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150+ College Essay Writing Prompts To Inspire You (With AI To Help)

HyperWrite Team
Last updated:
July 28, 2025
150+ College Essay Writing Prompts To Inspire You (With AI To Help)

Every student has faced the blank page at some point. You stare at it, and it stares right back at you. So, what can help you get past this awful moment? Essay writing prompts. That’s right. A simple, straightforward writing prompt can help spark your imagination, giving you a new direction to explore for your essay. In this blog, we’ll look at the value of essay writing prompts, Best AI Tools For Students and how they can help you produce more thoughtful, original college essays, and how AI can help you make sense of them.

One of the best tools you can use when you’re stuck on a writing assignment is HyperWrite’s AI writing assistant. This friendly tool can help you generate essay writing prompts tailored to your specific needs and assist you in brainstorming essay ideas to get you writing in no time.

What Are College Essay Writing Prompts?

Girl Working On Laptop - Essay Writing Prompts

When you apply to college, you’ll likely need to write an admissions essay. To help you get started, colleges provide essay prompts. These prompts are designed to inspire you to write a compelling and unique essay that showcases your personality, experiences, and aspirations.

College essay prompts can take many forms, ranging from open-ended questions to more specific prompts that ask students to reflect on a particular experience or topic. Some prompts may ask students to write about a challenge they have overcome, while others might ask them to discuss their future goals and how they plan to achieve them.

Making the Most of College Essay Prompts

Regardless of the specific prompt, the goal of a college essay is to showcase the student’s writing ability, critical thinking skills, and unique perspective. A well-written essay can help a student stand out from the thousands of other applicants and increase their chances of being accepted into their dream school.

Of course, it’s crucial for students to carefully read and understand the prompt before starting their essay, and to take the time to brainstorm and organize their thoughts before beginning to write. With the right mindset and approach, college essay prompts can be a valuable opportunity for students to showcase their strengths and potential.

How to Choose the Right College Essay Prompt

Choosing the right prompt is crucial to producing an outstanding college essay. With numerous prompts available, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. The first step is to carefully read through all the prompts and highlight the ones that stand out to you.

Then, take some time to reflect on your experiences, interests, and goals. Consider which prompts align with these areas and which ones you feel a strong passion for.

Telling Your Story Through the Right Prompt

It’s also important to consider the story you want to tell.

  • What do you like the admissions officers to know about you?
  • Which prompt will allow you to showcase your unique personality, skills, and accomplishments

Think about how you can use the prompt to tell a compelling story that will capture the reader’s attention and leave a lasting impression. Another helpful tip is to brainstorm ideas for each prompt. Jot down any thoughts or experiences that come to mind and see which ones you can develop into a strong essay.

Finding the Prompt That Speaks to You

It’s perfectly fine to take some time to mull over the prompts and allow the ideas to percolate. It’s often during these moments of reflection that the most creative and unique ideas arise

Ultimately, the right prompt for you is the one that speaks to your authentic voice and allows you to tell your story as compellingly and memorably as possible. Take your time, trust your instincts, and remember that the college essay is an opportunity to showcase your best self and stand out from the crowd.

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30 Essay Writing Prompts for College Students

Person Working - Essay Writing Prompts

1. Write about your favorite subject that became your academic passion and changed your life.

Most of us have subjects we love and those we dread. Think about how your favorite subject helped you during school and why it became so important to you. Write about how this academic passion changed your life.

  • Did you pursue this subject in college?
  • How will it help you in your career?

2. Elaborate on a book that changed your perspective and created an impact.

Books can take us to different worlds and help us gain new perspectives on life. Think of a book that has inspired you to see things differently and write about how it impacted your life.

3. Craft an essay about a difficult decision you made that transformed your life.

We all face tough choices, but some of them change the course of our lives. Think of a challenging decision you had to make and write about how it transformed your life.

4. Describe an incident of injustice you witnessed that made you make an important choice.

Injustice is all around us, and it affects people from all walks of life. Write about a time you witnessed or experienced injustice and how it impacted you and the choices you made moving forward.

5. Explain how your unique personal experiences, family, and upbringing had an impact on your career.

No two people have the same background or experiences, and these differences shape how we navigate life and work. Write about how your personal story has affected your career path.

6. Describe how I solved a problem using my skills, making my passion a successful business later.

Many entrepreneurs start their businesses to pursue their passions. Others simply want to solve a problem they or others are facing. Think of a time you used your skills to overcome a challenge and write about how this led to your success.

7. Write about how I participated in a massive event/competition that made me learn a life-changing lesson. Explain how I applied this lesson for personal/professional growth.

Life is full of competitions and events. Whether they are organized by schools, community groups, or companies, these events can help us learn valuable lessons that impact our lives. Think of a significant event you participated in and write about the lessons you learned and how they helped you grow.

8. Craft an essay explaining how another person gave me valuable advice that had a fantastic effect on my life.

We all receive advice throughout our lives, but some of these tips stick with us and change our lives. Think about a time someone gave you a piece of advice that helped you make an important decision or change your life for the better.

9. Describe how a failure made me more determined to succeed in a project.

Nobody likes to fail, but setbacks are a part of life. Often, we learn more from failing than we do from succeeding. Reflect on a time you failed at something and how it helped you achieve success later.

10. Explain about an inner conflict I faced, the outcome, and how I decided never to give up.

Life is full of challenges and choices, but some of these decisions are tougher than others. Often, we must sort through our thoughts and feelings before we can make a decision.

This is especially true for choices that affect our values or involve a conflict of interest. Think about a tough decision you faced, explain the inner conflict, describe the outcome, and reflect on how the experience impacted you.

11. Write about how joining a group and volunteering helped me overcome my fears and insecurities.

Many students face fears and insecurities when they transition to college. One of the best ways to overcome these challenges is to get involved on campus.

Joining a group or organization and volunteering for community service can help you build confidence and meet new people. Reflect on how you overcame your fears by participating in these activities.

12. Write about how a movie/web series inspired me to make an essential change in my life.

Films and television shows can inspire us to make changes in our own lives. Think of a movie or series that impacted you and write about the changes you made after learning more about the plot or characters.

13. Describe how my dream came true, its positive impact, challenges, and what I learned.

We all have goals and dreams we want to achieve in life. It’s important to remember that success rarely comes easily. There are often obstacles we must overcome to reach our goals. When we achieve our dreams, we need to take time to reflect on the journey and what we learned along the way.

14. Explain how growing up in an underprivileged community with fewer resources had an impact on my life.

Many college students come from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Some have faced more challenges than others.

If you grew up in an underprivileged or marginalized community, you likely faced obstacles that impacted your life and education. Reflect on how your upbringing has shaped who you are today.

15. Talk about a vital photo that I have always treasured and why and how it’s memorable and inspiring.

Photos help tell the stories of our lives. They capture moments in time that we can look back on for years to come. Think of a picture that is meaningful to you. Write about what it represents, why it’s essential, and how it has inspired you.

16. Reflect on how a funny incident changed my perspective forever.

Humor can help us navigate tough times and shift our perspectives on life. Think of a funny story that helped you look at a situation differently, and write about the experience.

17. Compare and contrast my experiences with those of another family member and how it made a profound impact on me.

Family members can have a significant impact on our lives. Often, we share similar backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, but there are always difference

These unique stories can help us learn valuable lessons that shape our sense of identity. Consider how you and a family member are similar and different. Write about how their experiences impacted your life.

18. Write about a story that gave me courage in tough times to succeed.

Stories help us escape reality and can teach us valuable life lessons. Think about a story that inspired you when you faced challenges. Write about the plot, what you learned, and how the story helped you succeed.

19. Describe how being a group leader made me learn and realize something important, shaping my career.

Leadership roles in college can help you develop skills and competencies to prepare you for your future career. Write about a time you took on a leadership role and what you learned from the experience.

20. Talk about my struggle to develop a good daily routine, my success, and its impact on my personal growth.

Many students face challenges when transitioning to college. One of the most common obstacles is developing a healthy daily routine. Reflect on your struggles with this transition, how you successfully created a routine, and how it helped you grow as a person.

21. Write about one of the most memorable days of my life and what I experienced.

Most people can recall a handful of days in their lives that stand out above the rest. Think of one of these days and write about what happened, why it was significant, and how it has impacted you.

22. Describe a trip that shaped my perspective and influenced me.

Traveling helps broaden our horizons and exposes us to new cultures and ways of life. Think about a trip you took that helped change your perspective on an issue or influenced your life in some way.

23. Explain how music played an essential role in my personal life and career.

Music is a universal language that impacts our lives in different ways. For some, it’s an essential part of life that helps them cope with challenges or express themselves. For others, it’s a passion that transitions into a career. Reflect on how music has impacted your life.

24. Write about the challenges I faced while moving into a new city, what I learned, and my personal growth.

Moving to college can be an overwhelming experience for many students. Leaving home and transitioning to a new environment with different people and expectations can be daunting. Reflect on your experience and how you overcame any obstacles to adjust to your new home.

25. Describe an incident where my idea/belief was challenged, and what I learn from the incident.

We all hold certain beliefs and ideas that we consider true. When we’re confronted with new information, it can challenge our perspectives and force us to think differently. Write about a time this happened to you and how it impacted your way of thinking.

26. Reflect on how I faced problems due to differences in language and culture and what those experiences taught me.

Diversity is everywhere, and college is an ideal place to meet people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. When we encounter differences, it can be challenging to navigate our new relationships. Write about your experiences and how they helped you grow.

27. Explain a moment when I had to strongly take a stand for what I believed in. 

Life is full of challenges and choices, but some of these decisions are tougher than others. Often, we must sort through our thoughts and feelings before we can make a decision.

This is especially true for choices that affect our values or involve a conflict of interest. Think about a tough decision you faced, explain the inner conflict, describe the outcome, and reflect on how the experience impacted you.

28. Write about a time when I had to plan and organize for a massive event, and what I learned from it. 

College is a great place to explore your interests and develop skills to prepare you for your future career. Many of these competencies are gained through practical experiences, such as planning and organizing a significant event. Reflect on your experience and how it helped you grow.

29. Describe a time when I had to take initiative for an important role and its outcome.

In life, we often face unexpected situations that require us to step up and take charge. These experiences can teach us valuable lessons to help us succeed in the future. Reflect on a time this happened to you and how it impacted your life.

30. Narrate an incident where I had to be a good negotiator/mediator, and what it taught me.

Life is full of conflicts and problems that need solutions. Often, we can’t solve these issues on our own and need to involve other people. In some cases, we need to negotiate with others to reach a mutually fair solution. Write about a time you did this and what you learned from the experience.

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50 Opinion Essay Writing Prompts for Students

Stuff Laying - Essay Writing Prompts

Opinion Writing Prompts About School and Sports

School and sports-related topics often elicit strong opinions in students. Use these opinion writing prompts to kick off the brainstorming process.

1. Ch-ch-ch-changes

  • What is one thing about your school that needs to change?
  • Is bullying an issue?
  • Do students need longer breaks or a dress code?

Choose one vital issue that needs to change and convince school leaders to make it happen.

2. Special Guest

Your school is trying to decide on a famous person to give a speech or presentation to students. Who do you think they should choose? Write an essay to convince your principal.

3. Oxford or Bust

Is the Oxford comma essential or obsolete?

4. Scribble Scrabble

Do students still need to learn cursive handwriting?

5. Co-ed Conflict

Would students perform better if more schools were single-gender rather than co-ed? Why or why not?

6. Participation Awards

Should there be winners and losers in sports, or is participation the ultimate goal?

7. Homework Overload

Write an essay to convince your teacher to assign less homework.

8. Sports

Which sport (or team) is the best? What makes it better than the others?

9. No Slacking

Write an essay persuading a fellow student to do their homework.

10. Class Trip

This year, students get to vote on where to go for a class trip. Write an essay convincing your fellow students to vote for the place you’d like to go.

11. Superlatives

Which would you rather be: a top student, a talented athlete, or an accomplished artist?

12. Virtual Athletes

Video game competitions are often televised and treated like sports competitions. Should video games be considered sports?

13. Class Debate

Should classes that students may not use or that don’t interest them (such as physical education or foreign language) be required?

Opinion Writing Prompts About Relationships

Friendships, dating, and other relationships can be both rewarding and exasperating. These opinion writing prompts about relationships will help students explore their feelings about both the positive and negative aspects of relationships.

14. Snitch

Your best friend tells you about his plan to cheat on a test. Should you say to an adult? Why or why not?

15. Give It a Chance

Your best friend is convinced that she would hate your favorite book, even though she's never read it. Convince her to read it.

16. Friendships vs. Relationships

Are friendships or romantic relationships more important in life? Why?

17. Driving Age

What age do kids start driving in your state? Is that age too old, too young, or just right? Why?

18. Truth or Consequences

Your best friend asks your opinion about something, but you know that a truthful answer will hurt her feelings. What do you do?

19. Who Chooses?

Your best friend is visiting, and you want to watch TV together, but his favorite show is on at the same time as yours. Convince him that your show is a better choice.

20. Fun Times

What is the most fun thing you and your best friend have ever experienced together? Why does it deserve the top spot?

21. Dating

Are long-term dating relationships good or bad for teens?

22. New Friends

You want to spend time with a new student at school, but your best friend is jealous. Convince your friend of the importance of including the newcomer.

23. Be Mine

Is Valentine’s Day worthwhile or just a scheme for the greeting card and chocolate industry to make more money?

24. Debbie Downer

Should you sever ties with friends or relatives who consistently bring negativity?

25. He Loves Me Not

Is it better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?

26. Elders

Should you respect your elders merely because they are older, or is respect something that must be earned?

Opinion Writing Prompts About Family, Pets, and Leisure

The following opinion writing prompts, related to family, furry friends, and free time, will help students reflect on their preferences, ethics, and integrity.

27. Self-Reflection

This time, you're the one who needs convincing! Write an essay to persuade yourself to start a healthy habit (or kick a bad habit).

28. Paper Wars

Should toilet paper hang with the loose end resting on the top of the roll or hanging from the bottom?

29. Movie vs. Book

Choose a book that has been made into a movie. Which version is better, and why?

30. Weekend Wanderings

Do you prefer to stay home on the weekends or get out and do things around town? Write an essay to convince your parents to let you do what you prefer this weekend.

31. Sweepstakes

A travel agency is hosting an essay contest to give away an all-expenses-paid trip to the one place in the world you’d most love to visit. Craft a winning essay that convinces them they need to choose you.

32. Zoo Debate

Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos? Why or why not?

33. Presence of Pets

Should there be limits on the types of places pets can go (e.g., airplanes or restaurants)? Why or why not?

34. Inspiring Stories

What is the most inspiring book you’ve ever read? Why is it so inspiring?

35. Dollar Discovery

You find a $20 bill in the parking lot of a crowded store. Is it okay to keep it, or should you turn it in to customer service?

36. Vacation Day

What is the very best way to spend an unexpected day off from school, and why is it the best?

37. Digital or Print

Is it better to read books in print or digitally? Why?

Opinion Writing Prompts About Society and Technology

The people and technology around us have a significant impact on our lives. These opinion writing prompts encourage students to consider the effect that society and technological advances have on our day-to-day lives.

38. Reverse Technology

Pick one technological advancement that you think the world would be better off without. Explain your reasoning and persuade the reader.

39. Out of This World

Do aliens exist? Why or why not?

40. Social Media

Is social media good or bad for society? Why?

41. Emoji

Has the use of emojis stunted our ability to express ourselves in writing, or does it help us identify our emotions more precisely?

42. Auto Safety

Have advancements like self-driving cars, blind spot indicators, and lane departure warning systems made driving safer, or have they just made drivers less attentive?

43. Exploration Mars

Write a letter to Elon Musk convincing him that you should be part of a colony on Mars.

44. Fundraisers

Can kids stand outside stores and ask shoppers for money for their sports teams, clubs, or bands? Why or why not?

45. Inventions

What is the greatest invention ever made? Why is it the best?

46. Important Cause

In your opinion, what global problem or issue deserves more attention than it currently receives? Why should more time and money be invested in this cause?

47. Minimalism

Does living a minimalist lifestyle make for a happier life? Why or why not?

48. Gaming Gains

Are video games generally a positive or a negative influence? Why?

49. Rose-Colored Glasses

Is the current decade the best era in history? Why or why not?

50. Paper or Plastic

Should plastic bags be outlawed? 

10 Effective AI Essay Writing Prompts for Students To Overcome Writer’s Block

People Working - Essay Writing Prompts

1. What is your thesis statement, and why does it matter?

Your thesis is the backbone of your essay; it’s what you’ll be arguing for, and everything else will connect to it. Before writing an introduction, it helps to create a strong thesis statement that will guide your research and writing.

AI Prompt

“Help me create a strong thesis statement for an essay about [topic]. Make it clear, concise, and arguable, and explain why this idea is important.”

Example response:

  • Thesis: “School uniforms reduce bullying by fostering a sense of equality among students.”
  • Importance: “This idea addresses how school environments can be improved for student well-being.”

2. What are the three main points that support your argument?

Once you have a solid thesis, you’ll need to break it down into more minor, manageable points to discuss in your essay. Use AI to help you get started.

AI Prompt

“Suggest three strong arguments to support the thesis: ‘[Insert thesis statement].’ Provide brief explanations for each.

Example response:

  • Point 1: “Uniforms eliminate peer pressure to wear expensive clothing, promoting financial equality.”
  • Point 2: “They enhance school spirit by creating a sense of unity.”
  • Point 3: “Uniforms simplify dress codes, reducing disciplinary issues.”  

3. What is the counterargument, and how will I refute it?

No argument is complete without acknowledging the opposing side. Use AI to help you identify the counterarguments and develop a strong rebuttal.

AI Prompt

“What are common counterarguments to ‘[Insert thesis statement],’ and how can I refute them effectively?”

Example response:

  • Counterargument: “Uniforms limit self-expression.”
  • Refutation: “Students can still express their individuality through hairstyles, accessories, and extracurricular activities.”

4. What is your hook, and how does it grab attention?

Before writing your introduction, you should brainstorm some creative ideas for your hook. This attention-grabbing sentence will entice your readers to keep reading. Use AI to help you think of some unique ideas.

AI Prompt

“Give me three creative hook ideas to start an essay about [topic]. Include a question, a surprising fact, and a quote.”

Example response:

  • Question: “Did you know that 93% of communication is nonverbal?”
  • Fact: “School uniforms have been shown to reduce bullying rates by up to 20%.”
  • Quote: “‘Clothes make the man.’ But do uniforms make the student?”

5. Who is your audience, and what tone should you use?

Understanding your audience is crucial to writing an effective essay. Utilize AI to help you identify your target audience and determine the most effective tone to reach them.

AI Prompt

“Help me determine the best tone for an essay about [topic] if my audience is [e.g., classmates, teachers, general readers]. Suggest specific phrases to match the tone.

Example response:

  • Audience: Classmates.
  • Tone: Conversational.
  • Example: “Imagine a school where no one worries about how they look, that’s what uniforms can create.”

6. What examples or evidence will you use to support my claims?

Specific evidence will strengthen your argument and convince your readers that your claims are valid. Use AI to help you brainstorm examples to include in your essay.

AI Prompt

“Provide three specific examples or pieces of evidence to support this argument: ‘[Insert thesis statement].’”

Example response:

  • Example 1: “Studies show that students wearing uniforms report feeling safer at school.”
  • Example 2: “Uniform policies in urban schools have led to a 10% decrease in disciplinary incidents.”
  • Example 3: “A survey found that 75% of parents support uniforms for their cost-saving benefits.”

7. What is your conclusion, and how will I restate my thesis?

Conclusions are tricky. They require you to summarize your points without sounding redundant. AI can help you write a compelling conclusion for your essay that will engage your readers.

AI Prompt

“Help me write a compelling conclusion for my essay on [topic]. Summarize my points and restate my thesis in a new way.

Example response:

  • Restatement: “In the end, school uniforms are a practical solution to fostering equality, improving safety, and promoting a better learning environment.”

8. What transitions will you use between paragraph?

To improve the flow of your essay, use transitions to connect your paragraphs and help the reader follow your train of thought. Utilize AI to generate ideas for transitions.

AI Prompt

“Suggest transition phrases to connect paragraphs in an essay about [topic]. Include transitions for adding information, contrasting ideas, and concluding.

Example response:

  • Adding Information: “Additionally,” “Moreover,” “In the same vein.”
  • Contrasting Ideas: “However,” “On the other hand,” “In contrast.”
  • Concluding: “Therefore,” “In conclusion,” “Ultimately.”

9. What questions do you want your essay to answer?

Brainstorming a few questions your essay should answer can help you structure your writing and guide your research. Use AI to help you come up with some ideas.

AI Prompt

“Help me brainstorm two or three questions my essay on [topic] should answer. These questions should guide my research and structure.

Example response:

  • Question 1: “How do school uniforms impact student behavior and performance?”
  • Question 2: “What are the social and economic benefits of school uniforms?”

10. What is your essay’s purpose?

Clarifying the purpose of your essay will help you stay focused as you write. Use AI to help you determine if your essay is to persuade, inform, analyze, or entertain.

AI Prompt

“Help me clarify the purpose of my essay on [topic]. Is it to persuade, inform, analyze, or entertain? Provide tips for writing in that style.

Example response:

  • Purpose: To persuade.
  • Tip: “Focus on emotional appeals and strong evidence to convince your audience that my argument is valid.”

Try our AI Writing Assistant to Write Natural-sounding Content

HyperWrite's AI-driven platform is transforming the way students approach essay writing prompts. With personalized suggestions, easy-to-use tools, and an accurate content generator, HyperWrite helps students write better essays more quickly.

HyperWrite's AI doesn’t just produce generic responses that sound like they were written by a robot. Instead, it helps students develop their voice and improve their writing skills.

How HyperWrite Works

HyperWrite is easy to use. Start by creating a free account and opening a new document. You can customize your experience by choosing a tone, style, and audience. Next, type a few sentences about your essay writing prompt

For example, if I were writing an essay about climate change, I might start with, "Climate change is...". From here, I can open the AI tool and receive instant suggestions for improving my writing. In this case, I could receive a tip on expanding my opening sentence or even a few paragraphs to help me get started.

Boost Your Writing with HyperWrite

HyperWrite can help students brainstorm, outline, and even rewrite essays and paragraphs as they tackle their writing assignments. The result is a smoother, more efficient writing process that helps students produce better work in less time.

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