top of page

From Pen to Paper: Exercises to get your raw ideas out of your head and in front of you

Writer's picture: Frances fcarhart@outlook.comFrances fcarhart@outlook.com

Updated: Jan 27

Now that you understand the audience of your college essays, the next step is getting started. Your ideas may feel scattered–maybe even trapped or blocked–but there are many writing exercises you can start practicing that will help turn the gears and get some material on paper for you to work with.


Remember, you are not writing your essay at this stage. You are excavating out all of your experiences, skills, and beliefs in order to hold them to light and see what you can use to most authentically answer in your voice. 


1. The "Brain Dump"

  • What it is: A free-flowing, unfiltered outpouring of thoughts, ideas, and memories onto a piece of paper.

  • How to do it: Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write non-stop. Don't worry about grammar, spelling, or structure. Just let the words flow.

  • Why it works: This exercise helps you tap into your subconscious and unearth those hidden gems of memories and experiences that will form the foundation of your essays.


2. The "List-o-Mania"

  • What it is: Creating lists to brainstorm and organize your thoughts.

  • How to do it: Make lists of your accomplishments, hobbies, passions, values, and life experiences. List your favorite books, movies, music, and places. Write down favorite lyrics from songs, inside jokes from conversations, things you wish you had said, or hadn’t. 

  • Why it works: Lists provide a structured framework for organizing your thoughts and identifying potential essay topics. They can also help you discover unexpected connections and insights.


3. The "Five Senses"

  • What it is: Describing a significant experience by engaging all five senses.

  • How to do it: Choose a pivotal moment in your life and describe five minutes of it in detail, focusing on what you saw, heard, smelled, tasted, and felt. 

  • Why it works: This exercise helps you bring your experiences to life with vivid imagery and sensory details, making your writing more engaging and memorable.


You may feel more inspired with one of these exercises more than another, and that’s fine! The most important thing is to find what works best for you. Most importantly, have fun! The college application process can be stressful, but it's also an amazing opportunity to reflect on your growth and share your story with the world.

11 views0 comments

Related Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page