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Text & chat prompt

Brainstorm a college application essay

Brainstorm a college application essay: a free, copy-paste prompt for ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude. Paste the prompt and replace each [BRACKETED] field with your own details.

Text & chatChatGPTGeminiClaude

The prompt

Help me brainstorm a personal essay for [COLLEGE OR PROGRAMME].

Prompt: [ESSAY PROMPT]
About me: [INTERESTS, CHALLENGES, EXPERIENCES]

Ask me ten questions about specific moments in my life, then suggest five essay angles with a possible opening line for each and what each says about me. Do not write the essay; help me find my own story.
Copy & open ChatGPTCopy & open GeminiCopy & open Claude Customise in the builder

Pro tip: Choose a small, specific moment instead of a big achievement; small moments feel more genuine.

How to use this prompt

  1. Open ChatGPT and start a new chat.
  2. Paste the prompt.
  3. Replace each [BRACKETED] field with your real details and paste in your own text where asked.
  4. Reply with follow-ups such as "make it shorter" or "make it sound more like me".

Prompt at a glance

Category
Text & chat
Works with
ChatGPT · Gemini · Claude
Length
57 words
Fields to fill in
COLLEGE OR PROGRAMME, ESSAY PROMPT, INTERESTS, CHALLENGES, EXPERIENCES
Last updated

Frequently asked questions

Which AI tools work with this prompt?

It is written for ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude. Paste it into your preferred tool and adjust the wording if the result is off.

What do I need to fill in?

Replace these fields before you send it: COLLEGE OR PROGRAMME, ESSAY PROMPT, INTERESTS, CHALLENGES, EXPERIENCES. Each field shows an example in the prompt.

Should I paste private information into the prompt?

Only what the task needs. Remove names, contact details and other sensitive data before pasting a resume or document into any AI tool.

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