Short Answer, Yes.
But there are cases where multiple topics would be appropriate for you.
Most college essays work best with a clear focus. Your personal statement or Common App essay should center on one main idea or story. Admissions officers read thousands of essays, so they need a clear narrative. Avoid trying to pack your entire life into 650 words.
Instead, pick one experience, trait, or theme and explore it deeply. Following is some helpful literature and readings on this debate:
Stick to one main story or theme. “Focus on one topic, and explore all of its angles". NACAC likewise advises, “stick to that main theme throughout the essay”.
Use examples that share that theme. It’s fine to include two or three related anecdotes – just make sure they all illustrate the same point. For example, PIQE suggests picking a single idea (say, overcoming challenges) and describing several situations that show that trait.
Avoid “bag of random topics” essays. Do not just list unrelated achievements or interests. Instead, focus on one quality or experience and use any other details strictly to support that focus.
Supplemental essays must also be focused. These questions (like “Why our college?” or “Write about a challenge”) usually have short word limits (often 100–300 words). That means each answer should zero in on one clear idea
Exception 1. Two different sides of you that are highly cohesive (more importantly each side adds value to your application):
For example, a recent successful essay from a multiple Ivy League admit combined her passion for solving Rubik’s Cubes with her cancer research internship, weaving them together through the theme of problem-solving to highlight her unique strengths and cohesive narrative.
When to use it?
Use this when you truly have 2–3 strong experiences or passions that share a clear connection (same value, identity, or skill). Volunteering at a homeless shelter, learning a language, and creating a community art project can be linked to show how they shaped your worldview.
Exception 2. Answering a Multi-Part Essay Prompt
Why it works: Sometimes the question itself expects more than one focus. Many supplemental essays ask two related questions back-to-back, so your answer naturally covers two “topics.” For example, Lehigh University’s prompt “How did you first learn about Lehigh… and what motivated you to apply?” explicitly has two parts. In that case you should address both parts.
When to use it: Use multiple topics in the same essay whenever the prompt demands it. This often happens in “Why This College” or “Background and Goals” questions
We emphasize that while one-topic essays are usually best, multi-topic essays can work when clearly connected.
Polishing your essay to focus on one topic takes time. After you write, consider using GradGPT’s College Essay Editor. This smart, easy tool will help you tighten your narrative and sharpen your language. It highlights off-topic sections and suggests edits so your essay stays focused on the point that matters
P.S. If you're unsure about the topic that best represents your story, this tool will help you find the most relevant topic.
