are too controversial. For example, don’t use your injury to wax poetic on your political position , and leave out excessively graphic or gory descriptions of your injury. In other words, don’t make the admissions committee cringe. (That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be descriptive, though!) Also avoid playing the blame game. If you think your injury was someone else’s fault, such as a player on the opposing team, your essay is not a place to point fingers. If you do, you’ll risk coming off as immature and unwilling to accept responsibility for yourself.

Your essay should fit in with the overall picture you paint with your application; colleges want to see a cohesive representation of you and your passions, rather than a disparate jumble of facts. As always, you should demonstrate strong skills in written communication. Proofread, check for typos, ask others to read your essay , and otherwise take time to perfect it well before you hit submit.

For More Information

Your essay is an important piece of your college application. It’s a place where you can really convey your personality and passions to admissions committees. Make at as unique as possible, so you can really stand out. Even if you’re not a natural writer, there are still ways to craft a stellar essay. For more help, check out the posts below.

How to Develop a Personalized Metaphor for Your Applications

How to Come Up With an Idea for a Personal Statement

Where to Begin? 3 Personal Essay Brainstorming Exercises

What If I Don’t Have Anything Interesting To Write About In My College Essay?

How to Get the Perfect Hook for Your College Essay

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

How to Write Your College Essay About Sports

In this article, we will cover how to write your college essay about sports. This topic can be strong, but it has to be done right. If you do not write your college essay about sports in a unique manner, it will be hard to stand out amongst the other perfectionist student athletes.

Remember: you’re writing your college essay with the goal of standing out amongst everyone. Sports is not exactly going to put you in the 99th percentile of unique quality. However, it’s still a strong topic. It shows you have the strength of grit and spirit to overcome trials.

With that said, here’s our advice on how to write your college essay about sports.

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Table of Contents

Tie in Sports With the Essay Question.

Show don’t tell., use of metaphors in your college essay., be relatable; not everyone is an athlete, talk less about the sport itself, focus more on you..

When writing about sports in your college essay, it’s quite easy to lose track of the essay question. This seems to be something that happens with a lot of our clients.

For instance, they’ll write about their experience being a Soccer player to answer a question about their greatest talent or skill.

Here’s an example:

“I was at the precipice of defeat. The opposing team was just slightly ahead of us, and there were only seconds to the end of the timer. For our school team, it was a defeat for sure. I could feel the disappointment from the parents sitting at the bleachers a mile away. I could envision my coach’s empty smile trying to cheer up our team with things like ‘you did your best’. It hurt. Then, I decided to do something crazy. From the farthest side of the field, I made a gamble. I kicked the ball hard enough to trick myself into thinking my lower half flew with it. I made the shot. We won.” How to Write Your College Essay About Sports –PenningPapers.com

So, maybe you have something like this serving as an opening. Now, you need to make the rest of it not about how you saved the soccer game. Instead, we’re going to use what we wrote to answer the main question: what is your greatest talent or skill?

Let’s say this experience demonstrates your skill in never giving up even when all hope is lost. If that’s the case, add that in! If you want to show that your greatest skill is your positivity even in the darkest times, then add that. It’s important to remember that you must show how you sport experience demonstrates that skill.

In other words, when writing your college essay about sports, show the admissions officers how your sports experience actually answers the question.

This is quite a difficult one to get right, but trust us. You want to show don’t tell.

In order to write your college essay about sports well and better than others, you’ll need to make sure your language stands out. Many of our clients who bring us their rough –and even final– drafts lack the ability to ‘show don’t tell’.

In simple terms, you want to avoid writing too many statements. Instead. write more descriptive sentences that show the reader what experiences were like.

Still confused? Here’s another explanation. Don’t write facts. Facts are statements that hold nothing else to them other than, well, the facts. When writing feelings, readers can understand the whole spectrum of you as a person.

Okay, here’s an example. Let’s say someone wanted to portray what the feeling of dread is after having received a bad grade.

Bad: “I walked up to my teacher’s desk and reached out for my essay. I earned a C-. “How could this happen to me?” I thought. Confused and ashamed, I felt bad about myself.

It was at that point that I realized I had to change.”

Good: “I reached out a nervous hand and tried not to get the edges of the corner wet with sweat. “C-” It wasn’t to say I didn’t try, I just couldn’t articulate ideas into words properly. Though, Freshman me didn’t know this. All he knew was the whirlwind in his head: “Am I just dumb? Is it my teacher’s fault? Did I miscalculate the directions? Am I just destined for failure?” I did what any nervous wreck would, and shoved the paper into the darkest corner of my backpack (where the grade nor my teacher’s comments would never be seen again.)

It never truly disappeared, though. The dread of what the grade entailed, my failure in high school literature, echoed across my head.

Wanting to be free of the dread, I decided to confront my lack of writing abilities –one step at a time.”

Notice how the first description only talks about what had happened? We don’t really get to know enough about the applicant. We just know that they felt bad about their grade and they wanted to change.

However, in the second description, they dive right into the details. This is critical when writing your college essay about sports. The admissions officers don’t want to know just the facts, they want to know about you . If they can relate or feel from your position deeply, you will become a more real person than just the surface level.

We don’t exactly mean you have to be poetic when writing your college essay about sports.

What we mean by using metaphors is that you should parallel the underlying connotations of sports with your character and personality.

Sports is such a strong topic in the college essay for exactly this. You have the opportunity to draw the connection that sports has to how you carry your life. It’s a metaphor!

Basketball can be thought of as a metaphor for the necessity of teamwork and leadership for victory to happen. As such, you would make a great addition to your school of choice for your proclivity for strong leadership and teamwork. You may even think yourself a good project manager because of basketball’s influence on your collaborative efforts, which justify your major in business.

Golf may be a metaphor for unwavering patience and intense mental calculation. The patience and calculation needed to make the right swings in golf may give you these skills you need for the future as an engineer working in a team situation.

Figure out what your sport requires you to do. What kind of skill does your sport exercise? When you’ve figured that out, draw the connection between that sport and your personality.

One of the things you may forget when you want to write your college essay about sports is writing your essay to be relatable.

Not a lot of people are athletes. Think about the math. Out of the average class year, there are often only a few tens of people who are actually in a sports team. A smaller fraction of those people have a prominent position in the team such as team leader. An even smaller fraction of those people have won awards or noticeable mentions.

Sure, it’s good to stand out from the rest. However, if it is difficult for the admissions officers to relate to you, they cannot deconstruct your characteristics well enough to make an accurate decision on your application.

Think: what is it about being an athlete that anyone can relate to? Not everyone is physically conditioning every other day. Not everyone is pushed to their physical limit during competitions. However everyone has at least once in their lives felt the sense of accomplishment after achieving victory, whether it be in sports or not. Many people are familiar with the feeling of camaraderie after struggling with a close team.

Work with the parts about sports that people can relate with. When you do, you will be both impressive and personable with your admissions officers.

The best way to write your college essay about sports is to remember this: the college essay is never about the topic itself.

• Writing your college essay about being the Tennis Captain? It’s not about Tennis.
• Writing your college essay about winning the Tae Kwon Do tournament? It’s not about Tae Kwon Do.
• Writing your college essay about helping your Badminton team through the tough times? It’s not about Badminton.

So, if you are trying to write your college essay about sports, but it’s not supposed to be about sports, what is it about?

Well, it’s about you.

We know this sounds cheesy, but it’s true.

The admissions officers are there to read your application essays because your essays are a tool. You can pour your emotional heart out and share the most meaningful stories about your match, but the college essay is a tool. It is a tool that helps the university gauge what kind of person you are.

In other words, if you want to write your college essay about sports without missing the whole point of the college app process, then you need to make it about you.

Be sure to emphasize what exactly the sport you’re writing about says about you. It may reveal you are a hard working person. It may reveal you are someone who does not get phased by failure, and takes on a stoic approach to obstacles.

If you are still struggling to write your college essay about sports, consider speaking with a college admissions expert. Schedule a free consultation with PenningPapers.com! We will give you a free essay analysis as well as advice over the phone. We’ll give you everything you need to write your way into the school of your dreams.

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How to Write a Killer College Essay About Soccer

By Eric Eng

Ah, soccer essays. The subject of much debate in the world of college admissions. We know what you’re thinking. “How could something as seemingly insignificant as a college essay about soccer be the subject of controversy?”

Well, with over a decade of experience in this field, AdmissionSight can confidently say that this is a heated topic. To be fair, soccer essays aren’t really the direct focus of this disagreement, but rather an unfortunate recipient. The real issue revolves around sports essays in general and whether or not they’re a suitable subject for a college essay.

There’s one camp that is adamant about advising students against sports-related college essays because they’re too cliche and generic. Instead of even bothering with the issue and running the risk of turning in a below-average essay, these people recommend applicants to avoid the topic altogether.

On the other side of the fence, there are some people who – while still admitting that the topic is often trite – say that it can be done properly. As a result, this second camp doesn’t swear off it but simply tells applicants to be careful about the potential trap that this subject so often sets.

So, who’s right? Is a college essay about soccer or any other sport doomed to fail? Or is there a potential that this essay can work in your favor when applying to a prestigious school? Well, they’re both correct in their own way. They both acknowledge the potential for a sports-related topic to come across as banal.

The primary difference is that one group of people don’t recommend it to students out of principle while others say that it can be done but should be approached with caution. This latter approach is where we find ourselves. For the right students, a college essay about soccer can be an excellent topic with a strong impact.

How To Write a College Application Essay About Sports

Here, we’ll provide a few tips for writing an effective essay about soccer or any other sport you want.

Avoid the cliche.

The general isn’t going to favor you in this essay prompt. There are likely thousands or even tens of thousands of students applying to the same university as you who have had similar experiences on the soccer field. Assuming at least a small percentage decide to write about the same topic, you’re going to have a tough time standing out from the crowd with a more generic response. A great way to filter out these unusable topics is to run each idea through a filter as you’re brainstorming. You can ask yourself:

• Is there a chance that other people have had this same experience?
• Did many people react the same way I did to the situation?
• Is it a predictable topic on a college essay about soccer?

Make sure you’re honest in your responses as they’re crucial for determining whether or not the topic is usable. If you find out it’s too generic, move on to the next without getting too attached.

Make it unexpected.

As an incredibly common topic, sports essays are generally recommended against. One of the main reasons for this advice is because it’s hard to stand out from other applicants when your essay is expected. What do we mean? Well, thousands and maybe even tens of thousands (depending on where you’re applying) of applicants are sending in essays. If you choose a generic topic such as sports, one of the first things that will undoubtedly pop into an admissions officer’s head when reading your essay is “Oh, I know what’s coming…”

Now, this setup can either work in your favor or against you. If your college essay about soccer ends up being what was expected, your application is going to suffer a major blow. It’s never a good sign when your essays are predictable since that means similar essays have been seen by the college countless times before. However, if your essay is totally unexpected and doesn’t meet the reader’s previously held expectations, you’re setting yourself up for success. Surprise is always a good reaction to have on your essay.

As a result, you should try to write a response that’s not predictable or expected. Obviously, that’s easier said than done. It’s smart to avoid the first idea that pops into your head. And maybe the second, third, and fourth. Make sure to write them down as you can always come back to them. But waiting to see what other ideas pop up can make it more likely that you’ll stumble upon something truly exceptional that no admissions officer will see coming no matter how experienced they are.

Be personal in your essay.

Another great rule of thumb to use when writing a college essay about soccer is to determine if another applicant could put their name at the top of your piece. Would anything change? Is there anything within your piece that makes it undeniably unique to you? Or is it so general that anyone could pass it off as their own without anyone knowing? This is like a litmus test for the uniqueness of your essay. Ideally, your topic is so personal and one-of-a-kind that you are the only applicant who could possibly write it. This ensures your story will successfully stand out amongst the crowd of applicants and increase your chances of getting noticed.

Think about ancillary events.

What happens on the soccer field during a game is more or less the same every time. Although each game takes on a life of its own, there are only a few variables that can change in order to create a different outcome than the rest. What’s the purpose of pointing this out? Well, since the experiences players have on the field are more or less limited, this is difficult territory for finding a unique angle on a college essay about soccer. Although one of the highlights of any player’s experience is playing on the field during a game, you don’t want to end up getting bogged down in topic ideas that are too common to work.

A great way to come up with some topic ideas that are more unique is to think about what’s happened off the field. If you think about it, the vast majority of your time spent “playing soccer” hasn’t really taken place on the field during a game. Between drills, practices, watching the film, working out, and other everyday activities, you’ve actually had more soccer-related experience take place off the field. Thinking about these events is a great way to start coming up with more unique ideas. Not only will fewer applicants writing a college essay about soccer consider these seemingly ancillary events, but you’ll also have a better chance of avoiding cliche topics.

Create a unique title.

As we’ve mentioned before, writing a college essay about soccer or any sport for that matter is like wandering through a minefield of cliche. It’s more than possible to write a compelling, unique, and effective soccer-themed essay, but you have to work extra hard to maintain the attention of admissions officers. However, before you can even worry about holding their attention, you have to capture it in the first place. That’s where a great title comes into play. If you want to hook the reader right away – as you’ve heard time and time again in English class – you need to have a catchy, unique, and unexpected title.

Here are some more general title examples that you’ll want to avoid along with similar variations:

• How Soccer Changed My Life
• Why I Love Soccer
• What I Learned Playing Soccer
• Why Soccer Is My Favorite Sport

As you can see, none of these titles are particularly captivating. None pulled you in as a reader and had you demanding more. And that’s exactly what you want to avoid when writing a college essay about soccer. Even though admissions staff will read your essay, either way, having a fascinating title will prime them for an equally amazing essay which you should also deliver!

Real College Soccer Essay Examples

“Simply put, I love soccer. I love being part of a team of girls who go out there and give their all, heart and soul, in every game. We truly are a family in our team. I love being a part of that family and taking a leadership role, both on and off the field. Soccer has also helped me be a better leader in student organizations and classwork, where I take a proactive role. Whether it is a good defensive block or scoring the winning goal, soccer is an empowering part of my life, and I would not be the person I am today without it.”

What’s bad about this essay:

Overall, this college essay about soccer falls short of where it would need to be in order to be competitive in an Ivy League setting. Here are some of the problems we were able to identify:

• The writer used repetitive language. For example, the essay uses “I love” three different times. Furthermore, the concepts of leadership and family are mentioned twice. Not only is this too much repetition given the essay’s relatively short length, but the writer also didn’t write for the target audience: well-educated admissions officers.
• The piece is too nebulous. Instead of simply mentioning a “leadership role” or “proactive role”, the writer should have provided a description of what these phrases mean in this specific case. This leaves the essay too vague and generic to stand out.
• It feels unfinished. Despite being a short essay, there should still be a complete thought fleshed out within the piece. Unfortunately, this writer wrote as though there would be another hundred words of further explanation. When she says that soccer ended up making her the person she is today, the reader has no idea what that means. It’s a good attempt at being personal but ends up being too vague.
• The language is too cliche. You’re probably tired of hearing this, but we want to drive the point home. In order to succeed when writing a college essay about soccer, you have to avoid coming off as cliche or too general. With phrases like “the winning goal” and “heart and soul”, this writer is falling right into the trap. These ideas are found in way too many sports essays that do not count against her.
• The response is too short. Yes, it’s true that the word-limit was considerably short at just 150 words. However, you’ll want to make use of every single word on these shorter essays. This writer only used 108 words of the total, and it shows in the writing. Even without counting the words, the reader is able to feel that something is missing.

“Soccer has been my passion ever since I was a little kid. I grew up with a soccer ball in my bed. Soccer has in many ways been my outlet, my escape from the stresses of school. Soccer has taught me so many wonderful, powerful lessons like never giving up and always believing in myself. I recall a time when I missed in a shootout. I had let my team down. I was so upset. And yet I picked myself back up and practiced my shot for the next three weeks. The next time I had to participate in an OT shootout, I didn’t miss.”

• The sentence structure isn’t varied. The writer uses the simple “I + verb” structure in nearly every sentence. This makes the piece very boring and unexciting.
• The language is too simple. The nouns, adjectives, adverbs, and verbs used in this essay were too basic for an Ivy League application. In order to really catch the attention of admissions officers, the writer would have to write at a collegiate level at least.
• The topic is too cliche. Similar to the essay above, the subject of this piece is too generic. The theme of sports isn’t the problem. Rather, it’s the sub-topic. Too many students have experienced the same in sports for it to be considered unique.
• It’s too short. Again, this essay doesn’t make use of the full word count. While you might be able to get away with not making use of all the space allotted on longer essays, ones with a few hundred words are another story. You’ll want to make the most of these.

How we would recommend improving these essays:

• The sentences would be much more interesting and engaging with varied sentence structures.
• Instead of simply listing out ideas, the writer could weave together an interesting short narrative.
• The topics discussed should be a bit more unique. As we mentioned before, if someone else can put their name on the essay without it changing a thing, you should change the topic. Neither passed this test.
• The writers should make use of every word available when the essay has such a short word count. Leaving empty space is losing out on opportunities you have to flesh out your ideas. Don’t waste it!

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August 28, 2012

Sports in College Admissions Essays

We generally discourage our students from writing about sports in college admissions essays . Is that a rule we always stick to? No. Every once in a while, we read a great sports essay. But, on the whole, they generally tend to be terrible college admissions essays. Why’s that? They’re trite. They’re predictable. They’re the same thing over and over and over again. College admissions counselors read tons and tons of sports essays every day during reading season. Do you think most really want to read another one? Not really.

Sports admissions essays are typically entirely predictable. You worked hard, you improved, and you accomplished your goal. You worked really hard to achieve a goal but ultimately came up short. You did your very best in spite of not being very good and you walked away proud. You are an excellent athlete and you use your college admissions essay to let college admissions counselors know it (oy vey!). Does this sound about right? In what other direction could you possibly take your essay?

Are there exceptions? Yes. Sports can quite often be exciting. They are full of human emotion. They are full of adrenaline and rivalry. As long as you avoid at all cost trite drivel, it doesn’t have to be avoided like the plague. But it generally should be because too few college applicants are capable of avoiding trite content in sports essays. Maybe if you can tie in history or politics (i.e., The Miracle on Ice) or anything that showcases your intellectual side, you have a fighting shot of avoiding cliche drivel. And that’s exactly what it is when you fail to avoid the cliches — it’s drivel. We urge you to avoid sports college admissions essays, but if you choose to write one — take our advice.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, writing an essay about a sport.

Hey everyone, I want to write an essay about my experience playing a sport in high school. How can I make sure my essay stands out and doesn't come across as cliché? Any tips for showcasing it in a unique way? Thanks!

Hi there! It's great that you want to write about your high school sports experience in a unique way. Remember, it's not the topic itself that's cliché, but rather how the story is told. Here are some tips to help your essay stand out:

1. Focus on a specific moment: Instead of writing about your entire sports journey, concentrate on a singular event, experience, or turning point. This approach will allow you to delve deeper into the emotions and lessons that arose from that situation.

2. Reflect on personal growth: Use the sport as a backdrop for a larger story about your personal development. Maybe playing on the team taught you valuable time management skills or it helped you forge meaningful relationships. Discuss how these experiences have shaped you and contributed to your personal growth.

3. Be authentic and genuine: Don't exaggerate your achievements or experiences. Authenticity will always be more engaging than hyperbole. Be honest and share your true feelings and thoughts in the essay.

4. Show, don't tell: Use sensory details, anecdotes, and dialogues to paint a vivid picture of your sporting experiences. Instead of simply stating what happened or how it impacted you, engage the reader with descriptive elements that immerse them in the story.

5. Avoid common themes: Steer clear of emphasizing sports victories or injuries as the central theme of your essay. Focus on unique aspects of your experience that are less likely to be covered in other sports-related essays.

6. Connect to your future goals and aspirations: Tie your sports experience to your future academic or career ambitions. Explain how the skills and lessons you've learned through sports can be applied in college and beyond.

For example, rather than discussing how your team won the state championship, you could write about a specific moment when you overcame self-doubt or anxiety during a critical game. Reflect on how this experience taught you to trust yourself and your abilities, and how this newfound confidence can be applied to various aspects of your life, including college and your future career.

You can also read more about how to creatively approach the sports story, and other common essay topics, on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/cliche-college-essay-topics. If you still aren't sure if your essay is unique enough, consider utilizing CollegeVine's Free Peer Essay Review Tool, or submitting your essay for a paid review by an expert college admissions advisor through CollegeVine's marketplace.

By following these guidelines and crafting your story in a unique and personal way, you can avoid the cliché pitfalls and create an engaging essay that leaves a lasting impression on college admissions officers. Good luck with your essay writing!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Essay on Importance of Sports for Students and Children

500+ words essay on importance of sports.

First of all, Sport refers to an activity involving physical activity and skill . Here, two or more parties compete against each other. Sports are an integral part of human life and there is great importance of sports in all spheres of life. Furthermore, Sports help build the character and personality of a person. It certainly is an excellent tool to keep the body physically fit. Most noteworthy, the benefits of Sports are so many that books can be written.  Sports have a massive positive effect on both the mind and body.

Physical Benefits of Sports

First of all, Sports strengthen the heart. Regular Sports certainly make the heart stronger. Hence, Sport is an excellent preventive measure against heart diseases . This certainly increases the life expectancy of individuals. Furthermore, a healthy heart means a healthy blood pressure.

Sports involve physical activity of the body. Due to this physical activity, blood vessels remain clean. Sports reduces the amount of cholesterol and fats in the body. This happens because of the increase of flexibility of the wall of the blood vessels. The flexibility increases due to physical exertion, which is the result of Sports.

Furthermore, the sugar level in blood also gets lower thanks to Sports. The sugar certainly does not accumulate in the blood due to physical activity.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

A person experiences a good quality of breathing because of Sports. Sports strengthen the lungs of the body. Sports certainly escalate the lung capacity and efficiency of the body. Hence, more oxygen enters the blood which is extremely beneficial. Furthermore, there are fewer chances of developing lung diseases due to Sports.

Appropriate body weight is easy to maintain because of sports. A Sports playing person probably does not suffer from obesity or underweight problems. Sports certainly help the body remain fit and slim.

Furthermore, Sports also improves the quality of bones. A person who plays sports will have strong bones even in old age. Several scientific research reports that Sports prevent many diseases. For example, many researchers conclude that Sports prevent the development of cancer.

Other Benefits of Sports

Sport is certainly an excellent tool to build self-confidence . Playing Sports increases confidence to talk properly. A sport certainly improves the skills of communicating with others. Furthermore, the person experiences confidence in sitting, standing, and walking properly. Hence, Sports enriches the social life of an individual.

Sports bring discipline in life. It certainly teaches the values of dedication and patience. Sports also teach people how to handle failure. Furthermore, the importance of following a time schedule is also present in Sports.

Above all, Sports improves the thinking ability of individuals. Sports certainly sharpen the mind. Children who play Sports probably perform better at exams than those who don’t.

Finally, Sports reduces the stress of mind . A Sports playing person would certainly experience less depression. Sports ensure the peace of mind of those playing it. Most noteworthy, Sports brings happiness and joy in the life of individuals.

A sport is an aspect of human life that is of paramount importance. It certainly increases the quality of human life. Sports must be made mandatory in schools. This is because it is as important as education. Everyone must perform at least one Sport activity on a regular basis.

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Sports College Essays Samples For Students

2723 samples of this type

WowEssays.com paper writer service proudly presents to you an open-access collection of Sports College Essays intended to help struggling students deal with their writing challenges. In a practical sense, each Sports College Essay sample presented here may be a guide that walks you through the crucial stages of the writing procedure and showcases how to pen an academic work that hits the mark. Besides, if you need more visionary assistance, these examples could give you a nudge toward an original Sports College Essay topic or encourage a novice approach to a threadbare subject.

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Benefit of Video Games Essays Examples

Sample essay on therapeutic effects of ultrasound, discuss the therapeutic effects of ultrasound in the treatment of a tennis elbow soft tissue injury, free essay on personal wellness.

Personal fitness is very much important for our health. One has to be fit enough to carry out their day to day jobs. If one is well they can achieve whatever they set a goal. As for my personal fitness i have given a task to myself to reduce my weight. I am overweight. It has created many hurdles in the way of my daily routine life as well on my future too.

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Good Athletic Coaching Essay Example

Being a coach requires one to carry out this role based on acquired experience, both theoretical and practical knowledge, moral values, long-formed opinions and reasonable beliefs. Taking proper notice and paying due respect to all the above mentioned criterion are the philosophy itself, and the success of its performance is measured by how well one knows his or her strong and weak points and understands what are the core values and coaching methods.

Sportsnet and TSN Essay Example

Collegiate athletics essay samples, good essay about cheating.

Cheating is an effort of gaining something by manipulation. Cheating is one of common traits of human behavior and people cheat in their life for various reasons. Some people cheat for materialistic gains, some cheat for gaining in their professional life, while a number of people also cheat in their marital relationship. Cheating in sports has also been a common behavior in recent times. This paper intends to discuss cheating along with discussing how cheating is increasing rampantly in various areas including sports.

Example Of Why Does College Cost So Much Essay

Essay on sport tv broadcasting, essay on fitness and health, good essay on children need to play not compete jessica statsky, summary and response, unionization essay.

Unionization is defined as the “process of organizing the employees of a company into a labor union which will act as an intermediary between the employees of the company and its management” (BusinessDictionary.com, 2014). When a group of people lobbies for unionization, first, they must be considered as employees of the company where they would want the labor union formed. Just recently, the Northwestern University Football team won their bid to be unionized. It is agreed that student-players should be considered as employees and be allowed to vote to be unionized. This essay discusses several points to justify this argument.

Example Of Essay On Real Madrid Club

Introduction.

Real Madrid is a football club based in the city if Madrid, the capital city of Spain. The club boasts of a 112 year history spanning since the sixth March of 1902, when the club was founded. This paper summarizes the case study of Real Madrid Football Club.

Summary of the Case Study

Learning at the college essay examples, healthy diet essay examples, free essay on physical activity and healthy eating habits.

Obesity is a serious societal health issue that costs the Australian economy a combined $ 79 billion annually of both direct and indirect health care costs. This cost is equivalent to half of Australia’s national budget. This paper focuses primarily on ways of promoting healthy eating habits by giving a summary of the module material learnt throughout the course duration. The summary will be in the following order; physical activity, food & nutrition, obesity and lastly proposed policy enactment to promote healthy eating habits.

Academic Achievement Essay Examples

Importance of chivalry concept essay, good macro environment (toronto and canada, moving buffalo bills to toronto ) essay example, strategies in sports essay example.

Defensive Strategies Defensive strategies in soccer can be carried out as an individual player or as a team. Individual defensive strategies include man to man marking strategy. This occurs where individual players ensure that they have their opponent players “marked”; hence, not offering the opponents a chance to control the game and score goals. On the other hand, team defensive strategies in soccer are evident in cases where a team puts tremendous pressure on the opponents when they are in possession of the ball.

Offensive Strategies

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(Candidate’s Full Name)

Which Sports Are Most Popular In Texas Essays Examples

Good saving baby mark essay example, essay on anatomy of respiratory system, exercise 1: anatomy of the respiratory system.

What are the two functions of the larynx? Larynx is a cartilaginous and a muscular structure while holds vocal cords together. It is used by human beings to talk, swallow and breathe. It is lined by the mucous membrane hence forming part of the respiratory system. Larynx protects the airways by closing quickly after mechanical simulation hence stopping respiratory and curbing the entry of foreign substances into the airways. The larynx also produces sound, controls ventilation and acts as a sensory organ.

Where does gas exchange take place in the lungs?

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The purpose of this experiment was to verify Newton’s second law of motion. The force and acceleration data was collected by Logger Pro for a cart moved back and forth. This data was used to analyse the relationship between force, acceleration and mass. It was hypothesised that the acceleration would directly be proportional to applied force but inversely proportional to the mass of the cart.

Other-Instructional Tool/ Resource Essay Examples

The motto of this paper is to design an exercise which can be useful for students of different disciplines to understand key concepts related to a particular subject.

Exercise: Word Play Taboo

Domestic violence/journal essay examples, how to change shoes on a horse essay example, good essay about soc 411: introduction to quantitative data analysis, exercise #3.

IMPORTANT: The questions listed below are an abbreviated version of those found in the full exercise instructions posted on Blackboard. To receive full marks, follow the full exercise instructions for each question. Warning! The median and mode values are not described. You should go in Descriptive Statistics menu and mark these indicators to be shown in output. Otherwise your answer is not full!

The hypothesis is that there is a relationship between population centers’ indicator and main sources of stress

Essays that wow - cultural significance of the pasadena tournament of roses parade.

Cultural practices differentiate one society from another. Since culture is “the set of learned behaviors, beliefs, attitudes, values, and ideals that are characteristic of a particular society or population” (Ember et al. 217), a cultural tradition would speak volumes about that society. A festival, in particular, is a rich representation of particular culture. The Annual Tournament of Roses Parade at Pasadena, California is an appropriate example of such festival. This event has just turned 125 years old and it reflects the beliefs, attitudes and values of the residents, not only in Pasadena, but also in the State of California.

Early Beginnings

Example of a career as a sports broadcaster essay.

Sports broadcaster is one of the careers in the media sector that is full of opportunities. Most students, who advance for mass communications doesn’t specialize in broadcasting as their option; this leaves a void that needs to be filled on by a few students (Watson 55). This paper explores the prerequisites for this career and the possible additional qualifications that the one should have.

The Nature of the Career itself

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Sample Essay On Love Is A Fallacy

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College essays that worked and how yours can too.

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CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 08: A view of Harvard Yard on the campus of Harvard University on ... [+] July 08, 2020 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have sued the Trump administration for its decision to strip international college students of their visas if all of their courses are held online. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The college essay is a pivotal piece of the college application showcasing your individuality and differentiated outlook to admissions officers. What makes an essay truly shine? Let’s dive into the words behind three standout essays highlighted by university websites and a school newspaper's brand studio so you can get into the right mindset for crafting your own narrative.

Embracing Differences: Finding Strength In Uniqueness

Essay Excerpt: ‘Bra Shopping ’ (Harvard)

Featured by the Harvard Crimson Brand Studio , Orlee's essay recounts a student's humorous and insightful experience of bra shopping with her grandmother, weaving in her unique family dynamics and challenges at her prestigious school.

What Works:

• Humor and Honesty: The student's humor makes the essay enjoyable to read, while her honesty about her challenges adds depth.
• Self-Awareness: She demonstrates a strong sense of self-awareness, embracing her uniqueness rather than trying to fit in.
• Resilience: Her narrative highlights resilience and the ability to find strength in differences.

For Your Essay : To write an essay that embraces your uniqueness, start by identifying a quirky or challenging experience that reflects who a key insight into your experience. Think about how this experience has shaped your perspective and character. Use humor and honesty to bring your story to life, and focus on how you have embraced your differences to become stronger and more resilient.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, finding connections: humor and self-reflection.

Essay: ‘Brood X Cicadas ’ (Hamilton College)

As an example on Hamilton's admissions website, Nicholas writes about the cicadas swarming his hometown every 17 years and draws a parallel between their emergence and his own transition to college life. He uses humor and self-reflection to create a relatable and engaging narrative.

• Humor: Nicholas uses humor to make his essay entertaining and memorable. His witty comparisons between himself and cicadas add a unique twist.
• Self-Reflection: By comparing his life to the cicadas’, he reflects on his own growth and readiness for change.
• Relatability: His narrative about facing new experiences and challenges resonates with readers who have undergone similar transitions.

For Your Essay: To infuse humor and self-reflection into your essay, start by identifying an ordinary experience or object and think about how it relates to your life. Write down funny or insightful observations about this connection. Use humor to make your essay more engaging, but ensure it still conveys meaningful self-reflection. This balance can make your essay both entertaining and profound.

Persistence and Multicultural Identity: Life Lessons From Tortilla Making

Essay: ‘ Facing The Hot Griddle ’ (Johns Hopkins University)

In this essay published by Hopkins Insider, Rocio uses the process of making tortillas to explore her multicultural identity and the challenges she has faced. Her story beautifully weaves together her Guatemalan heritage and her experiences growing up in the United States.

• Metaphor and Symbolism: The process of making tortillas becomes a powerful metaphor for the student’s journey and struggles. The symbolism of the masa harina and water mixing parallels her blending of cultural identities.
• Personal Growth: The essay highlights her perseverance and adaptability, qualities that are crucial for success in college.
• Cultural Insight: She provides a rich, personal insight into her multicultural background, making her story unique and compelling.

For Your Essay: To write an essay that explores your identity through a metaphor, start by thinking about an activity or tradition that holds significant meaning for you. Consider how this activity relates to your life experiences and personal growth. Use detailed descriptions to bring the activity to life and draw connections between the process and your own journey. Reflect on the lessons you've learned and how they've shaped your identity.

A winning college essay isn’t simply about parading your best accomplishment or dramatizing your challenges. It’s not a contest for which student is the most original or entertaining. Rather, the essay is a chance for you to showcase your authenticity, passion, resilience, social awareness, and intellectual vitality . By sharing genuine stories and insights, you can create an essay that resonates with admissions committees and highlights your unique qualities.

For you to have the best possible essay, mindset is key. Here’s how to get into the zone:

• Reflect Deeply: Spend time thinking about your experiences, challenges, and passions. Journaling can help you uncover deep insights.
• Discuss and Share: Talking about your stories with friends, family, or mentors can provide new perspectives and emotional clarity.
• Immerse Yourself: Engage in activities that you are passionate about to reignite the feelings and memories associated with them.
• Draft Freely: Don’t worry about perfection on the first try. Write freely and honestly, then refine your narrative.

The secret to a standout college essay lies in its authenticity, depth, and emotional resonance. By learning from these successful examples and getting into the right mindset, you can craft an essay that not only stands out but also provides a meaningful insight into who you are. Remember, your essay is your story—make it a piece of writing that you will always be proud of.

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Sports essay for common app?

Cliche Sports Essay?

My child and the essay coach brainstormed essay topics and came up with an accomplishment in the weight room, and the approach to that accomplishment, as the focus of the essay. I thought it sounded like a cliche muscle head sports idea - a topic everyone warns you about. The essay coach believes it doesn’t fall into that category because my child does pretty well academically (35 ACT, 4.0 GPA, challenging courses, AP’s, etc.)

Any opinions on this?

The Terms of Service prohibit any AOs here from claiming to be such, unless they’ve officially been identified as college reps.

You could try using the essay review service offered by CC. It’s hard for posters to answer your question directly without reading the essay.

It is more about how the essay is written than the topic. I always recommend starting with an outline or rough draft and seeing where/how things go.

IMO a good essay should: 1) say something about the applicant that isn’t elsewhere on the application and 2) give admission officers a reason (positive trait, accomplishment, etc.) that they would want to have the applicant on campus.

Agreed with @happy1 …it’s easy on paper to say it’s cliche but if it’s adding something to the app not already there, it could be fine - his approach to things may be that.

And I’m not sure what this means - but if my coach said this, I’d get another coach.

The essay coach believes it doesn’t fall into that category because my child does pretty well academically (35 ACT , 4.0 GPA, challenging courses, AP’s, etc.)

So if your student had a 3.2 and 26, it would fall into that category?

I don’t see the relevance of GPA, scores and classes to the issue of essay quality.

As for the essay itself, it depends on how it is written, as others have said. In general, a sport topic can do no harm but it is often a topic for young people. Weight room might be interesting if the story is good.

Be sure the essay is what your son wants to write about (not something an essay coach pushed).

Google “Hacking the College Essay” and read the top result.

It basically tells you to " Write the Essay that only you could write"

In other words, if it is so generic that someone else could have written it you are not done with your essay. So how to make it personal to you?

I think a really good essay could be written about how incredibly boring weight lifting is, or how exciting, or how time consuming. It’s not really about weight lifting and how successful or unsuccessful he was at it but about how he felt while doing it or how he used it to memorize poetry or math formulas.

The cliche essays are often about winning the big game or about losing it. Any subject can be good or bad

On a related note, should an applicant steer away from a sports-related essay if they are a recruited athlete (passed pre-read, verbally committed, etc.)?

Let’s stick with the question asked rather than derail the conversation. While the question is valid, it deserves its own thread

Sports are really important to a lot of students and essays about sports aren’t always a cliche. If it shows who they are, it’s fine. OTOH, be wary of the typical “I pushed myself to the limit, sweat pouring off my brow, and scored for the team just as timer buzzed…” AO’s have probably read something like that too many times, so maybe consider a different approach.

There are very few original ideas with essays. The Aos have read hundreds to thousands of these and yes, lots of them can sound the same. The trick here is how to make it your own, personal and maybe a twist. Without second guessing, it should be well written. There are many different ways you can go with this. Like each additional weight you put on can represent something about you.

I know someone that wrote about chess. She’s graduated MIT recently. It’s what you do with the subject matter not really the subject.

My kid wrote a unique sports essay about a very unique experience. It was very well received.

• It was an essay no one else could write
• It was his voice and his voice alone
• It talked about how his experience shaped his outlook on education
• It made him stand out as “the kid who…”

He happened to use the essay as his prefect speech at school and people were still talking about it the next week when we were on campus. Truthfully, when he told me what he was writing about (falls into two “don’t” categories: sports and something that isn’t recent) I tried to talk him out of it, but the way he pulled it together really worked.

One of mine wrote about being literal like Sheldon Cooper …highlighted something I wouldn’t have. Was it good or bad? No clue.

The other wrote about her love of tea and how it can bring all people together.

Truth is like you said they read zillions. And it’s subjective so who really knows of it was deemed good, ok or not so good. And one might say fantastic and another not so good.

Even when they write something on your admit letter about it - I call that marketing. Come to us. Don’t forget most kids say no to more schools than they say yes to.

Lets please stay on topic and answer the OP’s question about their child’s sports essay…

Does it offer insight into what motivates your kid or suggest a facet of his personality that is both interesting and might potentially contribute to a broader community. Upon reading it would someone think I want to know more or that is someone that is “interesting”.

This is hardly a comprehensive list but hopefully you get where I am going. To paraphrase from Maya Angelou they might not remember the words but will the essay be compelling enough that they remember how it made them feel.

I promise it won’t be perfect (these are kids) but the subject matter alone won’t make it cliche if the real point of the essay is the personal narrative it highlights.

Like has been said, the essay may be fine if it shows insight into who OP is.

….regardless of the gpa they have

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25 Inspiring College Essay Topic Ideas

June 24, 2024

If you’ve ever wondered what other people write about in their college application essays, you’re not alone. Just as reading a range of novels can expose you to unique takes on similar themes, seeing others’ college essay topic ideas can open you up to new possibilities, spark creativity, and enhance your brainstorming process. Since we read hundreds of essays per year, we wanted to round up a collection of past topics from actual students to inspire your essay-writing endeavors. Moreover, we’ve paired those topics with targeted brainstorming questions that will set you off on your own path to success. Ready? Let’s dive in.

How do I find the right college essay topic ideas?

Like a well-hidden geocache , the right college essay topic ideas can only be uncovered with some effort. In general, the right college essay topic:

• is interesting and/or exciting to you
• demonstrates a quality, value, or perspective that can’t be found elsewhere on your application

While deciding, focus on asking yourself the right types of questions. For example, let’s say you’re down to two topics: a moral/ethical dilemma you recently faced, or the nonprofit you started last year. In this scenario, most students may assume they *should* write about the nonprofit–after all, it’s the more “impressive” of the two, right?

However, let’s divorce ourselves from “should.” Instead, ask yourself: if I write this essay, what will admissions officers learn about me that they can’t learn about elsewhere? Through starting this nonprofit, what have I learned about myself? Can I show my reader what I value, or how I handle problems? Or will I basically be re-hashing what is already in my activities list or honors section ?

Alternatively, the ethical/moral dilemma you recently faced completely threw you for a loop. It made you rethink a closely held belief and forced you to confront how you handle challenging situations.

Ask yourself: what will admissions officers learn about me that they can’t learn about elsewhere? What have I learned about myself? Can I handle this subject tactfully—without complaining, blaming others, or coming to a conclusion that feels forced/too neat? Can I be vulnerable?

Be honest with yourself, and a clear winner will emerge.

How do I find “unique” college essay topic ideas?

Every year, our students wonder how to ensure that their essay stands out, often asking us questions along these lines:

How do I make sure that my essay topic is different from everyone else’s?

If I write about my sports injury, will it sound like every other sports essay?

If I write about my parent’s illness, will that be just another sob story?

We get it—it’s natural and normal to be curious about what admissions officers want to hear, or wonder whether particular college essay topic ideas will strengthen your application more than others. While there is some strategy involved with topic selection, the way you write about and reflect on any given topic is usually much more important than the topic itself.

To that end, college essay topics/themes we see on a regular basis include:

• Coming-of-age, most often a realization that changed their perspective or inspired personal growth
• A challenging situation or moral dilemma
• A passion or intellectual curiosity
• A meaningful aspect of their family/identity/cultural background
• An important community

We see these topics frequently because they are universal to the teenage experience. This does not make them bad or mean you should avoid them. On the contrary, it makes them classic, timeless, and relatable (remember, you’re trying to create a personal connection with your reader!).

Accordingly, use the above college essay topics/themes as a way to start collecting ideas for your own personal statement, and know you are in very good company if you write an essay on one of them.

Bottom line: you make a college essay topic “unique” by writing about yourself, in your own style and voice, with plenty of detail and specifics. You share what you learned and how you grew. That’s it!

Where can I find examples of college essay topic ideas?

Sometimes, you just need a list of examples. Let’s go back to our geocaching reference above. What the heck is a geocache, anyway? What will you find inside one? Do people use certain types of containers? Perusing a few examples will help you build an idea of what to expect when you go exploring. Okay, I could be looking for anything from Tupperware containers to film canisters…or fake rocks…what?!

Accordingly, in providing you with this list of college essay topic ideas, we want to validate and inspire you. These are real college essay topics developed by real college applicants, so it’s very likely you can connect or identify with at least a few of them. If a topic resonates with or sounds interesting to you, try writing down some thoughts on the associated brainstorming question and see where it takes you.

Inspiring College Essay Topic Ideas

• Central Story : A parent’s struggle with addiction, and the author’s struggle to cope with the changes happening at home
• Reflection/Resolution : How the author found themselves again—and learned to cope—by leaning into activities that they loved
• Brainstorming Question : Has your parent or guardian ever faced a significant health problem, such as a chronic illness, terminal diagnosis, or addiction? How did it impact you?
• Central Story : After volunteering at a homeless shelter for years, the author realized he had been avoiding personal connection with the men he served meals to
• Reflection/Resolution : Prioritizing connection, even if uncomfortable, and finding new, tangible ways to understand and assist this population
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever had a perspective-changing volunteer opportunity? If so, what was your perspective before you started, and what is it now?

College Essay Topic Ideas — Continued

• Central Story : Navigating interactions with customers at a part-time job
• Reflection/Resolution : Finding ways to connect with and appreciate patrons, and understand how important her job was
• Brainstorming Question : Do you work in a customer service role? What have been your most memorable interactions, positive or negative? How have they impacted you?
• Central Story : After years of being a competitive ballet dancer and having aspirations to dance in college, the author is struck with the realization that she does not actually want to be a professional ballerina
• Reflection/Resolution : Coming to terms with her decision, and embracing who she is without ballet
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever had a college-related or professional goal that changed? Why did it change, and how did you deal with it?
• Central Story : How a difficult incident during a baseball game changed the author’s relationship with the sport, and pushed him toward new realizations about his future
• Reflection/Resolution : Embracing his own power to make a difference by immersing himself in research, and discovering new fields that he is interested in pursuing in college
• Brainstorming Question : Has a particular situation ever shocked or deeply upset you? What realizations did you have about yourself? About others?
• Central Story : The author’s fiction writing journey and realization that women of color are underrepresented or presented as one-note in most literature
• Reflection/Resolution : The author’s commitment to crafting characters that not only represented her but reflected her values and beliefs, and creating a writing community in the process
• Brainstorming Question : Do you have a hobby or passion that you could spend hours a day/week engaging in? How did you get started, and what experiences have been most special/important to you?
• Central Story : How a strategy-based board game gave the author the skills needed to take a volunteer opportunity to the next level
• Reflection/Resolution : What the author learned about himself in the process, and the importance of being open to what all types of experiences can teach you
• Brainstorming Question : What’s your go-to “fun” activity? What (perhaps surprising) skills have you learned from it? Have you been able to apply them in other areas of your life?
• Central Story : The author’s intensive preparation for synchronized swim team tryouts
• Reflection/Resolution : How the author dealt with the disappointment of not making the team, and learned important lessons about failure and resilience
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever tried—and failed—at something that took weeks, months, or even years to prepare for? What was that like? How did you cope, and what did you learn about yourself in the process?
• Central Story : The author’s longing for a stable community after experiencing a housing crisis
• Reflection/Resolution : How volunteering at a local nonprofit committed to building homes helped him find the community he was searching for, and inspired his future career path
• Brainstorming Question : What activity is most meaningful to you? How is it enabled you to make an impact on others? How has it impacted you personally?
• Central Story : The author’s first encounter with coral bleaching, and ensuing environmental activism
• Reflection/Resolution : How he found balance between activism and his personal life so that he could bring his best self to every project
• Brainstorming Question : Do you participate in any activities that feel consuming on multiple levels? How do you find balance? Has that been a difficult journey?
• Central Story : The author’s love of connecting with friends and family through baking, even when the time commitment involved became difficult to navigate
• Reflection/Resolution : How the author learned to juggle multiple types of commitments, leading to increased joy and intention
• Brainstorming Question : What personal hobbies are most meaningful to you, and why? Have you ever struggled to find time for your favorite hobby amidst other obligations? How did you navigate that?
• Central Story : How the author struggled with coming out
• Reflection/Resolution : How joining a supportive LGBTQ community helped the author make peace with her identity, and also begin helping others who may be struggling with their identity
• Brainstorming Question : Is there an aspect of your sexual or cultural identity that you’ve struggled to accept? What has that journey been like for you? What actions have you taken along the way, and what have you learned about yourself in the process?
• Central Story : The author’s determination to help other students feel less isolated and more involved at school, which stemmed from his own early experiences as an immigrant
• Reflection/Resolution : How the author implemented actual changes that resulted in more connection, school spirit, and personal fulfillment
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever tried to solve a particular issue in your community? What issue did you try to solve, and why? What steps did you take to solve it, and what was the outcome?
• Central Story : How the author’s early love of Spanish led to learning additional languages
• Reflection/Resolution : How learning languages has allowed for deeper cultural exploration and appreciation, along with an exploration of the author’s own personal history and goal to pursue linguistics in college
• Brainstorming Question : Do you already know what you want to pursue in college? How did you come to that conclusion, and what experiences have informed or influenced it along the way?
• Central Story : How the author’s perfectionism often caused her to avoid trying new things, which she realized after a massive project went sideways
• Reflection/Resolution : The author began trying new activities outside her comfort zone that introduced her to new interests and inspired further exploration
• Brainstorming Question : Do you ever feel like you hold yourself back? In what ways? How have you tried to overcome those hurdles?
• Central Story : The author’s lifelong interest in his favorite animal
• Reflection/Resolution : What attributes of this animal the author is most fascinated by, how those attributes connect to his own life/experiences, and what he’s learned about himself in the process
• Brainstorming Question : What are your “favorites”—favorite color, favorite animal, favorite song, favorite movie, favorite place, etc? Why are they your favorite? What can your “favorites” tell us about you?
• Central Story : How the author’s boredom with piano stemmed from always following sheet music strictly as written
• Reflection/Resolution : How learning a new musical term—and experimenting with it—enabled the author to find the joy in music again
• Brainstorming Question : Have you participated in any activities that lost their appeal at some point? How did you react, and what was the outcome?
• Central Story : The author’s love for a certain childhood craft
• Reflection/Resolution : How rekindling her love for this craft led to a fascination with repetition and patterns that ultimately inspired her college major
• Brainstorming Question : As a child, what activities did you love most? Do you still engage in any of them? If so, why are they so important to you?
• Central Story : The toxic environment within the author’s first school play, which made her start to lose her passion for music
• Reflection/Resolution : How quitting theater and investing her energy in different, more supportive activities allowed her to reclaim her love of singing
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever quit an important sport, club, or other activity? What led to that decision, and how did you move forward?
• Central Story : How the author’s love of fashion—and its history—led to a particularly optimistic sewing project
• Reflection/Resolution : How the process of trial and error during her project—as well as her continued work on it—represents her resilience, passion, and love of learning
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever undertaken a project that didn’t go according to plan? What ups and downs did you encounter, and how did you navigate them?
• Central Story : How the author confronted her perception of entrepreneurship as well as her own role within her company
• Reflection/Resolution : How asking difficult questions, conducting research, and being willing to pivot led the author to adjust her mindset and personal philosophy
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever realized that you might need to adjust a previously held belief or perspective? How did you come to that conclusion, and what did you do about it?
• Central Story : The author’s reluctance and nervousness to return to India, where she spent her childhood
• Reflection/Resolution : How reconnecting with her culture, especially its literature, led her to embrace herself more fully and even helped inform her future career path
• Brainstorming Question : Do you ever feel torn between two different worlds or cultural identities? How have you navigated and/or tried to come to terms with that?
• Central Story : How the author’s self-doubt and fear began to negatively impact her sports performance
• Reflection/Resolution : How a teammate’s influence enabled the author to start trusting herself, leading to increased self-confidence and new levels of risk-taking
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever dealt with an ongoing struggle that started to take over your life? What enabled you to start adopting a healthier outlook?
• Central Story : The author’s realization that her method of communication in leadership roles may be hindering, rather than helping, progress
• Reflection/Resolution : How adjusting her communication methods, focusing on collaboration, and readjusting her perspective led to a new definition of personal and professional success
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever realized that your way of doing things may be negatively impacting a particular group or team? If so, what did you do about it?
• Central Story : An ethical dilemma that the author experienced while serving on her school paper
• Reflection/Resolution : How the author arrived at her decision, and what she learned about her own decision-making process
• Brainstorming Question : Have you ever been confronted with a moral or ethical dilemma? If so, how did you arrive at a decision? Do you regret or stand behind that decision—why or why not?

Final Thoughts — College Essay Topics

After identifying an interesting and personally significant essay topic, you’ll want to focus on further brainstorming as well as execution. Not sure what to do next? College Transitions’ highly skilled essay coaches can help— click here to see available packages or schedule a free consultation.

Additional resources you may find useful:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Start a College Essay
• How to End a College Essay
• Best College Essay Help
• College Essay

Kelsea Conlin

Kelsea holds a BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Tufts University, a graduate certificate in College Counseling from UCLA, and an MA in Teaching Writing from Johns Hopkins University. Her short fiction is forthcoming in Chautauqua .

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REPORT: Aggies Have 'Solid Shot' At Retaining Most Transfer Portal Players

Matt guzman | jun 29, 2024.

As the search for their next baseball coach rages on, the Texas A&M Aggies are the subject of some good news regarding the state of their program.

Brett Antolick, Gavin Grahovac, Jace LaViolette, Hayden Schott, Kaeden Kent, Max Kaufer, James Bell III, and Jake Hembree were all players who entered their names in the NCAA transfer portal after the announcement came that Jim Schlossnagle was leaving College Station for Austin.

It made sense. Without the coach who was largely responsible for the Aggies' success over the three years he'd been there, it seemed that Texas A&M would be in disarray. Sure, they'd bring in a new guy, but there was simply no guarantee that the progress toward becoming a baseball powerhouse would even be remotely salvaged.

In the event that the Aggies did find a coach worth coming back for, those players could always come back, which is why them putting their names into the mass pool was viewed more as a way to protect themselves instead of a direct shot at the program.

And it turns out, that vision was right.

"It appears (that) First Team All-American reliever Evan Aschenbeck is trying to return to Aggie baseball for another season," D1 Baseball's Kendall Rogers said via X, formerly Twitter. "On another note, I've been told A&M has a very solid shot to keep almost every player in the portal. We shall see."

Wow. Interesting stuff here from Brauny. It appears First Team All-American reliever Evan Aschenbeck is trying to return to @AggieBaseball for another season. On another note, I've been told A&M has a very solid shot to keep almost every player in the portal. We shall see. https://t.co/AtYJKhHaah — Kendall Rogers (@KendallRogers) June 29, 2024

With Aschenbeck back, the Aggies would be in a much better position than they thought they might be next season. He's already proven his worth as a closer and a big-time talent, so another season would only further that development.

With Grahovac back, the Aggies would retain their lead-off hitter in just his second season, and after the freshman earned the SEC's top first-year distinction, that's a promising idea. Add on LaViolette, Schott and Kaeden Kent to that list? The Aggies retain most of their core.

At that point, how far they're able to go depends on how much they're willing to buy into the system of their new coach. The talent is there, so if the loyalty matches, Texas A&M might not be far from contention again next season.

That's all a big "if," however. Things could still turn South for the Aggies.

But the alternative prospect is certainly intriguing.

MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI and a staff writer for multiple collegiate sites in the same network. In the world of professional sports, he is a firm believer that athletes are people, too, and intends to tell stories of players and teams’ true, behind-the-scenes character that otherwise would not be seen through strong narrative writing, hooking ledes and passionate words.

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